Sabra the tiger was so happy to go home with 9 year old Emma. She had been sitting on the shelf for what seemed like an eternity waiting for someone to choose her. She heard Emma's parents tell her that this would be the last tiger she would ever get from them since she had already lost so many. Sabra hoped that she would be the lucky one and be the last tiger ever to live in Emma's home.
Sabra had her own special spot on Emma's bed. It was there that they slept together, cried together, and laughed together with each other for so many years. Sabra got to hear about homework, problems with friends and boyfriends, and troubles with her parents. Emma often told her that she was the only one who really listened to her. And this made Sabra feel very special.
Over the years, the days grew longer while Sabra patiently waited for Emma to come home. Then Sabra heard that Emma was moving out to be on her own. During the move, Sabra was thrown into a dark box with other items, and had to stay there for an unknown amount of time. But Sabra knew that Emma would get her out one day.
As the days and years passed, Sabra heard many different voices: Emma, men, children, and even dogs. As her temporary home was shuffled around from dark room to dark room, she wondered what really would become of her. She also feared that she had been replaced by another tiger.
Then one day, the flap was opened and in poured the bright daylight. Sabra was not ready for that and was not sure of what was going on until she felt someone grab her and pick her up out of the box. Emma! Certainly, it had to be her. But when Sabra's eyes adjusted to the light around her, she was startled by the person staring back at her. This was not the Emma she remembered. This person actually looked like Emma's mom!
But then the person spoke. And smiled. Sabra was filled with joy. Emma was with her once again and Sabra knew that she was where she had always been - at home.
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A wonderful story and a lovely well-loved stuffed animal. I have a fondness for stuffed animals... perhaps one day I'll assemble my Starbucks bears (I have a collection) for a family portrait. :-)
I think you're right about the box. The tiger would have looked much more abandoned. Here he looks like he has been put down temporarily, perhaps for the night. I like the crop, the lighting, the b&w, and all the vertical lines. I feel a bit frustrated by not seeing his whole face.
There's only one thing I would have done different (and I didn;t even think of it till now) and it is that I would have used a box instead of the chair.
I really like the sepia and the light, but the way the tiger is positioned I think could be better. the wood on the left side is a bit distracting. Nice DOF
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