Helpless

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Against her expectations, the visit to Asgore's provided the anxious mother some much-needed assurance concerning her child's safety. Assurance that wavered once Toriel made it back to her empty house, only to disappear entirely after another night of no developments. The search parties have turned up nothing- not even a clue on where Frisk or their abductor are located.

Another day, another fresh wave of painful distress. The boss monster's only reprieve from such agony is the few hours of sleep she got last night, and even then, the nightmares that followed did all but distract her from entertaining unfathomable possibilities. 

One thought that keeps her faith intact is the murderer's sole vendetta against monsters. While it still made them utter filth, at the very least, it gave them no reason to bring harm to a human teenager. 

But if that's the case, then where is my baby?

Toriel doesn't know, and her greatest fear is that she'll never know. The only thing more harrowing than not knowing Frisk's whereabouts is the inability to do anything about it; to sit and wait while they could be lost, hurt, alone... scared...

Somehow, watching the constant coverage of civil unrest within Mirstone made her feel worse, which Toriel thought not possible. So she reads a book detailing wildlife on the safari, her eyes absently scanning the pages while her thoughts may as well be miles away.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

It came from the front door. Toriel frowns, unsure of who'd be paying her an unannounced visit. Her house borders the edge of Mirstone's vast wilderness, placing it a good distance from the city. Any friends or co-workers have her number so that only leaves either a complete stranger or-

The police! Maybe they found Frisk?

Excitedly, Toriel throws her book down and stands up. She knows getting her hopes high isn't a good idea but can't resist doing so. Reaching the door, she says:

"Hello?"

"Knock knock," a voice answers.

Toriel smiles, a little disappointed but also aware she probably shouldn't have jumped to such an idealistic conclusion. At least it was the second-best thing. She puts her back to the door.

"Who's there?" she asks.

"Water."

"Water who?"

"Water you asking so many questions for?!"

A laugh so horse escapes Toriel, it's almost embarrassing. From the other side of the door, she can hear Sans attempt to stifle his laughter so he can dish out another joke. Not if she can beat him to it.

"Knock knock," she says singingly.

"Who's there?" 

"Owls go."

"Owls go who?"

"That's right!"

Hearing Sans' gleeful chuckle brings the Boss Monster a proud grin. That one has been in the chamber for a while now; she's pleased to have put it to good use.

"Okay, okay," Sans begins. "Knock knock."

"Who's there?"

"Bean."

"Bean who?"

"Bean a while since I've seen you!"

"Didn't we just see each other two days ago?" Toriel says with an arched eyebrow. 

"Hey, give me a break, it's hard coming up with ones you've never heard before," Sans says half-jokingly.

This adds to Toriel's gratification, having grown exceptionally skilled in the glorious art of knock-knock-jokes. 

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