You make it back to your house. The door was unlocked. Toriel must have beat you back home.
"Welcome back home!" Toriel calls once you enter the living room. "How was your shopping with Papyrus?"
Toriel is seated in her reading chair. She peers up at you from her book. "Hmm? Why do you have your sweater pulled up over your face?"
You suddenly remember your face was half-way hidden in your clothes and you quickly pull it back down.
"Is everything okay?"
You frantically nod, but 'mama' can see right through you.
"Did something happen?" She asks, a little bit of concern in her voice.
You begin to explain how Papyrus called you 'Frisk' for the first time at the store. And that he wanted to hold your hand so you both wouldn't get separate in the store.
"Tee hee hee!" Toriel gives a soft giggle. "Maybe Papyrus is finally starting to notice what a beautiful young lady you are!"
You counter her with an embarrassed, 'Mooommmm!'
"I'm sorry, my child. I don't mean to tease. To be honest, I have noticed for some time that he had been acting sort of different towards you. Trying to be too friendly and cool when he's around you... more than usual. But I can tell, I'm old enough to read these signs."
You still pout at her with an embarrassed frowned, not wanting to discuss the subject any further.
"Okay, my child. Well… why not have a cup of Golden Flower tea? I bought some more at the store today. We can also make some lunch if you are hungry."
You accept the offer of lunch, but pass on the tea… flowers still aren't settling with you right now…
Toriel serves you a full serving of leftover pie she had baked yesterday along with a full glass of milk. You happily eat down your lunch. A full stomach fills you with determination…
"So, my child… how come you didn't want any tea? You normally love that flavor…" Toriel asks tentatively.
You tell her that it reminds you of the bad dreams you've been having.
"Oh… oh my! It isn't about… that flower… from the ruins?"
You nod.
Toriel puts her hooved hands to her face. "Oh my poor child… I am sorry… after all these years and you are still tormented by the past. Well…" She stops when she sees your face droop a bit with sadness. "Never you worry, my child. That flower can't harm you now. You are safe here with me and with all your friends." She pauses and gives you a soft wink. "Especially with Papyrus around."
Your face heats up again and you pout hard with an exaggerated lower lip.
"Tee hee hee… Well, I think you better go play with your friends, speaking of which… I need to finish preparing your surprise."
You help Toriel clean up once again and head outside. A heavy feeling is looming over you… but you press on with determination.
(Where to next?)
Sneak to Papyrus's Place (Ch. 21)
Undyne's Place (Ch. 22)
Alphys's Place (Ch. 13)