A soft light drifted through a window, passing by curtains and windowsill before alighting on the nose of a small teddy bear. The bear liked the way its warmth and light danced across his muzzle. It was a good start to a day, and he hoped the rest of it was just as pleasant. He would have contemplated the ray of light a bit more, but about that time a small girl had appeared from behind the door. She wore a pink dress today, with white trim and a bow that tied around the back. The dress went well with her golden hair, and he thought it looked quite nice on her. He would have liked to smile then, but he settled with the fact that he was happy enough, and it wouldn’t matter whether he smile or not.

      She pranced across the room towards him, humming to herself a pleasant tune. The teddy bear had not heard it before, and he listened intently. She spun about once more before stopping in front of him. “Good morning, Teddy. How are you today?”

      Teddy was having a wonderful morning, and told her as much.

      The little girl smiled. “I had an idea, why don’t we have a tea party this afternoon?”

      Teddy approved of the idea immensely. He agreed to come if she had one.

      She was delighted of course, and said, “You will? Thanks!”

      So the little girl proceeded to retrieve her tea set, a birthday gift from her grandmother. It had since then lost a cup, and one of its little silver spoons, but children aren’t bothered by such things. She took a little blanket and set it on the carpet, placing the dishes neatly onto it. “Now all we need are some guests,” she said.

      Teddy thought a moment. He suggested inviting Mr. Bun and Kasey K.

      She nodded in agreement, and stood up, saying, “I’ll go get them, you stay here” She danced off once more, heading towards the bed in the corner. The light wood bed was barley visible under the piles of pink comforters, pillows, and stuffed animals. She had many toys, but these were her favorites. Teddy was glad to be among them.

      From among the gathering of fuzz and plush, the little girl brought forth a long eared rabbit and a cute little spotted puppy. She set the rabbit down, and carefully tied a bow about its neck, saying, “Here Mr. Bun, we want you to look nice for the party.” She then put the puppy down, patting it gently on the head.

      Teddy was glad to have been able to come to such a wonderful party. Friends had come to join them, and the tea was delicious. Everything was going perfect, and their gracious host had just gotten ready to bring out some cake, when she gave a start. “Oh dear, I hear my mommy calling. I really must go,” she said politely.

      Teddy begged to be taken with, and she finally gave in. He bid goodbye to Mr. Bun and Kasey K, and the little girl plucked him up, cradling him in her arms. She did a little spin and began to hum again. Dancing her way to the door she sung songs only Teddy ever got to hear. But in a final spin she took a small stumble, and Teddy felt the unmistakable feel of falling. He watched her face pull farther away from him, and then felt a string in his arm catch against some unknown terror. He plummeted to the floor, watching his seams unraveling before his eyes. He hit the floor with a jolt.

      Before him, the little girl knelt with tears in her eyes. He ached inside to see her like this, so sad and upset. She picked up his torn arm, and stared, wide eyed, at what had happened. She dropped the arm, as if it burned her, and ran from the room, tears streaming down her face.

      Teddy’s mind finally caught up with events, but he still couldn’t understand what had happened. Had he done this? Had he made her cry? This hurt him immensely, more than the fact that she had left him there. He couldn’t come to terms with the fact that he had caused her pain. He wanted to make her happy again, to console her and make things better. But he couldn’t.

      Teddy stared at his arm lying in front of him on the floor. It seemed so far away. If only he could fix it, that would make her happy again. But it was all useless dreaming, there was nothing he could do. What would happen now? Teddy didn’t know. The mommy might come, and take him away. He would never see his little girl again. This terrified him, and he pushed the thoughts from his head. She had to come back for him. He would make her happy again.

      So he waited for her, but she didn’t come for him. Teddy couldn’t help thinking that she had left him here for good, but he still had hope. He held onto his hope as tight as he could. It was all he had.

      The tick of the clock felt like hours as he sat there, ever watchful for the little girl’s return. He could see Kasey K, still sitting with Mr. Bun, staring with glossy, unblinking eyes. Teddy could not tell what he thought, for his blank stare revealed no emotion. He wondered what he would have done in Kasey’s situation, but this brought no help or comfort, so he let his mind drift once again to the little girl.

      He couldn’t remember a time without the little girl. Memories tickled the back of his mind, and vague images entered his head. They were of laughter, joy, and utter happiness. The little girl wasn’t always clear in his mind. Sometimes he remembered her with darker hair, or lighter skin, or a different bell like voice. But he knew it had to be her. Who else could it be? She had always been there. She had loved him, and cared for him. She had told him stories on sunny mornings, and clutched him tight during thunderstorms so he wouldn’t be afraid. And now she was gone. The pain of this loss was unbearable. Who would be there for her when she needed someone? Who would snuggle her to sleep? Who would listen to her secrets and never tell a word? These thoughts only made him yearn for her more than ever.

      The fallen teddy bear continued to sit quietly on the floor, though a torrent of emotions ripped through him. What else could he do? He wondered what the little girl was doing. When she wasn’t having fun with him, he used to watch her play games with the other toys. She had always looked so happy. Her smile could light up a room. Then realization struck him. He didn’t have to be there to make her happy. She would enjoy herself with or without him. This was a bittersweet feeling. Her happiness would make him content, but he wouldn’t be there to share it, her smile would never grace him again. Mr. Bun or Kasey K. would do a fine job, he was sure, but he would miss being there in her arms as she hummed her sweet little tunes.

      That was the way it seemed to be though, so he imagined her smiling face again, and was pleased once more with the knowledge that she would carry on, delighting in the world. He took time now, to remember the small things that had brightened his days, and all the good times that he’d had. Just remembering them brought a warmth to his heart. He pulled himself into a wrapping of memories and whispered songs, sung so no one could hear. And he was happy.

      Then the door swung open, and Teddy quickly brought himself back to the real world. There was the mommy. She held something in her hand that was filled with glittering sharp points of metals, and rolls of bright colored ropes and strings. Teddy stared, terrified. She loomed over him, carefully surveying every thread and button, and Teddy wondered if this was the end. The mommy leaned down and plucked up both him and his ripped arm. She flipped him this way and that, then pulled out one of her tools. He prepared for the worse. Then he felt the needle slide skillfully in and out of his shoulder, reattaching his arm. He couldn’t believe it. He was saved!

      The mommy finished sewing up Teddy. She tied the final knot and smiled. She called out to the little girl, who came rushing into the room. “Teddy, Teddy!” she cried.

      He was overwhelmed. She held him tight to her chest. “I’ll never let that happen to you again,” she murmured to him.

      “Just be more careful when you play, all right?” said the mommy.

      “Yes Mommy!” the little girl answered.

      The teddy bear was completely filled with joy. He was back where he belonged, in the arms of his little girl.