Bunny
March 27, 2024
Writer: Samantha Luper
Editor: Jules Alfieri
Bunny holds the title of my longest-lasting friend. The small pinkish-beige blanket, now worn down to just one ear, has been a constant companion on my dorm bed through thick and thin. Gifted to me at a young age, I creatively named it "Bunny," and it has been my source of solace in moments of panic, fear, despair, and uncertainty. Initially vibrant and soft, the blanket quickly began to show signs of wear and tear as I formed the habit of rubbing the right ear between my thumb and index finger. This simple act brought me comfort after arguments with friends, disappointing grades, and even college rejections. Bunny has been my steadfast companion through travels far and wide.
Most people grow up with stuffed animals. Whether a child sleeps surrounded by many or just one, stuffed animals serve as enduring symbols of comfort and childhood innocence. Young children are able to use the soft object as a shield to protect them from the outside world, or as a way to feel safe amidst the chaos of the world just outside their bedroom door.
With each passing year, Bunny's ear becomes more barren. Just as the ear has diminished as I grow older, my sense of innocence and carefree spirit of adolescence has done the same. The harsh realities of the world gradually seep in, and Bunny can no longer fully shield me from life's responsibilities and emotions. Yet, Bunny remains by my side, offering comfort even as its effectiveness wanes. On particularly challenging days, the simple act of rubbing the nearly threadbare ear serves as a reminder to be kinder to myself and to acknowledge how far I've come.
Until recently, I felt embarrassed about Bunny. I was hesitant to admit that, as a teenager, I still found solace in my childhood stuffed animal. However, there has been a growing trend within our generation to embrace "childish" or "nostalgic" items. With the resurgence of bows, barrette clips, Jellycats, and lip gloss collections on social media, I've experienced a natural resurgence of love and gratitude for Bunny. I am reminded of Bunny's loyalty, comfort, and the countless memories it holds. Though its right ear has faded over the years, the childhood nostalgia and memories Bunny evokes make it an imperishable, valuable, and nurturing friend.
