Ted's Time Odyssey
"Why did you travel all the way with this teddy bear? ''David, my inquisitive lodge mate, asked. I scoffed and kept arranging my heap of books. When he noticed that I wasn't going to give him an answer, he started teasing.
'I bet it was given to you by your boyfriend, but judging from it's looks your boyfriend must be a person with a terrible test for teddy bears"
"Okay. Okay. That's enough" I responded. I left the books halfway and walked to my bed, picked up the teddy bear and plunged on the bed.
"Its name is Ted and it was given to me by my late grandfather" I managed to mutter.
"Oh Wongi, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to upset you" David said, remorse in every word.
"It's totally fine" I responded, trying my best not to engage any further.
"Sorry to pry but why? Why did you bring it with you? Did your grandfather instruct you to carry it around or you're just too attached to it".
David was one very persistent human being and until he got the answer he wanted, he always kept asking questions. At this point, I had no other option than to tell him the back story. It had been ages and telling someone this story was just going to spurr up memories. Memories that I loved and hated at the same time. With a smile, I went ahead to respond to David's question.
"First off, you weren't totally wrong when you said my boyfriend gave it to me. My grandfather called me his little wife because he claimed I reminded him so much of his late wife." I paused to capture David's facial expression. His face was devoid of emotions and that was just discouraging. However, I continued.
Oh my butt
"Second, my maternal grandfather was the best grandparent in the world and carrying this teddy bear with me just reminds me of his tender care and constant support. I was pretty young when he gifted me the teddy bear but he treated me like a grown up. He prepared me for the world as a whole in the most tender manner." At this point, I was almost in tears. Reminiscing on the past when my grandfather was a constant in my life wasn't something I enjoyed doing. This is because of how much I missed him.
David must have noticed my uneasiness when he said…
"You know you do not have to continue. I think I get the significance of the teddy bear now."
"No. I want to do this". I took a deep breath and continued. "So, whenever I face a challenge or the world becomes too overwhelming, I simply turn to the teddy bear for solace. I pretend that my grandfather is still here to comfort me and tell me everything would be okay". Again I paused to look at David and at this point, he seemed more emotional than I was.
"Okay, enough with tales about my grandfather. Come and help me put my books in order" I said, in a bid to lighten up the atmosphere.
Without knowing it, I had taken David on an emotional rollercoaster just because he inquired about the time-worn teddy bear from my childhood that I still kept with me. It was a feeling of nostalgia, sorrow, happiness and gratefulness all in one. If teddy bears are not illegal in the future, I plan to hand down this teddy to my grandkids too:)
All images used belong to me and were taken with my mobile device except stated otherwise
Love, Wongi ✨
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The narrator shares openly about the loss of her beloved grandfather who gifted her the teddy bear as a child. Carrying it with her is a way to stay connected to happy memories of him and feel his comforting presence during challenging times. Her roommate David is persistent in his questioning but becomes more sensitive when he realizes the meaning behind the bear.
Certainly you are right, that was the plot of the story. How about your personal thoughts on the story?
The teddy bear clearly represents comforting childhood memories. And the special relationship she had with her grandpa. Even though thinking about him makes her sad because he's no longer here, the teddy bear allows her to still feel his presence and love. It's a way for her to hold onto the happy memories rather than just grieving the loss. The bear almost takes on the role of a transitional object - something physical that represents support and security.
I thought it was sweet how she pretended the bear was her "boyfriend" as a child. And how her grandpa treated her like a little adult and prepared her for the world. Their bond comes across as very special and formative. It's understandable that she would want to keep the bear close as a touchstone to that connection especially when facing new challenges at college.
Thank you so much for your very thoughtful comment.
!luv
Personally, I don't play with teddy bears, so I don't have real-life thoughts about them.
The teddy bear represents the memory of your grandfather and I understand why it is dear to you.
That is right. Thank you for stopping by ✨
Perhaps everyone should have a stuffed animal that brings them joy. We think of them as items for children, but they really do bring comfort, especially when they are associated with good memories. Thank you for joining the time prompt and for reading and commenting on the work of other community members.
You're certainly right
Thank you for stopping by.
You are a fantastic writer @wongi. Even with less than a thousand words your were able to construct a very powerful and captivating story. Well done dear
Thank you Very much dear.
You are welcome my friend
I understand why the teddy bear means so much to you. There are gifts given to us by our love ones that always makes us feel their presence with us all the time. I love her you are able to keep the teddy bear till now, it looks so clean and new.
I guess we take proper care of the things we cherish :)