I looked at Growls on my chest and shrugged uncomfortably, “I-I guess so.”

Tommy leaned forward, lacing his fingers together, “Put your book down, Spence.”

Licking my suddenly dry lips, I obeyed. I noticed my mother was watching from the kitchen, looking alarmed.

“Do you know what love…means?” Tommy asked.

I fiddled with Growls, eyes downcast, “I-it means you care for someone very much.”

Tommy shook his head, “No…no. Good try.” He suddenly came and sat next to me, placing a hand on my leg, caressing it, “Love means you want to fuck something so bad you’d die if you didn’t.”

I heard my mother drop something in the kitchen but I didn’t dare take my eyes off of Tommy.

Tommy pointed to Growls, “Do you want to fuck your teddy bear?”

I had heard some kids in school talking about fucking, but I didn’t have a clear understanding of what it was yet, so I just shook my head, palms sweaty.

Tommy looked confused, “But you just said you loved Growls. So…you don’t love him?”
My mother took a step towards us, but her hands balled into fists, but kept her mouth sealed shut, her lips a thin white line.

“I-I guess I don’t love him them,” I stammered, feeling Tommy’s hand tighten on my thigh.
Tommy placed his other hand on the back of my head, “Why don’t you give him a little kiss. See what you think, yeah?”

I felt embarrassed and humiliated just at the thought, my cheeks burning. I tried to chuckle, like I thought it was a joke, but Tommy slowly pushed my head towards my bear.
“Go ahead son, don’t be afraid,” he coached.

I could feel tears brimming in my eyes as he guided my mouth towards my bear and I gently kissed its nose, turning away immediately.

“Do it again,” Tommy whispered, “Show him how much you love him.”