2 April 2012
The bear sat on the shelf. He looked down watching the room. Eyes seeing everything and nothing at the same time.
A small shabby bear; patched and stitched. Fur rubbed off in places and matted in others. Much loved and now forgotten.
The children now grown and moved on. A house so quiet it felt almost empty.
In the distance the drone of a television. Someone still lived in some part of the house.
The door slowly opened and a woman came in and looked around. She half heartily flicked a duster around until she came to the shelf and saw the bear.
She picked him up and hugged him, tears rolled down her checks. Tonight she would not sleep alone.
Tucking the small shabby bear in next to her, she cuddled him. A big smile on her lips.
It was the best sleep she had had in years.
She knew it was time to pack up the house and down size. What to take and what to leave. From four bedrooms to one. Much would have to go. The removal men would come soon and take her things to the new place.
Looking at each room in turn she chose her things carefully. Soon she had her things sorted.
In the new place in pride of place in her bedroom the little shabby bear sat. He looked happy in his new home.