AS2
Threadbare had lain within the trunk for umpteenth years. Somewhat patchwork with a kitten chewed ear Threadbare now rested amongst folded blankets and playful things – long ago filled with the imagination of once upon a time. Years faded one to another and time had added little warmth to Threadbare’s now odd body form, since last held by loving arms. Passed through a family of children Threadbare’s name had changed often…until he had become Threadbare in the goodly mouse Wantmore’s Bailey family attic.
The non-mouse Clarence Bailey lifted the trap to hoist himself upwards to this storage world of past, present and current needs. The attic received the light from below…dim yet producing a magical sepia toned galaxy of a treasured past. Surely as Carter fell upon the riches of an ancient world, “Can you see anything?…Yes wonderful things!”
As Clarence entered Wantmore scampered towards a familiar den. The time was upon the season, a chance to grow fatter amongst the bits of dark Christmas cakes and assorted treats that fell to the floor. Wantmore’s time would be soon, perhaps a drop or two of sweet drink beside the bits of cake? Wantmore loved this time of the non-mice. As Clarence stooped amongst the boxes he turned to the family trunks. Unlatching the first Clarence lifted the sword (a mameluke) and thought upon his ancestor who passed across the fields of Waterloo. Though proud of his ancestor Clarence considered the hurt once caused. Such a time he thought as he returned the sword near to Wantmore’s (and Clarence’s) pictures. And yet again our goodly mouse, this day, remained undiscovered.
At the second trunk Clarence raised the bear he knew as Henry but to Wantmore this bear had long been called Threadbare. Clarence hugged his old friend and sat upon the floor recalling their adventures and so too his mother…past Christmas…past feast…and past story. Clarence’s mother had often read to him, sometimes of a Velveteen Rabbit…the pain of becoming Real…the pain of love. Wantmore observed…was this the taste of salt that ran from this non-mouse’s eyes?
Timeless memories and hope as watery droplets were slipped away with Margery’s bell calling for Clarence. Wantmore understood “Real isn’t how you are made…it’s a thing that happens to you. It takes a long time.” Wantmore smiled a little mouse smile knowing he could still visit with his old Real friend…as Clarence cradled his bear, this Henry, this Threadare to the loving warmth of the non-mice in the downstairs. Was this the taste of salt that ran from this mouse’s eyes?
AF1
You always fuzzy even if a little threadbare from wear you always my bear.
(RMA)
Cast
Wantmore as himself
Tutankhamun souvenir brought from Egypt ca. 1960
Leonard as our Threadbare and Henry
All images by P. Ferguson, December 2020
Merry Christmas to one and all…mouse and non-mice!