As I handed the cowboy that never gave up on me to Bonnie, I saw her embrace him immediately with a happy look on her face. I didn't want to lose Woody, but her face alone told me I was making the right decision. I knew she would have fun with and take care of him and the rest of the toys just as I had done.
At first, I had nothing planned. I was just going to watch Bonnie for a few more seconds and then leave for college. Then, something inside me went off. Maybe it was because I may never see my toys again or maybe I was inspired since they were all right in front of me about to be given a new home.
Whatever it was, before I knew what I was doing, I snatched up the piggy bank and cast him as his evil alter ego.
"Oh no! Dr. Porkchop's attacking the haunted bakery!" I shouted before making noises.
"The ghosts are getting away!" shouted Bonnie. "Woody'll stop them!"
"Buzz Lightyear to the rescue!" I yelled as I picked up the space ranger and ran after her.
And just like that, I was doing something I hadn't done in years: actually playing with my toys instead of just staring at them in a toy chest. I don't know how long it lasted, but it seemed like it went on forever. Things I used to say and do during my many playtimes started coming back to me and I didn't even have to think hard to remember all of them. It was as if I had never stopped playing with toys at all.
I even got the chance to play some of the toys Bonnie already had. They included a doll, a unicorn, a triceratops, a bear dressed in lederhosen and a Totoro plush (don't ask me how I know what that is). I didn't need to ask her how she played with them; it was just like whenever I got new toys when I was younger. The playtime we had was just so natural.
Maybe what kept me going for so long was that in the back of my mind, I knew that even if I ever did get these toys back someday, they would probably be meant for my future kids. Regardless, this would be the final time I would play with them as their owner. I wanted to make sure it counted for all it was worth and in retrospect, it was the perfect way to bridge myself to adulthood. I was about to start a whole new experience that would prepare me for my future, so what better way to say hello than by saying goodbye first?
When I finally had to leave, the way Bonnie had Woody wave goodbye to me was touching. I could have sworn he was waving all by himself. In fact, if all of my toys were alive, they would probably all feel the same as me at that very moment.
"Thanks guys," I said, taking one last look at them.
On my way to college, I had time to reflect on everything that had just happened. I played with my toys many times when I was younger, but I think I saved our best playtime for last since I put so much heart and passion into it. However long they stay with Bonnie and wherever they may go after she outgrows them, I wish them nothing but the very best.