The Stuffed Animal That Gets Chosen

Even those who are chosen have the right to choose.

This is a solo stage for a panda. Everyone is here to see me.

Right in the middle of the shelf, center stage. My cutest angle is fifteen degrees.

They stare at me way too much. The lights sting my eyes. It's blinding. My neck is stiff. Someone, rub it for me.

The shop clerk is approaching.

Turn.
Fifteen degrees.

This person is the only one who understands.
My cutest angle.

A little one came by. They crouched down and met my eyes. I like them. They disappeared, pulled away by their mother's hand.

Five minutes later.
They came back.

"It's still here!"

Obviously.
This is my workplace.

Next is an old guy.
He's looking at the tag. He's not looking at me. He's grimacing. He's comparing.

It's not my face.
It's the price.

He walked off with a red panda tucked under his arm. That guy isn't a panda. It's just a tail.

The rabbit on the left was sold. The one that had been next to me since morning. It left without saying a word.

......Take care.

That clerk is coming again.

A hand slowly reaches out. My ears are pulled. My arms are adjusted. My belly is patted.

"There, there. You're cute today, too."

I know.
You're favoring me. Not bad.

Rub me.
Rub me.

My bottom feels heavy. This is bad. I've been at the same angle for too long.

"I'll take this one!"

Suddenly I'm lifted up. Compared. Put back. Lifted up again.

My right ear is dying. Stop it.

Don't test how I feel to hold.
Don't push.
Don't crush me.
We're still strangers.

"So close."
What do you mean, 'so close'?

"Isn't this the winner?"
Don't make us compete on your own.

＿

My face is grabbed.
Inside a plastic bag.

Whoosh.
My nose is getting squashed.

......Am I still cute?

Alright.
Just wait.

Just rub me.

[What was waiting for them after this]