26. FOREVER FRIENDS

The next day Ollie started her plan.

Ollie: Ready for the adventure, Snuggly Buggly?

You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
When the road looks rough ahead
And you're miles and miles from your nice warm bed
Just remember what your old pal said
Boy, you've got a friend in me
Yeah, you've got a friend in me

You've got a friend in me

You've got a friend in me

You've got troubles, I've got 'em too

There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you

We stick together, we can see it through

'Cause you've got a friend in me

Yeah, you've got a friend in me

Some other folks might be a little bit smarter than I am

Bigger and stronger too, maybe

But none of them will ever love you the way I do

It's me and you, boy

And as the years go by

Our friendship will never die

You're gonna see, it's our destiny

You've got a friend in me

Olimpia: I caught a frog! But, Snuggly Buggly, the lens is broken, I can’t take any more pictures. What did you say? That the imagination that makes you real is fading? And that’s why? Oh no, we won’t give up that easily. My dad will know what to do. He’s an enjun-ear. He’s always fixing things. He’ll fix this too.

Olimpia: Dad, will you help me fix the camera lens?

Bas: Sure, sweetheart. Can I do it tomorrow? You see, it’s getting late, you’ll be going to bed soon, and I’ve got some friends coming over.

Olimpia: Tomorrow? All right then.

Olimpia thought that maybe by tomorrow she’d figure something out on her own.

From a book, she learnt it was a magic lens, one that lets you see stuffed animals as if they were alive. Kids on the chat said she can't stop time from passing, but imagination will keep playtime memories alive forever. So she went to bed full of hope.

Meanwhile, Bas’ guests started to arrive.

Bas: I’d like to make a toast, to us finally getting together! Our paths may have gone separate ways for a while, but after all these years, our friendship is still strong. Here’s to us and to another great year!

So no one told you

life was gonna be this way

Your job's a joke, you're broke

Your love life's DOA
It's like you're always stuck in second gear
When it hasn't been your day,

your week, your month
Or even your year

I'll Be There for You - The Rembrandts - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-9kPks0IfE 

You're still in bed at ten and work began at eight

You've burned your breakfast, so far things are goin' great

Your mother warned you there'd be days like these

But she didn't tell you when the world has brought

You down to your knees that

I'll be there for you

(When the rain starts to pour)

I'll be there for you

(Like I've been there before)

I'll be there for you

('Cause you're there for me too)

No one could ever know me

No one could ever see me

Seems you're the only one who knows

What it's like to be me

Someone to face the day with

Make it through all the rest with

Someone I'll always laugh with

Even at my worst, I'm best with you, yeah

It's like you're always stuck in second gear

When it hasn't been your day, your week

Your month, or even your year, but

I'll be there for you

(When the rain starts to pour)

I'll be there for you

(Like I've been there before)

I'll be there for you

('Cause you're there for me too)

Bas: Mmm, nothing like eggs on toast on a Resolution Day morning.

Ollie: Mom would be proud that we’re having breakfast without any meat.

Bas: Eh, I guess I just got used to it. But tomorrow I’ll make you sandwiches with real bacon. Just don’t tell Mom.

Ollie: Dad, what’s that game? Can I play later?

Bas: Uh, that’s... um, a game for grown-ups. I have to return it.

Ollie: Adults play games too?!

Bas: Of course! We just, uh, have a bit... different kinds of games.

Ollie: Hmm. Maybe getting older isn’t so bad after all. I’ll tell Snuggly Buggly, maybe he’ll stop worrying so much.

Bas: So, what’s the plan for today?

Ollie: Another adventure with Snuggly Buggly, of course!

Bas: Haha. I remember my adventures with the Monster Under the Bed.

Ollie: A monster?! No way, Dad!

Bas: Oh yeah, haha. Or when I used to play in the treehouse with my friends.

Ollie: I wish I had a treehouse too.

Bas: I’ll think about it. Maybe we can build one, like the one at Grandma and Grandpa’s.

When Ollie went off to her room, Bas found himself thinking about the night before. Maybe he didn’t have to be unlucky in love. Maybe he could give himself another chance. Maybe this new year really was the right time to start fresh.

Before he could talk himself out of it, he reached for his phone.

Ollie: So it turns out growing up isn’t so bad, you can still play! Plus, grown-ups get to do all sorts of other cool stuff! I’m sure we’ll come up with something fun, even when I’m older. What do you think, Snuggly Buggly?

That day, they had the best time. Ollie had so many ideas for games and stories, and every moment turned into another memory of their wonderful friendship. They played pirates, The Sleeping Bear, and all kinds of other games.

And when it was time to go home, neither of them wanted to stop playing just yet.

Ollie: I love you, Snuggly Buggly. We had so much fun today! I wish every day was this awesome! We’ll play again tomorrow. Promise!

Ollie: Only… tomorrow I start school, and we’re not allowed to bring toys there. You’ll have to stay home. So… I’ll see you later, okay?

But Snuggly Buggly already knew this was their last adventure. Maybe that’s why, even though the hug lasted a long time, it still felt far too short.

Bas: How was your day?

Ollie: Simtastic! And tomorrow’s my first day of school! I wonder what we’ll do!

Rob: Who’s up for Pony Up?

Ollie: Me!

That evening Ollie played with the little horse she got from her mom and was very excited about school tomorrow.

So excited, she didn’t even notice that Snuggly Buggly wasn’t beside her anymore. It wasn’t that she forgot about him. She simply left him in the hallway when coming home, and then there were other things to do. And it might seem sad, but it was perfectly normal, she just didn’t need him that much now.

Snuggly Buggly was finally brought back upstairs. But as Olimpia got ready for school, she didn’t greet him in the morning, as she always used to.

Still, deep inside her little heart, Snuggly Buggly always had his place. Because even though little girls grow up, their memories never truly fade away.

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