“Little Timmy, eight years old, has been missing since yesterday afternoon. He was last seen playing at the park near his home, in Charleston, South Carolina. The entire city has mobilized to search for him.”

The metallic voice came from the television in the living room. Teddy Bear watched the figures move on the screen—he had learned how to turn on the TV.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith hadn’t returned home since yesterday; they had joined the search teams.

“I can’t wait any longer,” said Teddy Bear.

Suddenly, to his left, he heard a noise—like a small pop.

“And what do you think you’re going to do? You’re made of foam,”

Teddy Bear let out a scream. He brought his furry paws to his snout.

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

The figure that had appeared out of nowhere was the monster who slept under little Timmy’s bed.

Timmy had told his parents about it, but they had ignored him and told him not to be afraid.

The monster was entirely purple, with black patches here and there. It had three eyes and tentacles all over its body.

“Timmy is missing,” the monster said matter-of-factly.

“And you think you’re going to help me?” asked Teddy.

“You’re the monster who terrifies Timmy every night!” he shouted, pointing a paw at him.

“How can I be the monster under the bed without a kid to scare?” the Monster replied.

“He’s right, Teddy,” said a voice.

Teddy looked up and saw a small angel, dressed all in white. He was floating, wings sprouting from him back. He let out another scream.

“You really are a scaredy-cat,” Monster muttered.

“Who are you?” asked Teddy.

“I’m Timmy’s guardian angel,” he answered.

“And if we want to find Timmy, we’ll have to work together.”

“Shouldn’t you know where he is, since you’re an angel?” asked Monster, moving one of his tentacles.

“Unfortunately, I’ve lost my connection with Timmy. I can’t find him anymore,” Angel replied, folding her wings. They had to do something. The entire city was looking for Timmy, but only the three of them knew him better than anyone else. Teddy adjusted the little bow around his neck and headed for the front door.

“Where are you going?” asked Monster.

“To find Timmy,” he declared.

The door handle was too high for him—he was only twenty centimeters tall. He watched as one of Monster’s tentacles reached up and pushed it down. The door swung open like a gust of wind.

“Then I’m coming with you,” said Angel.

“Me too,” added Monster.

And so, Timmy’s teddy bear, his monster, and his guardian angel stepped out onto the street, heading toward the park— all three of them searching for the missing boy.