Trolls and the Search for the Missing Mom

Chapter 2

That night, Branch got ready for his date with Poppy.

"How do I look, Gary?" he asked, showing off his brand new tuxedo. He glared at Gary. "What do you know?" he said, crossing his arms, as he scrunched his nose in anger.

"Wait... what do you mean?" He looked back at him, confused. "Why wouldn't she show up?" He paused again, listening. His ears drooped, as he lowered his head. "You... you really think so?"

He sighed, and then looked back at Gary.

"No. You're wrong. She will show up. This night is going to be perfect."

At the restaurant Branch waited outside, with a big bouquet of flowers. He looked at his watch. It was 6:05. It wasn't like Poppy to be late.

"Branch!" Dante said, happily, as he flew up behind him. Branch faked a smile.
"Hey, Dante."
"Your table is ready." He paused, looking around. "Ugh... where's Poppy?"
"Umm... she's just running a little late. She'll be here soon."
"Well, she's gonna love the night you have planned for her."
"Yeah..." Branch said, quietly, looking away. "I hope..."

Trolls came and went from the restaurant, but Poppy still hadn't arrived yet. Branch looked at his watch again. It was midnight.

He sighed, his ears drooping, as he lowered his head.

"Ugh... Branch..." Dante said, flying up behind him again. "We're... ugh... closing soon..." Branch sighed again.
"It's ok... I should be getting home anyways..."

Slowly, he started to walk back to his bunker, his head low, as he dropped the bouquet of flowers on the ground.

     He rode down his elevator, sadly, Gary watching him from the table.

     "Hey, Gary... I'm home," he said softly, as he walked past him. "I don't want to talk about it..." He walked into his bedroom, but stopped in the door way. "Shut up, Gary," he said, as if Gary had just said; "I told you so."

     Then he closed the door, falling into bed, as he groaned, sadly.