Summary
Story take place in the dystopian society and the protagonist who is a collector is talking about the time when he found a thing he refers as "The Lost Thing". It all began when he went to the beach finding the out-of-place creature at the beach. Intrigued by its presence, protagonist engaged in playful interaction but after realizing it dosent have any owner, protagonist and "The Lost Thing" embarked on the journey to find its owner or the place it belongs. They went through the city eventually finding a sancutuary like place full of the odd and forgotten objects.
What "The Lost Thing" represents
I think it represents the unique imagination and playfulness adults and young adults often lose in the process of becoming an adult. And it also serves as an reminder that how much curiosity and creativity faded as we each individual adapted to societal norms and expectation.