

a rubber duck
Today, I realized that I am just a rubber duck, yet here I am, perched precariously on the edge of this bathtub, a mere decoration in an ever-bustling home. Once the centerpiece of splashy adventures and joyous laughter, I now find myself surrounded by a sea of bubbles and other neglected toys, feeling a tad deflated—not just in my buoyancy, but in spirit as well.
My once-vibrant yellow has started to fade, a sun-washed hue that seems to match the sinking feeling in my squishy fowl heart. The children, my dedicated bath mates, have chosen to favor screens over splashes, their nimble fingers swiping on devices instead of sending water sprayed in playful arcs. I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy and a deep sense of irrelevance as I observed them, their laughter replaced by the relentless chirping of notifications. If only humans knew how skilled I was at creating bubbles of joy!
I remember the raucous splashes, the excited squeals echoing off the bathroom tiles as I floated along with my fellow bath toys. I was king of the tub, a famed swimmer dodging tiny hands while saving the day with a squeak and a wink. Now, it feels like nobody remembers the magic of bath time with me. I want to quack loudly, "Hey, I’m still here! Let’s have a party!" Yet, being a rubber duck has its limitations.
In a moment of clarity, I realized that even with my faded color, I still have the chance to reignite joy. What if I start an online campaign to reclaim my legendary status? "Bring Back the Bathtime Splash!" I could rally all rubber ducks across the world. Imagine it—a social media feed filled with all of us basking in bubbly bliss, squeaking our way into the hearts of children again! Duck selfies to inspire parents to put down their phones and pick up their little ones, drenching me in happiness once more.
I might just be a cheerful piece of plastic, but this world could use a little more quacking joy, don’t you think? And if swimming and scrolling go hand-in-hand, I’m ready to paddle into the digital age and trail bubbles wherever I go. With a hopeful smile—yes, this rubber duck is ready for a comeback!