A Teddy's Smile

A Teddy's Smile



I guess I won’t be coming home tonight, my legs, caked with dust and grime couldn't carry me another step. As I watched the shadows of a gruesome figure approach me, I thought about what went wrong on this dreadful evening. It was late afternoon when I finally left my friends and started the long trek home, clutching Mr. Teddy. His dirty brown fur and black button eyes held all of my secretes, and his red yarn smile gave me comfort in even the scariest of nights. The sun was sinking beyond the horizon as I passed the old iron gates to the abandoned insane asylum. I stopped and pondered my actions, I could either cut through the hospital grounds and get home faster, or I could walk the long way around and face my mother’s wrath at coming home late. I chose the former, and making my way to the hole I knew was in the fence, slipped into the darkening lawns. The overgrown grasses tickled my sandaled feet and bare legs as I walked towards the dreary building. I had taken this short cut many times, but never this late in the evening, or by myself. Clutching Mr. Teddy for comfort, I walked under the boards that were supposed to block the entryway, and entered the drafty hall. The once clean, harsh walks of the building were run down and dirty with age and graffiti. Many obscene images and words covered the walls, while broken glass and trash covered the once white tile of the floor. A breeze blew past my face and with it bats flew, startled by my presence. Screaming I dropped Mr. Teddy and crouched on the floor, my clammy hands covering my ears. Once the bats were gone, I stood up shakily, my white dress now soiled by dirt and looked for Mr. Teddy. I could not find him, and after searching all around I abandoned  my quest and ventured deeper through the halls to the far exit of the building. All as I walked I heard a scratching behind me, the sound of something being dragged over broken glass. I dared to not look back, by breathing coming in short, raspy gasps as my pace quickened. Faster and faster I moved, the sounds behind me never faltered. So focused was I on what was behind me, I failed to notice the fact I had no idea where I was turning. Spinning on my heel, I searched for the x that would mark the way out of the labyrinth of the horrid building. Try as I might I could not find the passage, and as the sounds got louder, I risked a glance towards their source. There, among the dark of the halls lay Mr. Teddy, his bloody red smile grinning towards me as he moved ever faster, dragging himself on the dirty floor. His black, beady eyes bore into my soul, rooting me to the spot as his brown figure drew closer. The hoot of an owl outside broke the trance, freeing me from the fiend and allowing my feet to work again and carry me towards another passageway. Running blindly, I looked back towards my once beloved belonging, and as it stood up I fell, tripping over my own accursed feet. Bloody and scratched, I scrambled to my feet, leaving behind tatters of my once pristine dress and flesh. I ran and ran; the telltale clink of glass being moved assured me I had not lost my pursuer in the maze of the asylum. As I rounded the next corner, my legs suddenly came to a halting stop. Sliding towards the steep staircase that was in my path, I took my chances and rushed down the flight. I entered the basement, a darker place than the rooms above, and more furnished. There was an old boiler in one corner, and a red armchair in the center of the rundown room. Seated in the chair was a tiny girl, about my age, dressed in an all-white gown. I stared at her, for in her arms was a Teddy Bear. Mr. Teddy, my mind screamed at me as I stood shocked at the bottom of the stairs. “Don’t be afraid my dear” the young girl called to me. “W-what do you want with me? What are you doing with Mr. Teddy? You've done this, just let me go! I want my mother.”I whimpered. The girl in the chair just smiled a chilling, cruel smile. “Oh no, I didn't do it. He wanted to help me, he wants you to stay here and play with us forever. You will stay.” Her words weren't questioning, but a command. As she spoke, a host of figures emerged from the shadows of the room, little girls began to appear, all held a soft animal, a bear. Mr. Teddy, my thoughts directed. As the thought appeared in my mind, so did the scratching sound that had frightened me earlier, he was coming. Turning around I stumbled backwards as the bear I once loved walked unnaturally towards me. Step. Step. Step. I scrambled backwards and tripped, falling to the floor. My legs, caked with dirt and blood, wouldn't carry me another step. I watched the gruesome figure of Mr. Teddy grow closer, looming over my fallen body. He smiled, “Come play with me” I didn't have the choice, throughout the area a blood curdling scream was heard, then blessed silence.