Custom Nostalgic Feli
Magical
In the 90s beaniemania was at an all-time high. Beanie babies flew off the shelves, getting snatched up by both kids and adults alike. In a small toy shop a red cat bean bag plush named Slip laid on a bookshelf among his fellow beanies. Slip watched as his shelf mates got bought up and hoped to find his forever home soon. One day a child and her mother entered the shop. When the young girl spotted the beanie shelf she rushed over and started browsing.
“Remember Emily, we’re only getting one toy today,” her mother said. Slip hoped desperately he would be the one chosen. While Emily looked over the shelf of plushies, Slip's red shiny coat caught her eye. With a smile on her face she immediately grabbed the plush and presented him to her mother.
“This one?” she asked. When Emily quickly nodded her mother brought the plushie over to the older cashier. “Ah, good choice!” The old man said. After Emily’s mother paid for Slip she reached up for the red beanie. “Thanks mom!” she excitedly shouted as her mother passed Slip to her outstretched arms. During the car ride home Emily slept with Slip in her arms the whole time. Slip knew he was going to a loving home and was excited for what was next.
Slip was Emily’s favourite toy. She brought him everywhere, even outdoors where he would get dirty. Everywhere Emily went, Slip tagged along. Some people thought she should try to keep Slip clean and not carry him everywhere, but Emily didn’t care. It didn’t matter how dirty and worn Slip got for she loved him all the same. Slip appreciated that he ended up in Emily’s care instead of someone else’s like a collector. He didn’t want to sit untouched in a display forever. Slip cherished their play times together and hoped these days would last.
But nothing lasts forever.
As years went by, Emily grew up into her teens. Their play times dwindled as she grew and her interests changed. Emily no longer took Slip where she went and left him on her bookshelf overlooking the bedroom. Slip felt forgotten as he watched her upon the bookshelf. One day while cleaning her room she started reorganizing her bookshelf, placing her old toys into a storage bin. When she got to Slip she held him for a moment and smiled. This brief moment lit a spark of hope in Slip, thinking maybe she’ll play with him again. Sadly that spark was soon extinguished as she placed him into the dark bin. The last thing he saw was Emily placing the lid on top before being plunged in darkness. The lonely beanie sat in the quiet bin for years to come.
Many years went by while Slip sat in darkness. One day he was suddenly blinded by light from an opening. He didn’t recognize the person holding the lid, but when she lifted him out the woman said “There you are, Slip!”
‘Emily?’ He thought? How many years have gone by? Emily is an adult now! With a smile on her face Emily gently placed Slip back into the bin. She carried it down to another room where a child sat on the floor. When the young girl saw Emily she rushed toward her.
“What are these, mom?” she asked while peering into the bin. “These were my toys when I was your age, Lizzie,” Emily replied. “They’re yours now to play with.” With an excited smile on Lizzie’s face she began to pull out the toys one by one. Lizzie spent the afternoon playing with Slip and the other old toys, with Emily eventually joining in on the fun. Slip couldn’t remember how long it’s been since he had so much fun. Although he was old and worn, he was loved all the same by his new owner.
And he was cherished for years to come.
