Poppy and Branch arrived at the beach together, where the party buzzed with music, laughter, and the aroma of delicious tropical foods. Colorful decorations fluttered in the warm breeze, and groups of Trolls danced joyfully along the shoreline.
"Wait here!" Poppy exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She dashed off to check on the festivities, leaving Branch by the snack table.
He glanced at the array of vibrant foods-ripe mangoes, pineapple slices, and coconut treats piled high-but felt a knot of unease settle in his stomach. The lively atmosphere around him felt overwhelming, each burst of laughter a stark reminder of the weight pressing down on his chest.
As Branch stood there, trying to absorb the sights and sounds, he heard a familiar voice approach.
"Hey, Branch!" Creek sauntered over, his trademark smirk plastered across his face. "What are you doing stuck at the snack table? You know this is a party, right? Or are you waiting for someone to bring you a seat?"
Branch forced a smile, trying to mask the irritation creeping in. "Just taking a break. The party looks great."
"Sure, if 'great' means standing here looking like you're contemplating a buffet strategy," Creek replied, leaning casually against the table. "I mean, you do realize it's okay to indulge a little, right? Just don't go overboard. I can't imagine Poppy would want to lug you around if you... you know, expanded too much."
Branch felt a heat rise in his cheeks. He glanced at Poppy, who was animatedly chatting with a group, her laughter ringing out like music. For a fleeting moment, he felt the weight of expectation crushing him.
Creek continued, his voice smooth but laced with condescension. "But hey, enjoy the party. I could be wrong."
With that, Creek strolled away, leaving Branch alone at the snack table, his heart heavy with doubt. He stared at the colorful fruits, feeling his appetite fade as insecurities crept in. The joy of the party felt distant, the laughter a contrast to the emptiness inside him.
Taking a deep breath, Branch reached for a piece of fruit, but his hand faltered. Would it even matter? The thought of not being enough loomed large, overshadowing the vibrant world around him.
Just then, Poppy returned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Branch! Look at all the fun everyone's having! Come on, let's dance!"
Her enthusiasm was infectious, pulling him from his thoughts, but the weight of Creek's words lingered in his mind. As he forced a smile and nodded, she towed him away. He tried to enjoy the party with her, letting the lively atmosphere and joyful music momentarily wash away his troubling thoughts.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Branch walked Poppy home, viewing it as a necessary precaution-an endearing overthought in her eyes.
"Goodnight, Poppy," he said softly.
"Goodnight, Branch! I love you-forever and ever and ever and ever-" Her voice trailed off, each "forever" accompanied by playful nuzzles and soft pecks on his cheek. He couldn't help but laugh, warmth spreading in his chest.
"I love you, too," he replied, placing a gentle kiss on her nose. He waved as she stepped inside, the door closing softly behind her, leaving him standing in the twilight, a bittersweet smile lingering on his lips.
Branch sighed, hopping down to the ground and beginning his walk toward the bunker. An uneasy feeling twisted in his stomach with every step he took, a nagging sensation he couldn't quite shake off. The laughter and joy of the party felt distant now, fading into the background as he trudged through the dimming light.
Eventually, he reached the entrance to his underground home. Lowering himself into the familiar space, he plopped down onto his bed, the soft mattress offering little comfort against the heaviness in his heart. He picked up his phone, the screen lighting up his dim room, and began scrolling through pictures.
