Archive of Our Own

Inanimate Island was preparing for an anniversary party.

In the valley, a large ballroom was being constructed. Incomplete walls had pieces missing, and a skeleton of wooden boards and nails stuck up towards the sky to establish the silhouette of a ceiling. White clouds drifted far above.
Everyone had a job. Most people were helping with construction, but some others were given more specific tasks to better utilize their natural talents. OJ, the stickler for order, was always watching to make sure everyone wasn’t slacking, even when others accused him of doing so in turn.
Suitcase was making sure that construction was as safe as it could be. Lightbulb was not allowed to help, much to her disappointment.
Cabby kept tabs on all the progress they had made, jotting down all the tasks that had been completed.

It was during this time, on a completely normal day, that Cabby approached Tea Kettle outside the Reality Restaurant to ask for her progress on catering the celebration.
Tea Kettle was watching the various contestants scurry around like ants with all their different building materials. Cabby approached, looking down at a clipboard and tapping a pen against it.
“Alright, you’re next TK. How’s progress on the catering?” Cabby asked.
“Oh, it’s going great! Me and the catering crew have been held up in the kitchen all day, just whiskin’ and cuttin’ and putting everything together!” Tea Kettle explained. “Right now I’m just going around and asking everybody what their favorite foods are! I want EVERYBODY to be happy at this party!” Tea Kettle pulled out a small ringed notebook. Notes about many different people were written inside. Not only was it good information for the party, but it was also good for future reference if Tea Kettle ever wanted to make food for anyone in particular. It was like having her own little cheat sheet.
“Oh! I see, personalization…” Cabby wrote on her clipboard. “That’s quite ambitious. You sure you can handle that?”
Tea Kettle waved a hand.
“Honey. Making food for people is like my favorite thing, even if people don’t always erm, appreciate it,” Tea Kettle frowned for a bit, but she quickly forced herself to smile again. “As far as I’m concerned, this party is really an indulgence for me. I get to make food that people will actually EAT.” Tea Kettle gave Cabby a strained grin.
“Hm. Well, just make sure the buffet is ready by the time the ballroom is built. The rough estimate right now is about tomorrow, or the day after. That won’t be an issue?”
“No problem hun, I've got my best on it,” Tea Kettle gave a mock salute. “Oh! While I still have you,” Tea Kettle flipped through her notebook. Stopping on the most recent page, Tea Kettle dragged a finger down a list of names, stopping above a name with no notes. MeTag. “Do you know where I can find that little MeTag fella? I haven’t had time to meet with them through all the work I’ve been doing. They don’t seem to hang around crowded areas, far as I can tell.”
Cabby tapped her pen against her clipboard as she hummed.
“Hmm…huh. You know Tea Kettle, now that you mention it, I haven’t seen MeTag. They were supposed to be helping the construction crew. They’re so well, quiet, they must have slipped under my radar…” Cabby was frowning, clearly distraught with her forgetfulness. She blinked.
“Have you asked Poppy?”
Tea Kettle sighed in disappointment.
“Nope, cause I haven’t seen them either. I thought if I found MeTag, I’d find Poppy too. But alas, it seems both of them have evaded us, huh?”
Cabby was staring down at her clipboard. Her eyes darted around the paper.
“Strange…” Cabby whispered to herself. Tea Kettle could sense Cabby was worried.
“I mean hey, don’t beat yourself up about it! I think those two enjoy being alone, it’s not your fault that we lost track of-”
“Tea Kettle. Can you…do me a favor?” Cabby was cracking a nervous smile. Tea Kettle put a hand on her hip.
“Which is?” She asked, already knowing what Cabby was going to ask.
“Oh, okay look, I’m a part of the OSC, I'm supposed to keep on top of things like this! I need you to go and find those two and report back to me! For…their safety! Ugh, I’m sorry to bring this on you, but honestly I’m just really embarrassed that I could lose track of two whole people like that!”
Tea Kettle put a hand on Cabby's shoulder.
“I mean, you’re not the only one,” Tea Kettle pointed to herself. “Don’t worry about it Cabs, I don’t think this will take long, and I needed to find those two anyway. You just focus on everyone else.”
Cabby sighed, a calm smile returning to her face.
“Thank you. Really.”
“Don’t mention it. Mama’s gotcha.”

Cabby’s expression wavered. She reached, taking Tea Kettle’s hand off her shoulder.
“Um, don’t tell anyone I told you to do this alright?”
“Haha, okay okay! My lips, and my spout, are sealed. Now let’s walk in opposite directions so it looks like we weren’t just sharing secrets.”
“Oh uh, alright…”

The two objects did exactly that. No one even noticed that they had been talking to begin with.

***

Tea Kettle went over her notes as she made her way to the forest. She figured that if no one had seen Poppy and MeTag for the last couple of days, they must be hiding somewhere they couldn't be seen.
The forest was the most likely option.

It was quiet in the valley, without the hustle and bustle of society walking around. Tea Kettle found the silence peaceful, but somehow it didn't relax her. She figured she was still anxious about all the work that had to be done before the party.
All this prep on one person…but Tea Kettle could handle it. She knew she would.
So she tossed the worried thoughts aside and focused on the present.

As Tea Kettle approached the treeline, she suddenly hesitated. How exactly was she supposed to find Poppy or MeTag in there? They weren't very big, and MeTag especially was, well, quiet.
Tea Kettle huffed.
No way she was giving up that easily. After all, hard work builds character. Someone would have to find them sooner or later. She had to be a good role model.
Tea Kettle took a deep breath, put on a brave face, and walked into the darkened woods.
“Poppy!!!” She called. She listened. Nothing. She continued, her ceramic body clicking with the gait of her steps. “Poppy!!! MeTag!!! You guys in here?!”
Tea Kettle continued to trek deeper into the woods. Silence followed.

She didn't know much about MeTag or Poppy. The two of them were always together. Poppy in particular seemed to cause trouble everywhere they went, their appearance rubbing most people the wrong way.
Tea Kettle didn’t think it was fair for Poppy to be treated so coldly, but she had known better than to intervene on Poppy's behalf.
As much as she felt she knew better, Tea Kettle was well aware that her kind of…protection was more of a nuisance than a help. Poppy had enough on their plate already, they didn't need Tea Kettle to speak for them.
Nobody did, really.

Tea Kettle stopped for a moment. She stood still. A pain, like a dull squeeze in her chest, pulled on her body. She felt heavy all of a sudden.
Realizing this, Tea Kettle shook her head.
“Oy vey, get a hold of yourself TK…” She had to snap out of it. This wasn't about her.
“MeTag!!!” She began again. “Poppy!!! Anybody?! I'm gettin’ kinda tired already!!!”
The branches above began to sway, a gust of wind whispering through the leaves.
Tea Kettle felt the breeze fly past, tickling her spout.
In the same gust, the tiniest odd tone flew by.
She could barely hear it over the wind.
Tea Kettle turned, listening for the sound again.

She heard it. An echo, from somewhere nearby. She walked again, her steps firm as she followed the sound in the air.
The sound started as a faint whisper, and then, as Tea Kettle approached, it became much more defined.
It wasn't just a whisper, or a tone.

It was…crying. A distinct pattern of soft hiccups and sobs, just barely audible. Tea Kettle felt her heart ache. Who was crying all alone in the cold dark forest?
She couldn't recognize the voice. She wondered if shouting now would be a good idea. No need to scare whoever it was.
Tea Kettle stopped for a moment, listening to the distant wail. She wanted to help. She knew she could.
Finding her courage, Tea Kettle continued. The foliage around her began to grow thicker. The crying grew closer. Every sob made Tea Kettle feel like she was getting stabbed in the chest. She wanted to help. She needed to stop this, end the crying.

She pushed forward, the wails of the stranger were just ahead.
A stomping person suddenly crashed in front of her.
MeTag.
Their limbs were stretched out.
“Oh, there you are! Hey, sorry but I need to get through-”
MeTag shook their head frantically. They raised their arms, and waved their hands, as if Tea Kettle could simply be shooed away like a fly.
Tea Kettle gave MeTag a glare. What were they thinking? She couldn’t leave now, not when someone needed her.
“Excuse me.” Tea Kettle began to move past them. MeTag held their ground, pushing Tea Kettle back. She began to push back harder.
“Ugh, what is your problem? Don't you hear that crying? Someone needs help!”
MeTag didn't back down, still holding their ground in silence. Tea Kettle felt her body get hot. A familiar feeling of warmth coursed through her.
“I need…to HELP!” Tea Kettle grabbed MeTag with a hand and tossed them aside. Tea Kettle pushed forward through a thick bush. Her hands grabbed and pushed the branches out of the way.
“Hey!” Tea Kettle poked out of the bush. “Who's…”

She froze.
In a small clearing, surrounded by the dark foliage, a large corn cob was laying on the ground. They were crying, their face covered by thick leafy bangs and their limbs coiled together into a protective hug. Carefully, Tea Kettle removed herself from the bush. She stepped towards the object.
Tea Kettle stood above them and stared, unsure of what to do.
The corn cob sniffed.
They turned, and saw Tea Kettle staring down at them.

“AH!” The corn cob reeled back in shock, scuttling away from her. Their voice was deep. Their face was damp. “NO! No no no! NO!” They continued to cover their face. Every limb on their body was trembling.
Tea Kettle could only watch as the corn cob whimpered, refusing to meet her gaze.

Tea Kettle looked again. This person’s demeanor was familiar. Her body cooled.

“...Poppy?” She asked.

The corn cob turned, sneaking a glance at her. Their eyes were barely visible under their bangs, but Tea Kettle could still see the sparkle of their tears.
That was all Tea Kettle needed to see.
The aching feeling in her chest flared up into an intense throb.

What had caused this? Why was Poppy so distraught? Tea Kettle couldn't stand seeing them like this.
Instinctively, she approached them with her arms outstretched.
Poppy flinched back, coiling even tighter.
Tea Kettle stopped.
“Wha…? Hey, hey, it's okay. I'm not gonna hurt you,” Tea Kettle spoke gently. She crouched down to meet Poppy on the ground. “Don't be scared. I just wanna know what happened to you. Can you tell me?”
Poppy stared at her in silence. They shook their head.
“Just leave me alone…” Poppy pleaded, turning their face away again.
Tea Kettle watched them for a moment. Carefully, Tea Kettle sat down, waiting for Poppy to respond.
Tea Kettle kept waiting. She couldn’t really tell how long. All she knew was that she didn’t want to leave Poppy alone. Not like this.

After a bit, Poppy moved. They turned quietly, sneaking a glance at Tea Kettle.
“Why…are you still here? What do you want?” They asked, wiping tears from their face. “Is my suffering entertaining?” Poppy scowled.
“No,” Tea Kettle replied. “I don’t know what you think I’m doing, but I want to help. Promise.”
Poppy squinted.
“Why would YOU want to help me?” They said. Tea Kettle gave Poppy a confused glare.
“Why wouldn’t I?” She replied. “I mean, look at you…”
Poppy breathed a sigh.
“Don’t pretend you care about me,” Poppy was staring at Tea Kettle now. “Nobody does.”
Tea Kettle held her breath.
“I'm not pretending…and I’m not leaving until I can help you feel better.” Tea Kettle’s voice stayed firm. Poppy’s eyes wavered for a moment, as if they had briefly been lost in thought. They frowned, and a tear trickled down their face.
“What does it matter,” Poppy looked up into the trees. Clouds above moved slowly through the midday sky. Poppy stared upward. “I’m worthless,”
Tea Kettle was surprised at the assertion. “Everyone else was made to be something…” Poppy continued even as their voice wavered. “...And what does that make me? As far as I’m aware…no one wanted me to exist.” Poppy’s expression shifted as they continued to breathe. Tears began forming in their eyes again. A teardrop slid down Poppy’s face and fell onto the grass.

Tea Kettle watched Poppy drop back down to the floor as they began to cry, covering their face with their hands. Tea Kettle was left speechless as Poppy continued to wallow in their misery. Tea Kettle didn’t know what to do. She really did care about Poppy, but hearing that fact didn’t make Poppy feel any better. They didn’t believe her. What was she supposed to do?
Tea Kettle watched Poppy wipe their face again and again.
Somehow, seeing them like this began to make her face hurt. Tea Kettle reached up and rubbed her eye. She stopped when she felt a dampness on her hand. She looked. A tear had stained her finger.
She remembered the last time she had felt this way. She hadn’t thought about it since it happened.

Back at Hotel OJ, Tea Kettle remembered walking into the party they were having for the season two finale. There were so many new people, Tea Kettle didn’t even know where to start. She was tempted to talk with Balloon and Nickel, but they had been preoccupied with Suitcase. She had opted instead to go around and mingle with the other season three contestants. The small talk was boring, but at least there was some comfort in the familiarity. She quickly ran out of people to talk to.
Tea Kettle hadn’t made too many connections during her time competing, so she found herself at a loss for what to do next.
She decided to approach the snack table to judge the quality of the party refreshments.
The food wasn't anything special. Barely seasoned potato chips, watery fruit punch, cans of Dr Fizz, and of course, some chocolate chip cookies. Not a single healthy option to be seen; not even water. As annoyed at this as Tea Kettle could be, she had to admit that scrutinizing the cheap snacks at a party wasn't really helpful for anybody.
She reluctantly grabbed a plastic cup and poured herself some punch. She turned and leaned against the table as she watched the other party goers mingle.
None of them seemed bothered about the subpar snacks they were all having.
She wondered if anyone else had even thought about it. Surely someone else cared about healthy eating like she did, right? Or home cooked meals?
Tea Kettle was tempted to ask the hotel owner, OJ, whether his business offered cooked meals. Usually hotels had food, right?
As she thought about this, Tea Kettle spotted Balloon, Goo, and Candle all talking with Suitcase.
Were she and Balloon still friends? It was hard to tell. They hadn’t spoken since Tea Kettle got eliminated.
Balloon looked happy talking with his friends. Tea Kettle's face started to hurt. She turned away, taking her cup of punch into the kitchen.
It was quiet inside. Tea Kettle pulled out a chair next to a table and sat down, sipping her drink quietly as she listened to the murmurs from the other room.
She was jealous.
She didn't like thinking about it. She didn't like feeling it. Tea Kettle was jealous Balloon had found people that knew him well. She wasn't supposed to feel this way. She should be happy. Proud. Proud of Balloon for finding trustworthy friends.
Instead, Tea Kettle only felt an emptiness.

She stared forward, the conversations from the party fading further away.
Was she supposed to be doing something? It felt like she should, but she couldn’t think of anything concrete.

So Tea Kettle sat in the kitchen staring at nothing.

She wished someone would come and talk to her. She wished she had something to talk about. She wished she could just click like everyone else.
Why was this so hard? Why did she feel hurt seeing Balloon so happy?

Tea Kettle sniffed. Her spout fell ticklish. Her eyes hurt. She rubbed them, only to find tiny droplets of water smeared on her hand.

It was the first time she remembered crying.

Now, Tea Kettle was watching Poppy, someone she barely knew, do the same thing. It wasn’t like Tea Kettle hadn’t seen anyone cry before, but the way Poppy seemed so endlessly distraught felt eerily familiar to her.
Poppy did have a point.
Tea Kettle was created with a certain personality in mind. Looking back on it now, it seems obvious. Back then it just felt like she was being herself. Now that the games were over, and MePhone was gone, there was an emphasis in the new society about finding out who you are. Not the person MePhone made you to be, but something else. Tea Kettle had found trouble trying to adopt this idea. For most contestants, there was a freedom in changing yourself into something new and authentic. To grow and change as people ought to do.
But Tea Kettle didn’t want to change. She never had a problem with being the person she was born as. Or maybe, she just didn’t know it yet? She liked cooking, giving advice to everyone, and teaching. She really did. She liked these things about herself, but no one else on the island ever wanted to stay around for them. Was she wrong? Were the things she liked about herself coming from her true authentic self, or were they just another piece of MePhone’s nebulous influence that she was too short sighted to see?

From what they had said, Poppy seemed to be under the impression that Tea Kettle knew exactly who she was because of how she was created. It was actually the opposite.
“...At least you’re real.” Tea Kettle spoke calmly as she looked down at the grass. Poppy rubbed their face as they glanced up at the teapot.
“What…?” Poppy asked. “What’s that supposed to mean? What does it matter…”
“It does matter. It matters a ton, actually. I mean, Poppy…sure, you might not know where you came from. But, if it were me, I’d think that was beautiful.” Tea Kettle gave them a small smile.
Poppy grimaced.
“How? How could THIS,” Poppy sat up and gestured to their whole body. “Be a good thing?”
“Simple. You’re you,” Tea Kettle replied. “Not some other thing someone else decided. This?” Tea Kettle gestured to Poppy. “Is all you. Don’t you think that’s interesting?”
Poppy sighed.
“No.”
Tea Kettle nervously rubbed her spout.
“Well, if you’d hear my perspective, I think you’d see it differently.” Tea Kettle insisted. Poppy raised an eyebrow. Tea Kettle waited for their rebuttal. Poppy just kept staring at her. “Wait, you actually want to hear it?”
Poppy shrugged.
“I don’t think it’ll change my mind but...” Poppy shifted into a more comfortable sitting position. The two objects were now about eye level with each other. Tea Kettle suddenly felt a bit nervous, not only because Poppy was now a similar size to herself, but because Tea Kettle wasn’t used to having someone’s undivided attention.
The two objects sat across from each other in silence.
Tea Kettle took a breath.
“I mean, just look at what’s happening to this place,” Tea Kettle rubbed her spout. “Everything is all out of whack now that we're not playing games anymore. We weren’t supposed to do anything else,” Tea Kettle explained, still gently rubbing her spout. Poppy nodded, and Tea Kettle continued. “Now I’m…we have to figure out who we actually are without that…and it’s confusing. I was made to be…me, and now I have to throw all that away? It feels so wrong. I don’t know…if I want to be someone else. But you Poppy? You don’t have to be anything. No one told you who you were supposed to be, so you can choose!” Tea Kettle smiled. Poppy looked at the grass.
“What’s the point of having that choice if…everyone still hates me for it?” Poppy spoke.
“I don’t hate you, Poppy. I don’t think anyone does,” Tea Kettle said gently. “They’re scared. That…man. He scared us,” Tea Kettle remembered seeing the terrifying face of the red MePhoneX. She remembered running away, throwing things at it, to no avail. Backed up against a wall, Tea Kettle was completely helpless to stop her own deletion. “Nobody knew if we were going to survive when he tried to delete us. So, when people see you, unfortunately, it reminds them of that horrible experience. That’s not your fault Poppy. It never was.”
The corn cob remained silent. They sighed, looking at one of their hands.
“...I know,” Poppy spoke. “I know it's not my fault but…” They hesitated. “...I don’t want to be anything like him,” Poppy clenched their hand into a fist. “I hate it. Just…looking like him. How am I supposed to just…be okay with that? How can I be sure I won't just…become him?”
Tea Kettle shrugged. She scooted over to sit next to Poppy. Thankfully, it seemed like they didn't mind.
“...I dunno, but if you're so conflicted about it, it probably means that it isn't gonna happen. I know it's not the same, but if I were you, I know I wouldn't wanna be MePhone. No offense to the guy…” Tea Kettle gave a weak smile. Poppy looked back at her, their face unsure.
“...You're nice, Teapot.” A small reserved smile formed on Poppy's face.
“Actually, the name's Tea Kettle…”
“Oh! Sorry, I just thought…nevermind.”
“What? What'd you think?”
“I mean, you look like a teapot, so…I just guessed. I got everyone else right, haha,” Poppy brushed at their leafy bangs. “I didn't know you were confused about yourself too. Thanks…for telling me.” Poppy spoke with an earnest appreciation.
“Oh! Um…sorry, I’m supposed to be helping you feel better. I don’t gotta worry about my issues right now,” Poppy gave her a confused glance, but Tea Kettle continued. “I’m curious how you got so big though, I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Poppy sighed.
“I don’t know. A couple days ago, my arms and legs started to hurt. I thought maybe I was sick or something, but I didn’t want to tell anyone because I didn’t think they’d…care. And then, I woke up like this. I saw what I looked like, and I knew. I knew I couldn’t go back out there. Things were already bad for me before. I can only imagine how they’d treat me now.” Poppy leaned forward, their bangs covering their face. Tea Kettle thought for a moment.
Poppy didn’t have anyone to talk with about this, did they? MeTag was a loyal protector, sure, but they definitely weren’t good for conversation. She wondered how long Poppy would have stayed here if no one came to look for them. That wasn’t fair. Everyone on the island, they were supposed to be a family! Everyone had to take care of each other, now more than ever. Sometimes, families change. Kids grow up.
Filled with a tender resolve, Tea Kettle reached a hand out to Poppy’s face.
They flinched, not expecting the sudden touch. Gently, Tea Kettle moved the leaves out of Poppy’s face. Poppy looked at her, unsure.
“Do you think I’d treat you like that?” Tea Kettle asked. Poppy stared back at her. They blinked.
“Even like this?”
Tea Kettle smiled.
“There’s nothing wrong with growing up, hun.”
Poppy’s eyes widened.
“I never thought about it like that…”
“Of course! What else could it be?”
“Did you ever grow up?” Poppy asked. Tea Kettle flinched.
“Oh, uh…I’m not exactly sure! I always thought of myself as a grown woman, but maybe I’m not. It’s kinda hard to tell these days…”
“Huh,” Poppy said. “Interesting.”

The two objects sat in silence for a moment. The steady sound of wind in the trees eased the tension. Feeling relaxed, Tea Kettle suddenly remembered something important.
“Oh! Uh, hold on…” Tea Kettle reached for her notebook. Poppy watched curiously as Tea Kettle flipped through the pages, finally landing on Poppy’s name. “I’ve been asking everyone this, but what’s your favorite food?”
Poppy shrugged.
“I dunno. I've never eaten anything.” Tea Kettle froze, her mouth hung open. Poppy seemed off put by the reaction.
“Uh, Tea Kettle?”
“YOU’VE NEVER EATEN?!?” Tea Kettle burst out. She grabbed the corn cob’s face. “I-Whu, you, this-this CANNOT CONTINUE! POPPY YOU BEAUTIFUL CORN COB WE ARE GOING TO THE KITCHEN SO I CAN MAKE YOU A SANDWICH AND GET YOU A DRINK FROM MY FAMOUS TEA!” Tea Kettle hoisted Poppy to their feet. Holding their hand, Tea Kettle began marching the two of them out of the bush they’d been hiding in. Poppy began to hesitate.
“But what about-”
“If anyone wants to bother you, they’ll have to go through ME! Mama’s on a lunch break with her friend! Trust me, food is one of the reasons I get up in the morning! It’s really like nothing else! The first time you bite down on a homemade grilled cheese, or a meatball sub, oh it’s making me hungry just thinking about it! Man, when was the last time I ever had a nosh for myself?” Tea Kettle couldn’t remember the last time she'd been this excited to cook. It felt like Christmas morning!
“No I mean, what about MeTag?” Poppy asked.
“Oh,” Tea Kettle stopped. She looked around. She pointed. “There he is.” MeTag was stalking the two objects a couple feet behind them. They really were good at being quiet. Tea Kettle cupped her mouth with her hands.
“Hey, get over here! I've gotta ask you about your favorite food!”
“Don’t worry MeTag! I think she's actually nice!” Poppy added. MeTag put a hand up to their face. It wasn’t really clear what they were thinking. After a bit, MeTag put their arms down and approached the two. The small tag stood in front of Tea Kettle. They gave her a short wave.
Tea Kettle put out her hand.
“Nice to meet you too! I'm Tea Kettle. Uh, sorry for throwing you earlier. I was just worried about Poppy is all.”
MeTag shrugged before taking Tea Kettle's hand in a polite handshake. Afterwards, MeTag pulled away. Using two fingers, MeTag gestured to themself, then to Tea Kettle, and back to them.
“What, you don't trust me?” Tea Kettle asked. MeTag put their hands on their hips in response. “Well, I guess I can understand that. You must really care about Poppy, huh?”
MeTag gave two thumbs up.
“So we've got that in common. I promise I'll play nice.” Tea Kettle smiled.
MeTag stared at her for a moment. Then, they did the two finger gesture again, just very quickly. Tea Kettle chuckled.
“Alright, alright! I get it! It's not like I was gonna do anything crazy!”
Tea Kettle began to walk again, taking Poppy’s hand. MeTag grabbed hold of the other.
Tea Kettle could see how comfortable Poppy was as they began talking to MeTag. It was strange how quickly Poppy’s mood had shifted. Tea Kettle had trouble grappling that it was her own actions that had helped. She just did what she thought she was supposed to. Was she just following her programming without even realizing it? Was that bad?

The trio of objects stopped at the edge of the forest. Tea Kettle tried to step forward, but she was pulled back when Poppy did not follow.
She turned, looking at Poppy’s expression. Their eyes looked off into the distance as they frowned. MeTag looked up at them too.
Grabbing their hand tighter, Tea Kettle stood in front of Poppy. They focused their eyes on her.
“You deserve to be here with the rest of us,” She spoke firmly. “Don't worry about you, and don't worry about them,” She smiled. “Mama's not going anywhere. Okay?”
Poppy smiled.
“Okay…”

The End :P