The sad old teddy bear flops sideways onto the floor, and

I lean over the edge of the bed to look at it. Its smushed face looked up at me,

eyes shining sadly as it rested on the floor.

The brown fur that used to be fluffy, lay smothered and smashed.

Its gangly limbs dangled, and one of the arms was tucked under itself.

It was a face only a girl like I could love.

I pick it up and gently set it on the bed in front of me, where it falls backward in a slump.

I set it upright and kiss it on its lint covered nose.

I cradle it in my arms, and lay back onto my boring beige pillow.

Charles, the bear, and I watch TV, and fall fast asleep.