Agere short stories

Build a bear with mama!

Mama had noticed how diligently her little one had been working from her stay-at-home job, completing all her tasks with determination. It had been a while since Mama had seen her little one embrace her little side, and she thought a trip to Build-A-Bear would be the perfect reward. She knew her precious baby girl would enjoy it, and it was a special way to reconnect and let her little one feel safe and cherished again.

As they approached the store, the little one's heart raced. She clung tightly to Mama's hand, feeling both excited and a little shy. Mama noticed and gave her a reassuring smile. "You've been such a good girl, sweetheart. Are you ready to pick out your new friend?"

With wide eyes and a nod, the little one eagerly stepped inside. The vibrant displays of bears and accessories filled her with wonder, making her gasp softly. It was like a magical world made just for her.

Mama led her to the wall of unstuffed bears. Caressing her little one's cheek for comfort, she cooed, "Which one would you like, baby girl?"

The little one pointed to a fluffy pink bear. "That one, Mama!"

Mama took the bear off the shelf and handed it to her. "Good choice! Now, let's get it all stuffed and ready."

At the stuffing station, the little one clung to Mama's hand, occasionally hiding behind her when people walked by. Mama knelt down and looked into her eyes. "It's okay, sweetie. Mama's right here. Would you like to help stuff the bear?"

The little one shook her head, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "Too little, Mama."

"That's okay, my little one. You're too little for that, sweetie. Let Mama do it for you." Mama kissed her forehead, and the little one felt a wave of calm wash over her.

The employee at the station smiled as Mama helped stuff the bear, adding a little heart inside and letting the little one give it a kiss for good luck. "Do you want to give your bear a name, honey?" the employee asked.

The little one glanced up at Mama for reassurance. Mama nodded encouragingly. "Go on, sweetheart."

"R-Raspbearie," the little one whispered.

"Raspbearie it is!" the employee said, typing the name into the computer.

Mama took the bear from the worker, put it in front of her face, and in a playful, cooing bear voice, made the bear's hands wave. "Why hello there, new friend! Nice to meet you—want to go and create amazing adventures together?"

The little one giggled, her shyness melting away. She hugged Raspbearie tightly. "Yes, Raspbearie! Let's have fun!"

Next, they moved on to the clothing section. The little one, excited by the tiny outfits and accessories, tried to run off to explore. Mama gently but firmly held her hand. "No running off, sweetie. Stay with Mama."

The little one nodded, holding Mama's hand as they looked through the outfits together. She picked out a sparkly dress and a matching bow for Raspbearie. Mama helped her dress the bear, their hands working together.

"How about some shoes and a tiara, just like you, my little princess?" Mama suggested with a smile.

The little one's eyes lit up. "Yes, Mama! Raspbearie needs shoes and a tiara too!"

They found a pair of tiny shoes and a sparkling tiara to complete Raspbearie's outfit. Mama helped the little one put them on, making sure everything was perfect.

"You did such a great job, baby girl," Mama praised, holding her close. "Are you ready to take Raspbearie home?"

The little one nodded, holding Raspbearie tight. "Thank you, Mama. I love her."

Mama kissed the top of her head. "And I love you, my precious little princess. You make Mama so proud."