Hazel was the youngest at Saint Helen’s. Since she came to the orphanage five years ago, no new children ever came. Being the youngest child, she did not have many friends she could play with. Big kids were mean to her, or they did not want to play. She could not even leave that evil place until she turned 18. Then Suzuki showed up at her bedroom door.

The bear had a beautiful ribbon around his neck with the name Suzuki stitched in. Hazel thought the bear was a gift from God. A friend she could finally have. She picked up the bear and held it close to her chest. Hazel kissed his forehead.

”I love you Suzuki…” she whispered quietly to the bear.

”I love you too Hazel,” Suzuki whispered back. Hazel was in shock. Did the bear really just talk to her?

”D-Did you just speak?” Hazel asked the bear. Suzuki was quiet for a moment. Maybe Hazel was starting to lose her mind thanks to her loneliness. That was not the case though.

”Yes. I spoke. God gave me the power to speak to each other through our minds ” Suzuki said.

”How?” asked Hazel. The bear looked over at the blanket that hung in a picture frame. The blanket that Hazel was brought there in.

”Love,” Suzuki said softly. Hazel noticed what he had been staring, and tears formed in her eyes.

”Did my mommy and daddy send you?” Hazel asked. The bear wanted to lie. He really wanted to tell her that her parents did send him, and they loved her. That still was not the case.

”I am sorry Hazel, but no. I have been sent here by God to be a friend to you and protect you until you do not need me anymore.” Hazel knew deep in her heart he would say that. That really didn’t stop her from crying. Hazel was distraught. She felt abandoned.

”Please stop Hazel. I do not wanna see you cry. Please? I love you Hazel. They might not have, but that is their fault. You are a good person,” Suzuki told her. He could not stand to see her upset. Hazel stared at him with her little green eyes. Suzuki was making her feel something she had never felt or been given before, and that feeling was love. She hugged him with all her might.

”Please do not leave or hate me like mommy and daddy?” She pleaded. Suzuki hugged her back.

”I would never do a thing to hurt you Hazel.” She kissed his cheek.

”You are my best friend Suzuki.”

”You are my only and greatest friend I will ever have.” They hugged for a long time, and to this day Hazel still has Suzuki with her.

She gave the bear to her daughter. Even though the his spirit left due to her not being lonley anymore,  he would always be there. He will always be the greatest friend that Hazel ever had.

For a little secret between you and me, Hazel and her daughter had not seen the last of Suzuki. His soul would soon return to save Hazel once again.