Information
Marshmallow
The
Nostalgic FeliOwner:
PorygonAge: 3 years, 6 months, 1 week
Born: October 17th, 2020
Adopted: 3 years, 6 months, 1 week ago
Adopted: October 17th, 2020
Statistics
- Level: 0
- Strength: 10
- Defense: 13
- Speed: 9
- Health: 12
- HP: 12/12
- Intelligence: 0
- Books Read: 0
- Food Eaten: 98
- Job: Unemployed
Looking out, I see an ever-changing kingdom before me. I see the addition of objects that keep you enthralled and the removal of those that no longer do. I have seen pictures and posters adorn these pink walls only to be taken down, replaced with better drawings and posters. I can recall every single thing that has held your attention, been your fixation. A lot of these things were my fixation too. We did them all together, after all. Though I am not your first, I am your most special one, aren't I? I'm not sure how I came to be so well regarded. But I remember every memory and I cherish those to come.
I'm not entirely sure why you chose me. Others like me have come and gone. They were like me in every way but bigger, fluffier, furrier, fuller. They had more to offer you. And those who stayed I have befriended. We are fast friends! But it still eludes me to this day why you always picked me over them. None of them held a grudge. After all, our one job was to keep you safe. Give you friends to turn to when the world was against you. We protected you from the bumps in the night and the happenings of life, all equally and dutifully. But you would always hold me tightest.
When we first met, it was late at night. I had been unloaded from the truck earlier that day, shoved on an end cap of a register. I'm not entirely sure why I was even there. To my understanding, we'd been placed in a grocery store that didn't sell small toys, much less stuffed animals! But there we were. Next to some Hostess treats. I was on the top surrounded by my peers who flaunted much more interesting pelts. Calico, black and white, orange and white; you name it, it was there. When you didn't pick me up first, I wasn't saddened or even surprised. I just hoped you had clean hands.
I remember later on, you confided to me that you were looking for the perfect one. One whose eyes were even, one whose nose was not crooked. Which is funny, because my nose is crooked! But you picked me up, looked at me with wonder, and then asked your mom if you could have me. I was astonished! A child wanted me? Not one of my comrades with a colorful coat? You wanted me. A plain, pure white cat. What an honor. I waited for your mother to shoot you down, as I had watched other parents do to their kids. It was always a little bit saddening, but in some ways good. We could always tell when an entitled kid just wanted us on impulse. That's why we were placed there, after all.
Your mother made a joke when the cashier scanned the tag on my ear. I think she called it a 'cat scan'. You laughed a little but I was so excited to be taken home that I barely heard it. I wasn't even placed into a bag. I was handed to you directly from the cashier. You held me so tightly. I do remember it was cold outside--we were in Alaska, after all! The warmth from your hands made me feel as if I could brave the tundras alone. Before that point, I always worried that I would be saddened to leave my brothers and sisters. But I didn't even think about them when we walked out of the store. My mind only wandered to what your home looked like, and where my new one would be.
That night you went to bed much later than an eight year old should, I learned. Your grandmother was coming over, it was a Jewish holiday and it was also midnight. I learned that you'd recently moved into the house. You were stressed but also excited. I was too, in a way. I had a whole new place to explore and a new human to love. Secretly, I was scared you'd be rough with me. I wanted to go everywhere but wanted to maintain my stitching! Yet, that night, when you retired to your bed and held me close, I felt like I could conquer the world with you at my side. No matter what you did, I wanted to be there with you and experience it. So, for the first time in my life, I slept well, jitters in my stuffing as I awaited the next day.
I remember you sitting me down in your floor and staring at me. I was still unnamed, and you were stuck. At some point, you remarked that I always looked concerned or sad. The truth is that I am always concerned for you. I worried about you then and I still do now. Not because you were particularly reckless, but what would I do without an owner? There would be no owner like you, that I had already decided. So I was concerned. And on that day, I was worried that you'd get frustrated for not being able to give me a name. Until it suddenly dawned on you. I was white and, according to you, fluffy. Like what else?
A marshmallow.
I think you had also considered 'Snow' and some other names I don't remember, but Marshmallow was the best. I have proudly been called that ever since.
After that, we had some adventures. I remember when we would watch Garfield and Friends while your father slept after work. You liked to watch one certain episode while you ate Suddenly Salad and pretend that you were like Garfield, cramming as much into your mouth as you possibly could like he did on screen. I was so afraid you'd choke! But you never did. I also remember how when nobody was watching, you'd sit backwards in a recliner and pretend to be riding a horse. I would be on the top, rocking wildly to and fro! Oh, how I wish I had claws to hold on! And another time, I overheard you being scolded by your mother for trading mechanical pencils for Littlest Pet Shop toys. You felt awful, and I remember you had to get the pencils back!
I remember you spending nights sleeping in the same room as your grandmother. Do you remember? Those were wonderful. Some sitcom would play that we'd seen time and time again--King of Queens? Or was it Will & Grace? You always said that you felt more comfortable sleeping with your grandmother than your own room. I'm not sure why, but I was there for the ride. Or how about your first Final Fantasy game? Your father had fallen asleep playing it. I remember you were on the computer. I don't remember what you were doing, but I remember the controller fell beside him and he got into a battle. You rushed right in and fought off the enemies. You were afraid he'd get mad you because you weren't technically old enough to play the game, haha!
I remember the earthquake. You slept through it, but I happened to be awake at the time. I felt the small tremor. Your response when your mom woke you up? Grab your most coveted pet shops and place them into a box with a carrying handle and a latch! I was in your arms too, too big to go into the box. Or the time when we had to return to the previous house you'd been in. You brought me along and complained that the house had no food. It was true! It lacked snacks entirely! I remember watching you attempt, for the 3rd time since you'd gotten a GameBoy Advance at a garage sale, to play Pokemon Crystal. But something was wrong with the cartridge and it would never save the data. You repeated the same sequence over and over again, but you gave it your best effort to make it further than the previous time.
Then we moved. People had been coming in to see the house against your father's wishes. It was because we didn't own it, right? We were only renting. So soon, you moved to another house. Oh, I remember the night you came home and told me about it. It had an upstairs, double back doors and a creek. A bar in the kitchen with an open living room and dining room--you loved it! We were still only renting it, but it would be home for us. A new chapter in our lives. I could not wait to explore it with you.
I remember your room. The first room on the left with the weird window. It was square and could open from three different angles! And your bed with the drawers under it. The giant table that had all of your toys on it. The closet that you hoarded things in! Ah, I remember it all. Do you remember your Strawberry Shortcake radio and CD player? I do. You were singing one day, when your aunt had visited, not thinking that people could hear you. Then she and your mother burst in after the song! Your face was beet red! You didn't sing out loud after that for a long time.
I remember Neopets and the friend who introduced it to you. I also remember her favorite stuffed animal. A white bear named Teddy. You wanted Teddy for yourself for some reason, though why I can't recall. Perhaps the greed that all children seem to have when the grass appears greener on the other side. Then you found a bear that you coveted more than Teddy. I remember being introduced to her. Your friend was angry that you'd wanted to call her Teddy, too. She insisted you come up with a different name. I'm not sure what you ended up calling that bear, but I know you lost her one day. Recently, after she'd been brought home. I adored your friend, but I'd always wondered if she'd had something to do with the disappearance of your bear. Or maybe you really did leave it on the bus.
Speaking of Neopets, I also remember Webkinz. You still have plushies from both places, don't you? I haven't seen the Webkinz in a long time, but the Neopets are friendly! You have them stationed around your room now. In different places. I think that's fitting. We can't all fit in the pet net, after all! And they're such a big part of who you grew up to be, they deserve to be there, in their own little spotlight.
Those weekends we spent playing on the stairs! I'll never forget. You were the first to awaken, always told by your mother to stay upstairs. You would take me out along with the two stuffed animals you made my children. You still have them too, right? I think it's funny that you ended up giving the one you called my husband away. A dog covered in hearts named... Hearts. How, in your wonderful little mind, did a dog covered in red hearts and a pure white cat end up with two black and white kittens anyway? We were just good friends, you know. But I really did love those kittens like my own. And to see them swinging from the blind string! Be still, my beating heart!
I really enjoyed hanging out with you when you did your homework at the bar, your dad cooking. You and your dad spent a lot of time together. You still do, right? You two are super close. I admire that! And I'm glad that you've maintained such a strong friendship over the years. He always cooked the best food. And I'll never forget Fred the fish! His original name was Miles, right? How did it turn into Fred? Ah, I think he was an impulse buy from your grandmother anyway. Nobody could ever remember his name, eventually it just became Fred. I remember a few times you thought Fred had died, but he was fine. He was a hardy goldfish!
You wanted a cat so badly, but those houses wouldn't take pet cats. I like to think that I really helped you cope with not having one. After all, when you'd first moved to Alaska you'd gotten one, right? Her name was Tails. You'd wanted to name her Princess, but your mother thought it was weird. I think it was weird she was gatekeeping how a six year old named her cat, but what do I know? I'm just a stuffed animal. You had to give her back to the person you adopted her from before you moved into the house where we met. I remember how sad you were as you recalled her story to me.
Do you remember when we changed rooms? Ah, so exciting! The events leading up to that were not--your mother and grandmother disagreeing, ultimately resulting in her moving out--but you'd wanted that room for so long. I remember when we moved in--the Superbowl was playing that day, and your room happened to have a TV in it! You played it so you and your dad could listen to it from either floor while you both cleaned. I recall it being cold that day, but I'm not sure why. Perhaps the absence of your grandmother, or maybe the heat just wasn't on. Regardless, I snuggled close that night. We all did. Both for comfort and the extra warmth.
I remembered you'd watch TV every night. Boomerang, right? You'd watch all the old cartoons until you fell asleep to ones you were disinterested in. I remember one night you couldn't sleep. You stayed up tossing and turning until the Smurfs came on, around five in the morning! I always wondered what caused you to have trouble getting to sleep. Was it the TV? Or was it just one of those nights? I tried to keep you comforted, always, but not even I had the power to lull you to sleep then. I wish I'd be more able to help.
When we moved back to the mainland, I was excited. I'd never been out of the state before. According to you, you were returning to the place you were born. I never once considered returning to the place I was born, but it wasn't full of love like home with you was. So why would I want to?
I remember I was one of the three stuffed animals you were allowed to have with you. All of your belongings packed in a CRV with a trailer behind you. There was a table beside you, wasn't there? Horizontally jutting out from the back cargo department. We went during the summer. If we'd went during the winter? I couldn't imagine it! The roads were windy, some with drop offs that would definitely get us all crushed. Not to mention the shaky cellphone service. We were in the mountains, after all. Every gas station stop felt like we were a hair away from being the next to show up on 48 Hours Investigation.
The look on your face when we finally were able to rest at your grandmother's house. You looked like you were finally home. You looked like how I felt when I spent time with you. And your grandmother! She was so nice! I had no idea you had two, but this one was different from the other one. She made me the dress I wear, didn't she? She even offered to re-stuff me! But you told her no, because you thought I was perfect the way I was--even if I was limp from all the cuddles. I've never forgotten that.
After that, we moved to Pennsylvania. Did I say that right? That one was hard for me to pronounce. And after that, siblings! Two brothers. You were 10 at the time, right? I remember you had a hard time with that. Firstly, you wanted a sister and got not one, but two brothers! Secondly, you didn't seem to adjust well. It was a very stressful time. You were afraid your parents would forget about you. 'They'll forget me at school!' you cried out. But they didn't, and you got used to it after awhile, didn't you? Became a loving sister. I was proud of you for getting over your fears.
You had a list of things you hoped you made it through life without doing. I remember because there was a day where you were unable to fulfill one of those things. When you came home early from school I was excited, but I wasn't when you were injured. You'd had a broken toe, right? Your pinky kept you from walking on your whole foot! You were devastated that you'd broken a bone. And learning how to use the crutches! But you became a master at them, didn't you? You were so scared of them because you were afraid you'd fall, but you got the hang of it. Then you were zooming around on those things!
From there, you were eventually home schooled. Not because of your broken limb, but the school wasn't the kindest to you, was it? You still went every day with an optimistic outlook, but you wouldn't deny that sometimes you dragged your feet. I remember feeling excited that you would be home all day. I mistakenly thought we would be able to play more, but you were still busy. At least you could eat whenever you wanted to. No more starving until the bell rang for lunch!
Homeschooling was hard for you, though. Your parents could only teach you so much, especially when they both had jobs and two babies to care for. You did well on your own but struggled in math. I remember your frustration with it and the nights you'd procrastinate. But overall, you did well. I was so proud of you when you'd finally figure out how to do something or when you'd have a good grade on a test. It was such a shame that on the last day, when you and your dad planned to have a pizza party and do the final math test together, that he had appendicitis. You were scared for him but I comforted you through it. I would comfort you through any event.
After that things changed so rapidly that it was hard for me to keep up! You moved again, this time back to Virginia. Your parents found that house and we all moved there. Your grandmother was back to staying with us again at this time. She was a great help! Remember when you didn't brush your hair for weeks? I'm sure if you found out I were writing that down, you'd kill me! But hey, every pre-teen goes through some weird stuff. And brushing your hair was always a hassle for you. Unfortunately you only ended up having a huge clump in your hair, but once that was gone you never let your hair go that long again!
I remember sleeping on the floor for a bit, the obsession you had with Velveeta macaroni and cheese, and the time when you would watch black and white films while trying to draw. You were a bit afraid of the new house at that point so you slept in your parents' room when they weren't there. Once your room was set up though, it was pretty sweet! You had the biggest room you'd had in your entire life. First a TV, then it was swapped with a computer. Then, a futon was put in it! Around that time you got your first laptop. Everything felt like it was falling into place.
So many stuffed animals came and went during this phase. You would go to the thrift stores and return with an arm full of new friends. So many that you couldn't even name them all! I could barely get to know the first wave before another would come in. But they didn't really ever get used to their job. They were happy to have a child to protect, sure, but they weren't as dedicated as the old ones were. And as expected, you forgot about them quicker, returning to your tried and true friends. I don't think badly about those rookies. Sometimes, the stuffed animal and child just don't click.
As I expected, you started to play with me less. At this time, you had just entered high school and I knew that you would be busy. I even saw our lessened interactions as a good thing! After all, you started to tell me stories of your friends you'd made, things you'd done after school and other things you were doing. I was glad to see that you were becoming more social. And you were, too. You finally felt like you were starting to have a place in the so-called 'greatest years of your life'.
After 9th grade, we moved again. You were devastated. I remember you got into trouble a few times for voicing your strong opinion about moving. There was no house nearby that appealed to your parents and once they finally did find that house, it was an hour away. There was no way you could continue to go to the same school. So you resigned to moving and tried to make the most of it. It didn't help that your room--the whole house, actually--was much smaller. Internet was slow, and everything so far away. But like always, I comforted you.
Shortly after moving in, you got three cats. Ivan, Ukraine and Stanley. Ukraine and Ivan were skittish, but Stanley was more outgoing. Once they came into your life, I let them take most of my responsibilities. Don't get me wrong--I love my job, and I love you. But you had wanted a real cat for years and they were finally here. I knew they would replace my duties. I held no contempt and respectfully watched as you developed and grew. At night you would still return to my side, and I would happily cuddle against you (along with your three cats), and that was good enough for me.
It's been seven years since then. Those cats have all, unfortunately, passed away, but you still have one from generations later. I've watched as you and your room have evolved from a young teenager to the maturity of an adult. I watched you grow old enough to get a learner's permit, vote, and drink. And I almost feel like a parent! You've grown up so quickly into a fine young woman. You no longer snuggle with me at night and you haven't for years, but I'm glad. That just means the bravery I shared with you I've finally passed on.
And while this may seem like the sad cliche of the beloved stuffed animal eventually getting tossed aside by the sands of time, think not in such a way. I don't. While many friends have come and gone, many still remain, for my human simply cannot resist a cute stuffed animal. And I'm one of them with the best seat in the house. High in the pet net with my other comrades. I see my human every day and she sees me. She continues to take good care of me, and every now and again, takes me from my perch to admire me for a bit.
I may no longer go on wacky adventures of fiction, but I do still remain to be a constant in my human's life. That's all I can ask for.
nostalgic feli
I'm not entirely sure why you chose me. Others like me have come and gone. They were like me in every way but bigger, fluffier, furrier, fuller. They had more to offer you. And those who stayed I have befriended. We are fast friends! But it still eludes me to this day why you always picked me over them. None of them held a grudge. After all, our one job was to keep you safe. Give you friends to turn to when the world was against you. We protected you from the bumps in the night and the happenings of life, all equally and dutifully. But you would always hold me tightest.
When we first met, it was late at night. I had been unloaded from the truck earlier that day, shoved on an end cap of a register. I'm not entirely sure why I was even there. To my understanding, we'd been placed in a grocery store that didn't sell small toys, much less stuffed animals! But there we were. Next to some Hostess treats. I was on the top surrounded by my peers who flaunted much more interesting pelts. Calico, black and white, orange and white; you name it, it was there. When you didn't pick me up first, I wasn't saddened or even surprised. I just hoped you had clean hands.
I remember later on, you confided to me that you were looking for the perfect one. One whose eyes were even, one whose nose was not crooked. Which is funny, because my nose is crooked! But you picked me up, looked at me with wonder, and then asked your mom if you could have me. I was astonished! A child wanted me? Not one of my comrades with a colorful coat? You wanted me. A plain, pure white cat. What an honor. I waited for your mother to shoot you down, as I had watched other parents do to their kids. It was always a little bit saddening, but in some ways good. We could always tell when an entitled kid just wanted us on impulse. That's why we were placed there, after all.
Your mother made a joke when the cashier scanned the tag on my ear. I think she called it a 'cat scan'. You laughed a little but I was so excited to be taken home that I barely heard it. I wasn't even placed into a bag. I was handed to you directly from the cashier. You held me so tightly. I do remember it was cold outside--we were in Alaska, after all! The warmth from your hands made me feel as if I could brave the tundras alone. Before that point, I always worried that I would be saddened to leave my brothers and sisters. But I didn't even think about them when we walked out of the store. My mind only wandered to what your home looked like, and where my new one would be.
That night you went to bed much later than an eight year old should, I learned. Your grandmother was coming over, it was a Jewish holiday and it was also midnight. I learned that you'd recently moved into the house. You were stressed but also excited. I was too, in a way. I had a whole new place to explore and a new human to love. Secretly, I was scared you'd be rough with me. I wanted to go everywhere but wanted to maintain my stitching! Yet, that night, when you retired to your bed and held me close, I felt like I could conquer the world with you at my side. No matter what you did, I wanted to be there with you and experience it. So, for the first time in my life, I slept well, jitters in my stuffing as I awaited the next day.
I remember you sitting me down in your floor and staring at me. I was still unnamed, and you were stuck. At some point, you remarked that I always looked concerned or sad. The truth is that I am always concerned for you. I worried about you then and I still do now. Not because you were particularly reckless, but what would I do without an owner? There would be no owner like you, that I had already decided. So I was concerned. And on that day, I was worried that you'd get frustrated for not being able to give me a name. Until it suddenly dawned on you. I was white and, according to you, fluffy. Like what else?
I think you had also considered 'Snow' and some other names I don't remember, but Marshmallow was the best. I have proudly been called that ever since.
After that, we had some adventures. I remember when we would watch Garfield and Friends while your father slept after work. You liked to watch one certain episode while you ate Suddenly Salad and pretend that you were like Garfield, cramming as much into your mouth as you possibly could like he did on screen. I was so afraid you'd choke! But you never did. I also remember how when nobody was watching, you'd sit backwards in a recliner and pretend to be riding a horse. I would be on the top, rocking wildly to and fro! Oh, how I wish I had claws to hold on! And another time, I overheard you being scolded by your mother for trading mechanical pencils for Littlest Pet Shop toys. You felt awful, and I remember you had to get the pencils back!
I remember you spending nights sleeping in the same room as your grandmother. Do you remember? Those were wonderful. Some sitcom would play that we'd seen time and time again--King of Queens? Or was it Will & Grace? You always said that you felt more comfortable sleeping with your grandmother than your own room. I'm not sure why, but I was there for the ride. Or how about your first Final Fantasy game? Your father had fallen asleep playing it. I remember you were on the computer. I don't remember what you were doing, but I remember the controller fell beside him and he got into a battle. You rushed right in and fought off the enemies. You were afraid he'd get mad you because you weren't technically old enough to play the game, haha!
I remember the earthquake. You slept through it, but I happened to be awake at the time. I felt the small tremor. Your response when your mom woke you up? Grab your most coveted pet shops and place them into a box with a carrying handle and a latch! I was in your arms too, too big to go into the box. Or the time when we had to return to the previous house you'd been in. You brought me along and complained that the house had no food. It was true! It lacked snacks entirely! I remember watching you attempt, for the 3rd time since you'd gotten a GameBoy Advance at a garage sale, to play Pokemon Crystal. But something was wrong with the cartridge and it would never save the data. You repeated the same sequence over and over again, but you gave it your best effort to make it further than the previous time.
Then we moved. People had been coming in to see the house against your father's wishes. It was because we didn't own it, right? We were only renting. So soon, you moved to another house. Oh, I remember the night you came home and told me about it. It had an upstairs, double back doors and a creek. A bar in the kitchen with an open living room and dining room--you loved it! We were still only renting it, but it would be home for us. A new chapter in our lives. I could not wait to explore it with you.
I remember your room. The first room on the left with the weird window. It was square and could open from three different angles! And your bed with the drawers under it. The giant table that had all of your toys on it. The closet that you hoarded things in! Ah, I remember it all. Do you remember your Strawberry Shortcake radio and CD player? I do. You were singing one day, when your aunt had visited, not thinking that people could hear you. Then she and your mother burst in after the song! Your face was beet red! You didn't sing out loud after that for a long time.
I remember Neopets and the friend who introduced it to you. I also remember her favorite stuffed animal. A white bear named Teddy. You wanted Teddy for yourself for some reason, though why I can't recall. Perhaps the greed that all children seem to have when the grass appears greener on the other side. Then you found a bear that you coveted more than Teddy. I remember being introduced to her. Your friend was angry that you'd wanted to call her Teddy, too. She insisted you come up with a different name. I'm not sure what you ended up calling that bear, but I know you lost her one day. Recently, after she'd been brought home. I adored your friend, but I'd always wondered if she'd had something to do with the disappearance of your bear. Or maybe you really did leave it on the bus.
Speaking of Neopets, I also remember Webkinz. You still have plushies from both places, don't you? I haven't seen the Webkinz in a long time, but the Neopets are friendly! You have them stationed around your room now. In different places. I think that's fitting. We can't all fit in the pet net, after all! And they're such a big part of who you grew up to be, they deserve to be there, in their own little spotlight.
Those weekends we spent playing on the stairs! I'll never forget. You were the first to awaken, always told by your mother to stay upstairs. You would take me out along with the two stuffed animals you made my children. You still have them too, right? I think it's funny that you ended up giving the one you called my husband away. A dog covered in hearts named... Hearts. How, in your wonderful little mind, did a dog covered in red hearts and a pure white cat end up with two black and white kittens anyway? We were just good friends, you know. But I really did love those kittens like my own. And to see them swinging from the blind string! Be still, my beating heart!
I really enjoyed hanging out with you when you did your homework at the bar, your dad cooking. You and your dad spent a lot of time together. You still do, right? You two are super close. I admire that! And I'm glad that you've maintained such a strong friendship over the years. He always cooked the best food. And I'll never forget Fred the fish! His original name was Miles, right? How did it turn into Fred? Ah, I think he was an impulse buy from your grandmother anyway. Nobody could ever remember his name, eventually it just became Fred. I remember a few times you thought Fred had died, but he was fine. He was a hardy goldfish!
You wanted a cat so badly, but those houses wouldn't take pet cats. I like to think that I really helped you cope with not having one. After all, when you'd first moved to Alaska you'd gotten one, right? Her name was Tails. You'd wanted to name her Princess, but your mother thought it was weird. I think it was weird she was gatekeeping how a six year old named her cat, but what do I know? I'm just a stuffed animal. You had to give her back to the person you adopted her from before you moved into the house where we met. I remember how sad you were as you recalled her story to me.
Do you remember when we changed rooms? Ah, so exciting! The events leading up to that were not--your mother and grandmother disagreeing, ultimately resulting in her moving out--but you'd wanted that room for so long. I remember when we moved in--the Superbowl was playing that day, and your room happened to have a TV in it! You played it so you and your dad could listen to it from either floor while you both cleaned. I recall it being cold that day, but I'm not sure why. Perhaps the absence of your grandmother, or maybe the heat just wasn't on. Regardless, I snuggled close that night. We all did. Both for comfort and the extra warmth.
I remembered you'd watch TV every night. Boomerang, right? You'd watch all the old cartoons until you fell asleep to ones you were disinterested in. I remember one night you couldn't sleep. You stayed up tossing and turning until the Smurfs came on, around five in the morning! I always wondered what caused you to have trouble getting to sleep. Was it the TV? Or was it just one of those nights? I tried to keep you comforted, always, but not even I had the power to lull you to sleep then. I wish I'd be more able to help.
When we moved back to the mainland, I was excited. I'd never been out of the state before. According to you, you were returning to the place you were born. I never once considered returning to the place I was born, but it wasn't full of love like home with you was. So why would I want to?
I remember I was one of the three stuffed animals you were allowed to have with you. All of your belongings packed in a CRV with a trailer behind you. There was a table beside you, wasn't there? Horizontally jutting out from the back cargo department. We went during the summer. If we'd went during the winter? I couldn't imagine it! The roads were windy, some with drop offs that would definitely get us all crushed. Not to mention the shaky cellphone service. We were in the mountains, after all. Every gas station stop felt like we were a hair away from being the next to show up on 48 Hours Investigation.
The look on your face when we finally were able to rest at your grandmother's house. You looked like you were finally home. You looked like how I felt when I spent time with you. And your grandmother! She was so nice! I had no idea you had two, but this one was different from the other one. She made me the dress I wear, didn't she? She even offered to re-stuff me! But you told her no, because you thought I was perfect the way I was--even if I was limp from all the cuddles. I've never forgotten that.
After that, we moved to Pennsylvania. Did I say that right? That one was hard for me to pronounce. And after that, siblings! Two brothers. You were 10 at the time, right? I remember you had a hard time with that. Firstly, you wanted a sister and got not one, but two brothers! Secondly, you didn't seem to adjust well. It was a very stressful time. You were afraid your parents would forget about you. 'They'll forget me at school!' you cried out. But they didn't, and you got used to it after awhile, didn't you? Became a loving sister. I was proud of you for getting over your fears.
You had a list of things you hoped you made it through life without doing. I remember because there was a day where you were unable to fulfill one of those things. When you came home early from school I was excited, but I wasn't when you were injured. You'd had a broken toe, right? Your pinky kept you from walking on your whole foot! You were devastated that you'd broken a bone. And learning how to use the crutches! But you became a master at them, didn't you? You were so scared of them because you were afraid you'd fall, but you got the hang of it. Then you were zooming around on those things!
From there, you were eventually home schooled. Not because of your broken limb, but the school wasn't the kindest to you, was it? You still went every day with an optimistic outlook, but you wouldn't deny that sometimes you dragged your feet. I remember feeling excited that you would be home all day. I mistakenly thought we would be able to play more, but you were still busy. At least you could eat whenever you wanted to. No more starving until the bell rang for lunch!
Homeschooling was hard for you, though. Your parents could only teach you so much, especially when they both had jobs and two babies to care for. You did well on your own but struggled in math. I remember your frustration with it and the nights you'd procrastinate. But overall, you did well. I was so proud of you when you'd finally figure out how to do something or when you'd have a good grade on a test. It was such a shame that on the last day, when you and your dad planned to have a pizza party and do the final math test together, that he had appendicitis. You were scared for him but I comforted you through it. I would comfort you through any event.
After that things changed so rapidly that it was hard for me to keep up! You moved again, this time back to Virginia. Your parents found that house and we all moved there. Your grandmother was back to staying with us again at this time. She was a great help! Remember when you didn't brush your hair for weeks? I'm sure if you found out I were writing that down, you'd kill me! But hey, every pre-teen goes through some weird stuff. And brushing your hair was always a hassle for you. Unfortunately you only ended up having a huge clump in your hair, but once that was gone you never let your hair go that long again!
I remember sleeping on the floor for a bit, the obsession you had with Velveeta macaroni and cheese, and the time when you would watch black and white films while trying to draw. You were a bit afraid of the new house at that point so you slept in your parents' room when they weren't there. Once your room was set up though, it was pretty sweet! You had the biggest room you'd had in your entire life. First a TV, then it was swapped with a computer. Then, a futon was put in it! Around that time you got your first laptop. Everything felt like it was falling into place.
So many stuffed animals came and went during this phase. You would go to the thrift stores and return with an arm full of new friends. So many that you couldn't even name them all! I could barely get to know the first wave before another would come in. But they didn't really ever get used to their job. They were happy to have a child to protect, sure, but they weren't as dedicated as the old ones were. And as expected, you forgot about them quicker, returning to your tried and true friends. I don't think badly about those rookies. Sometimes, the stuffed animal and child just don't click.
As I expected, you started to play with me less. At this time, you had just entered high school and I knew that you would be busy. I even saw our lessened interactions as a good thing! After all, you started to tell me stories of your friends you'd made, things you'd done after school and other things you were doing. I was glad to see that you were becoming more social. And you were, too. You finally felt like you were starting to have a place in the so-called 'greatest years of your life'.
After 9th grade, we moved again. You were devastated. I remember you got into trouble a few times for voicing your strong opinion about moving. There was no house nearby that appealed to your parents and once they finally did find that house, it was an hour away. There was no way you could continue to go to the same school. So you resigned to moving and tried to make the most of it. It didn't help that your room--the whole house, actually--was much smaller. Internet was slow, and everything so far away. But like always, I comforted you.
Shortly after moving in, you got three cats. Ivan, Ukraine and Stanley. Ukraine and Ivan were skittish, but Stanley was more outgoing. Once they came into your life, I let them take most of my responsibilities. Don't get me wrong--I love my job, and I love you. But you had wanted a real cat for years and they were finally here. I knew they would replace my duties. I held no contempt and respectfully watched as you developed and grew. At night you would still return to my side, and I would happily cuddle against you (along with your three cats), and that was good enough for me.
It's been seven years since then. Those cats have all, unfortunately, passed away, but you still have one from generations later. I've watched as you and your room have evolved from a young teenager to the maturity of an adult. I watched you grow old enough to get a learner's permit, vote, and drink. And I almost feel like a parent! You've grown up so quickly into a fine young woman. You no longer snuggle with me at night and you haven't for years, but I'm glad. That just means the bravery I shared with you I've finally passed on.
And while this may seem like the sad cliche of the beloved stuffed animal eventually getting tossed aside by the sands of time, think not in such a way. I don't. While many friends have come and gone, many still remain, for my human simply cannot resist a cute stuffed animal. And I'm one of them with the best seat in the house. High in the pet net with my other comrades. I see my human every day and she sees me. She continues to take good care of me, and every now and again, takes me from my perch to admire me for a bit.
I may no longer go on wacky adventures of fiction, but I do still remain to be a constant in my human's life. That's all I can ask for.