Daily Free-Write July 6, 2021: Irreplaceable Pt. 4

Continuation of June 23, 2021: "Irreplaceable Pt. 3"

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 

So here we are, My boyfriend and I and our two plushies, walking right into the Zeiff museum and factory like honored guests, following the uniform attendant at a brisk pace. It's a shame that I can't linger to look at all the wonderful displays of plushies, but the call inside of me and the no-nonsense attendant urge me forward. The feeling of butterflies in my stomach only grows stronger and I know Andy feels it too because he's holding his new badger buddy Toots very close as we venture deeper. The attendant opens a tall metal door to the side of the tour walk and stands aside.

"In here to the factory. Your surprise is this way."

Andy and I look at each other. The two of us will actually get to see how these lovable critters are made. How cool is that?

Sure enough, we are led into the workshop where hundreds of teddies and other critters are made every week. If Andy expected to see an assembly line process he must be very surprised. The two of us gasp and look in awe as we see that, in fact, each creation is hand made with the utmost care. Artisans work on each one. The attendant mentions that they also put their signature inside the seam of each item, though the customer never sees it. That's how they will verify my bear's maker.

"And now for your surprise. You may be surprised to learn that the make of your bear is still here and ready to restore your bear 30 years later. You are very lucky about that or you might have missed your chance!"

"Yes, my chance," I say, assuming he means my chance to get the bear repaired. "I'm so lucky, right WooWoo bear?" I look at my bear and give him a kiss on the piece of cloth that has served as a nose since I chewed off the original one as a baby.

An old woman with a grandmotherly smile regards me."Hello. Oh! It's you!" she says, reaching out for my teddy whom she holds at arm's length as she smiles at him. "So you've returned. And you've brought your person, I see. And you've brought company. Hello everyone!"

We both shake her hand and introduce ourselves. "My name is Margaret. But you can call me Granny Greta," she says. "I've been expecting this one to come back sooner or later," she says, sitting the bear on her knee. "Not everyone makes it back, of course, but he's a tenacious one."

I nod. Of course she's right. My teddy has quite the personality. I smile and giggle as she talks to the teddy like he's alive. Just like I do!

"Oh please, do make yourselves comfortable," she says, and Andy and I sit down as we notice two chairs waiting for us. The attendant excuses himself and Margarete gets right to work talking about how my Teddy will be restored, and how much younger he'll feel once he's done.

"Just like new, in fact!" she says, with a glint in her eye. "You too!" she says to me, leaving me somewhat perplexed. How is this going to affect me? I'm not the one being repaired. Then she turns to my boyfriend Andy. "Of course you won't need any restoration work on your new friend, will you?" she asks. He shakes his head, blushing and holding Toots close.

"I know you probably want to stay and watch, so get comfortable. Oh, if either of you have to go potty, now is a good time, while you're able."

The moment she says that, I immediately feel like I am going to pee my pants. Andy seems to have the same realization and asks where the potty is in a panicked voice.

"Right that way," she points. "You can leave your stuffed friends with me while you go. I'm sure they'll be fine."

We rush toward the restroom and Granny Greta calls after us. "Don't forget to wash your hands, little ones!"

Washing my hands is the furthest thing from our minds as we rush to avoid wetting our pants. Unfortunately, accidents can happen, and I already have the feeling that one of us isn't going to make it.

-Written by ChampTehOtter