Kids run to the toy store,

Excited to buy the store’s newest teddy bear.

Who wouldn’t want it, right?

The perfectly round button eyes, fluffy fur, and soft smile.

The perfect teddy bear.

I look over and see one bear left on the shelf,

Ignored by all of the children.

With a broken button eye and stained fur, it rests on the shelf, alone.

The stained fur looks almost like chocolate-colored birthmarks, and the broken button eye points down at the floor.

The teddy bear looks lonely. 

Like me.

I pick up the bear and run my hands through the stained fur and give the bear a hug.

Teddy bears deserve to feel wanted, too.

I walk back home and open the door,

My parents are talking about my brother’s newest achievement. Again.

No one turns to see me walk inside. 

Have the hallways always felt this long? 

This lonely?

At my room, I place my new toy next to me on my desk and grab my sewing kit.

“Let’s fix your button and wash your fur.”