Chapter 3:

Snowy Warmth

Hopping off the boat with my daughter in her seat and my belongings, I nodded to the driver and trudged through into the town. With each step my chest tightened. Would they accept me back into their lives? I would have to see.

I could feel my fingers freezing as I passed by the 'Librarby' going toward the Skeleton brothers' home. A few monsters glanced at me and whispered to each other in wonder of who I was, but I didn't pay much mind. The wooden home was warm beyond the door before me and I just wanted to be inside.

I stood at the door for a moment and listened in. The voices of everyone I knew and loved came from beyond the red door, one particularly clearer than the rest.

"SANS! I TOLD YOU TO PICK UP YOUR SOCK! NOW EVERYONE HAS TO WALK AROUND IT!"

The booming voice of the great Papyrus sounded annoyed, but I knew deep down he must have no longer cared about the mess his older brother had left. It was the same shenanigans that I had left behind those years ago.

"Heh, but bro, you know I'm a lazybones."

I stifled a giggle as the pun from Sans reached my ears, and another laugh helped cover any noise I may have made. It was a warm and gentle laugh from the woman I called mom so long ago. Toriel's laugh and a gentle comment warmed my heart and I could no longer wait at the front of the door. My family that I missed was unknowingly waiting for me.

Gently turning the knob and pushing it open with my foot, I stepped through the door and onto the threshold. It was still as warm and inviting as I remembered. The only change that had been made was a new rug and Sans's pet rock was no longer in the room. After setting the duffel near the door and my child in her seat beside that, I closed the door with a gentle click.

Everyone must have migrated into the kitchen for the moment because there was no change in conversation or mood, so I shrugged off my jacket and backpackto prepare for what may come when I got to them. Mentally readying myself I walked to the doorway of the kitchen and glanced inside where the large group had congregated.

They were all helping to cook a meal of some sort. The tall white furred Toriel beside Sans and the shy Dr. Alphys, chatting about something they must have enjoyed. All the while, the great skeleton Papyrus, the powerful blue Undyne, and the fabulous robot Mettaton all argued over who was cooking something correctly. My heart glowed with determination as I stepped into the room and discreetly went to the fridge.