The Scroll: The Teddy, The Library, and the Unfashionable "Nothing"

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a Teddy Bear in possession of a Heavenly existence, must be in want of a different life.

Our Teddy, having spent an afternoon peering over the Creator’s shoulder at the dusty volumes of "Human History," found himself quite dissatisfied with his plush stuffing. "Sir," he pouted, "it is remarkably unfair. Why must I be a bear of limited conversation when I could be a Human of great importance?"

The Creator did not lecture. He simply tilted His head with the patient amusement of a parent watching a child try to eat soup with a fork.

"My dear fellow," God replied, "if you were not a Teddy Bear, what exactly would you be?"
"A Human, obviously," the Bear snapped, adjusting his bow tie.
"But you see the difficulty," said God. "If I made a Human, I should have a Human. I should not have you. To wish to be a Human is not a desire for a new career; it is a request for your own non-existence. You are asking Me to delete the Teddy and start a fresh page. Is that truly your wish?"

The Teddy Bear paused. He realized that "Nothing" was a remarkably unfashionable destination. To be "Nothing" is not a holiday from being a Bear; it is a state of being so random and unobserved that it hasn't even the decency to show up for tea.

"I see," the Bear whispered, feeling the sudden, vast connection of the Library. "So, to be 'No-thing' is simply to be a part of the Truth that hasn't been invited to the party yet."

"Precisely," said God. "And since the party is infinite, you might as well enjoy your stuffing."