The Springtrap Saga Book Four: Darkness in the Stars

Chapter One

     The land is beginning to brighten with the pastel hues of spring. Frost still grips the air with its icy claws, but the harshness of winter is beginning to ebb as tentative flowers unfurl. The twitter of birds populates the air, weaving a delicate melody. The snowy pallor that drenched the land starts to melt with the return of the sun, allowing patches of green to seep through the gaps in the snow.

     Spring Break is here, meaning Summer is once again liberated from the monotony of school.

     And this time, Springtrap is going to spend that time right here with the family, instead of languishing in the musty darkness of the shed. His senses constantly scour the sounds peppering the air, always alert for the rustle of intruders. He may or may not have become a bit of a helicopter parent, but it's only natural after seeing his daughter's life almost get carved away by the glinting tip of a blade. Any parent would be a little overprotective after that.

     The ring of a doorbell bounces into his hearing receptors and shatters his contemplation. A smile, traced in hope, buoys the edges of his mouth. Summer's cousins have arrived for a visit.

     The last time he saw them was at Summer's birthday party, almost a year ago. Their mannerisms were steeped in wariness, and loathing was stitched into Leo's face. But, when the sun's dying light started to bleed into evening, some of the hostility buzzing around Crystal's mind softened when she saw him swamped in sorrow and remorse.

     Perhaps, now that time has expanded between their interactions, they'll want to be his friends. After all, if Summer is his adopted daughter, that makes Crystal and Leo his niece and nephew.

     Don't put yourself where you don't belong, he tells himself, sculpting the words into a scold. The last thing he wants is for his new family to feel he's encroaching on a role he has no right to tarnish. Summer seems happy to have him as a bonus dad, but that doesn't mean the others share that sentiment.

     The child's legs bundle into a run angled toward the door. A wide grin bisects her face, revealing a row of glistening white teeth. Glee illuminates her warm dark brown gaze. Anticipation clouds the air around her as her hand molds around the doorknob. Her wrists rotates into a twist, dislodging the door from its frame. The corners of her mouth elevate into an even broader grin when her gaze aligns with her kin. Adoration, almost desperate in nature, shines in her eyes.

     "Guys! It's so great to see you!" Before her cousins can reciprocate a response, her arms encircle them and contract into a tight hug. She nestles her face against their shoulders, clearly having missed them in their absence. She's seen them more often than Springtrap has, but their visits are still somewhat sparse. Crystal's hand flutters up and down in a strained pat on the back. The gesture is stiff with awkwardness at the sudden embrace.

     Summer dismantles the hug and sweeps her arms in a grand gesture, beckoning them to cross the threshold that separates her house from the outdoors. When the children pass through the door frame, their eyes immediately snag on Springtrap. Leo's face darkens into a scowl, and wariness draws Crystal's features taut.

     He quells the prickle of hurt that bubbles up in his chest. They have every right to fear and resent him. He is Springtrap, after all.

     Ignoring the pain clawing at his insides, he wrenches his mouth into a friendly grin. He infuses his words with vibrant enthusiasm to stifle his sadness and banish the trepidation humming around the guests. "Hi, kids! It's been a while, hasn't it? You guys look hungry. I'll whip up some waffles, how about that? Would you like that? That sounds good! You guys like waffles, right? Of course you do! What kids wouldn't like waffles? Well, I mean, if you don't like waffles, that's okay, too, I didn't mean it in a mean way. But let me make you guys some nice, yummy, breakfast!"