When Mommy opened our front door, I reached into my jacket pocket for Squish. I pulled out my empty hand and stared at it. I reached in my other pocket. Not there. I walked into the house after Mommy and tugged at her skirt.

“Yes, baby?”

“Did you take Squish?”

“No, baby.”

I stared at my shoes and noticed the mud on the bottom of them. I plopped down to take them off, struggling until Mommy helped me. I didn’t like to ask for help.

“Shall we get Bunny for you to sleep with tonight?”

I nod but can’t remember what she asked. “What?”

“You want Bunny tonight?”

“No.”

“Well I don’t know where Squish is.”

I felt strange and wrapped my arms around myself tightly. Mommy knelt down and combed my hair with her fingers. “Let’s check out in the van.”

“Ok.”

We looked and didn’t find Squish. I slowly followed Mommy to the bathroom. She gave me animals to play with in the tub. I felt so sleepy that Mommy had to carry me to my room upstairs. She helped me put on pajamas and set me in bed.

“Mommy.”

“Yes, baby?”

“Where’s Squish?”

“I don’t know. I couldn’t find him,” she whispered. She kissed my head after telling me goodnight, turned off the light, and closed the door behind her.

I rubbed my eye and rolled over, reaching for my blankie. Something small fell from it and hit me in the face. Something soft. I smiled.

Squish.