Dollhouse || Bob's Burgers

1- Redecorate

Louise

Getting off of the bus, I immediately step into a puddle. Figures. It's pouring outside and all I have on are ripped jeans, a tee shirt with a band name I can't even read anymore due to just how faded it is, and socks with holes in them. No shoes. I didn't have time for shoes.

Walking down the sidewalk, I clutch tightly onto the bag that holds all of my belongings. It's just a plastic bag from a gas station or something.

My feet hurt, but I continue to walk. It's been six years and yet everything looks the same. Same old Seymour's Bay.

The closed sign is flipped on the front door of the restaurant, the lights off. It's about seven thirty at night.

I walk to the apartment door and pause, unsure if I even want to knock. Do they want me anymore?

Come on, Chelsea. You can do this.

I'm about to turn back when the door opens. "I thought I heard someone out here!" Mom smiles, her wrinkles more prominent, and her hair more gray than before.

I blink wordlessly. The smile doesn't leave Mom's face, though she looks confused. Like she knows she should recognize me, but she's unsure as to where she's seen my face.

I don't blame her. My hair is chopped short at my jawbone, and I no longer wear my hat. Not by choice, obviously.

"Can I help you?" Mom asks.

"I...Mom...Mom...it's m-me." I say weakly, wanting to turn around and run.

Her eyes widen and she begins to sob, pulling me in for a hug. "Louise! Louise! My Louise! My baby! My baby! Louise...Louise..."

She doesn't stop saying my name, clinging to me for dear life. "Louise...Louise, honey! Oh my God, sweetie! My baby!"

I don't say anything. I can't. There's nothing to say. Six years without her, and I have nothing to say.

"Oh! I-I'll call your father! And Gene! Gene is out with a friend but I'll call him!" Mom exclaims, rushing me inside.

"Where's Dad?" I ask.

"He umm...he's at the bar. He...always is." Mom replies hesitantly. "He's fine, honey. I-I promise."

Dad is the one to turn to alcohol after losing both his daughters? I figured it would be Mom.

Mom has me change into some clothes from her closet, a bit large on my skinny body.

As I'm changing in her room, I notice my parents' wedding photo no longer hangs on the wall.

I exit the room, about to ask her about it, when I see the pure sadness.

I see it in her eyes. She wants to ask about Tina. But I don't have the answers.

She picks up the phone. "Bob. Get home. Now."

I can hear him groan on the other line. God, I miss Dad.

"Bob, it's Louise. She's home. She's here. Come home. God, Bobby I need you to come home." Mom cries.

I hear his voice raise on the other line, likely shocked. Kids that go missing for six years usually don't come back home. Especially not like this.