By Hannah Skipper
The big Teddy Bear sat on the top shelf like a king. His caramel brown fur was fluffed to perfection and a splendid red bow was tied around his neck.
Everything was dark now, but the Bear remembered the buzz that had vibrated the store while employees made last-minute preparations. Now everything was thoroughly decked in holiday regalia. Bushy green garland hung across the front window. A festive pine-scented wreath was on the door. Colorful blinking lights spanned the checkout counter. Bling-encrusted plastic ornaments dripped from the ceiling. There was even a beautifully decorated little tree in the corner with bright colored fake packages piled underneath.
In the morning, when the shoppers were allowed to rush in, he knew things would be a sight!
Under the dim electric glow emitted from the side door’s emergency exit, the Bear watched the hordes already beginning to line up in anticipation. A few squabbles had broken out and subsided as people jockeyed for position in the predawn hours, but most were still sedated from the food, family, and football of the day before.
His thoughts turned to his fellow toys and he wished he could reach out and wrap his big paws around each one. The holiday season was always stressful. They all hoped to go to a loving home and the Bear believed they deserved such. They were such good toys.
Catching their gaze with his shiny black bead eyes, he gave each a wink and a nod for reassurance. There were the little green plush Grinches with cute evil smirks, and dogs with reindeer antlers sitting on their laps. The Barbie dolls were decked in sparkling rockette dresses with oversized Santa hats on their heads and the Kens wore tuxedos with red and gold striped ties.
He saw and approved of the little pink piggy banks with brown spots on their sides and cheerful smiles on their snouts. He thought the big chocolate Velveteen Rabbit looked as dapper as himself. The plush T-Rexes almost smiled with all their teeth hanging out. Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head looked smart, all put together.
The Astronauts were waving at the Martians. The little Cowboys looked at ease with both thumbs resting on their holsters. The shy little Shepherdesses were decked out in frilly dresses and bonnets. The Ballerina dolls were poised to spin. The Indians’ headdress feathers were beautiful colors and their faux deerskin outfits were soft to the touch. On the other side of the aisle, the little Tin Soldiers saluted them all and the shiny Nutcrackers stood at attention.
The toy cars and trucks looked flashy and sleek. The big locomotive was just waiting for another round on the tracks.
Colorful plastic slinkies and jingling pet toys hung on the wall while Beanie Babies and Trolls slept in their bins, all dreaming of the children who would pick them.
There were coloring books and readers for small children. The blocks, Legos, marbles, and jacks were all in their boxes. And under the cashier’s counter, locked up behind glass, was one little Red Ryder BB gun.
Straightening himself, the big Bear gave a contented sigh. He was sure everyone was ready.