My in-laws sent my 6-year-old daughter a cute brown teddy bear for her birthday. She smiled for a second, then suddenly froze and asked, “Mommy, what is it?

books, a glittery backpack, and a box with a stuffed fox inside.

Lily lifted it, studied its face, then looked at me.

“Mommy?”

I stepped closer. “Want me to check it?”

She nodded.

I checked the seams, the eyes, the tag, and the battery compartment that did not exist. Then I handed it back.

“All clear.”

She hugged the fox.

For the first time in a year, I watched continue reading …