It was a few days after Branch's first performance, and they had destroyed the family harmony which almost shattered the family in itself. Branch's tears were the only balm to calm down the fury John, Spruce, and Clay had worked themselves into. The fact that Branch was sobbing, Floyd was trying to comfort him with silent tears running down his face, and Lily was the one holding both of them against her while humming a melody watching the family crash and burn.
Lily stepped up next to him where they watched the brothers in the sunshine, wrapping an arm around each other as the younger boys tousled in the garden. A soft sigh and her head rested on his shoulder, "What are you thinking?" That sigh was sad, why would she be sad?
A melancholy smile, "Just how nice it would have been if this was what you chose."
So many questions filled his mouth but there was a coo beside him, and he opened his eyes to find Rhonda pushing against his face. The critter was about the length of his arm, having nearly jumped on him the month before. John Dory scratched her head, "It's alright girl, I was just dreaming." He covered his tearfilled eyes with the goggles Lily had gifted him four years ago and smiled at the creature, "Let's get breakfast."
In the Troll tree another blue brother woke up crying, but this one was small. And the four year old was not quiet about his distress, which was why Lily ran into his room before scooping him into her arms, "I'm here Branch, I'm here." He clung to her, "I'm not going anywhere."
The small tearstained face looked up at her, "Promise?"
Ruffling his hair, "I promise." Carrying him to the kitchen, "Let's get you some breakfast." Lily tried not to kick herself for not being there when the band and family breaking argument went down, she was on duty to make sure the burgans didn't attack while everyone was focused on her boys. She had no idea what had happened until the next day when a tearful Branch hugged her asking when his brothers were coming back and later getting a full explanation from Grandma Rosiepuff when he was asleep.
Part of Lily had wanted to find the missing boys and drag them back screaming, but that was not important now. What was important was keeping her promise to the little boy on her lap, who still clung to her no matter how many reassurances she gave him. Branch was the one who needed her so she would be there for him.