In 2025 we are petting and talking to our girl's plushies like they are sentient. We are gasping "oh no!" in shock when we discover they have fallen off the bed. We are picking them up off the ground and giving them a pat on the head before tucking them back into her blankets. We are asking them how their day was and responding in kind. Learning and using their names. Offering them snacks they can't eat. But we pretend anyway. And good night kissing both her and Toffee the puppy plush's forehead before bedtime.











