Requested by: RandomThingsOfMine thank you so much for this request! I hope you enjoy it, or if you're in need of it, it resonates and comforts you. Sending love to you regardless!
Note: This story was written to be platonic and comforting. It deals with the loss of a loved one, I don't specify who so you can dictate and if wanted personalize that. Remember, my dms are always open to anyone who needs, and I am more than grateful to lend a ear or give comfort personally or through stories if you need. Never hesitate to reach out
Summary: Recently you were delivered the news of a loved one passing. Distraught and depressed at the impactful news you struggle to search and ask for security, leading to the absence of your presence at some of Welcome Home's neighborly events. Poppy decides to approach you with a surprising gift, offering her motherly presence and affection, which gives you a steady foundation for whenever you are ready to grieve and and step forward with their memory.
The contrast of such difficult news to the lively neighborhood shook you. Albeit accommodating, the fellow residents were far too energetic and rose-colored that pondering how you felt you should behave around them while handling the news was far too overwhelming. It left you to reside in your home for days on end, biting your tongue when the adrenaline and thoughts to speak and call for help tried jumping out. Howdy was the only one who had talked to you since, and when he did the discussions were rushed and to the point, although completely avoiding his worried questions or comfort.
As another neighborly picnic endured your absence, the latest discussion over Poppy's cookies and Howdy's sandwiches was where you were, and why you'd suddenly disappeared? The general talk shifted to a more serious and questionable tone as Sally, Barnaby and Frank theorized the exact reason. Wally and Eddie tried interfering, however gave up as it only ignited their interest to the subject.
Poppy however examined it all to herself, drafting lines between your behavior and conversations you had with her semi-recently. A shadow of doubt drifted over her conclusion, she didn't want to assume something so harsh. Still, it was the most plausible judgement she could think of. Sighing, she dismissed herself from the picnic, saying she was going to bake a batch of (favorite dessert) for you.
As she begun doing that she revised what you'd told her about the suspected person. You hadn't said anything explicit, however it seemed that recently a random, overwhelming and unordinary concern for them had brought you to anxiety, even if you attempted to drown it down.
About two hours had passed from then, calmly, Poppy knocked on your door, box in her hands.
"(Y/N), sweetheart... It's Poppy, I've brought some things for you, I'd hope you're taking care for yourself, no matter how hard it seems I'd hope you trust me as I say it's worth it."
Hearing a shuffle behind your door she continued
"I won't urge you to welcome me, however it would make me incredibly relieved and happy to care and see you. It's only me dear, and I would never betray your privacy by announcing any of this to the other neighbors." She finished, placing her box onto your doormat
"I've left a box here, remember everyone truly does love you here."
About to turn her head shifted down to the middle of your door which creaked open, noticing the messily covered top of your head.
Smiling gently, her eyebrows lowered lovingly she slowly reached a wing to your shoulder in comfort. As you quietly allowed her to sit on your spacious and comfortable couch she found small comfort to view your home she'd spent so much time in before now.
Nervously fidgeting and slightly pacing in front of her you struggled to speak. You couldn't talk as if nothing had happened could you? Well, as Poppy detected your insensible mumbles she only offered a giant hug as comfort.
Immediately falling into the hug in tears at the sudden and needed affection Poppy began humming out a nursery rhyme, one you'd once mentioned your own caretakers introduced you to during your childhood.
As your tired cries turned to desperate snores Poppy decided to carry you into bed, tucking you in and brushing the hair out your face. She felt as if she were your mother, and to be so privileged and be able to integrate such familial love and care to you to your difficult experience comforted her for your wellbeing. Admiring your tough self she drifted to sleep in a chair near your bed, wanting to be there when you awoke to resume the much needed comfort.
As you did awake she moved the chair closer to you, intently listening to the words which came to you now. Tenderly she approached the question of what happened, nudging you with small questions instead of big ones, not wanting to overwhelm you.
When needed she provided her soft and feathery figure for affection, other times helping to dry your tears and brush the hair out your face as you opened yourself up to her. Without a hint of judgement she listened, never questioning any of it. As time passed and your perspective and notes on the event itself dried subtly Poppy began to offer advice, or any acts of service that could assist you right now.
When you admitted how drained you'd been she decided to dedicate the rest of that day to providing a comfortable place (she also turned your bed into a nest of pillows and plushies) throughout your home for you to grieve and mourn as you adapted back to life, slowly but surely. It required hard work for you, and Poppy complimented and reassured you throughout every doubt which came to your mind. As this second day drew to an end, Poppy decided the best way to unwind you during such a vulnerable and crucial time was to embrace a childish sort of innocent comfort.
So, regardless if you protested or not, she found the children's books from your childhood and reintroduced them to you. When you finally succumbed to sleep again Poppy resumed her duties by slightly cleaning or rearranging things throughout your home to how you'd preferred them.
Before leaving, she left a note at your bedside table beside another box containing your (favorite flower) and some of your (favorite fruits) which she'd gone and boughten after cleaning, finding you still sound asleep.
Dear (Y/N),
There is no way to express how I admire yourself. You've endured so, regardless of the struggles you focus so harshly on. As you face losses through your past, present and future, you must remember to grieve without losing yourself. We ignore it, however it is difficult to mourn something so intimate as a piece of yourself, as you live in the body which once adorned it. And still, the loss of your loved one persists. Time is worn by the years no doubt, however time is far longer than it seems. Your memories are precious, meant to be admired, not solely grieved. Embrace it, endure it. My dear (Y/N), when I see you I see the strongest and most intense character of this neighborhood. You've changed the perception us neighbors have on what happiness and adaptation is, it is only right we return the favor by providing you care during your difficult times just as you allow us to in the brighter ones. No matter, we are always with you, waiting for when you're ready for us no matter the time of day. Time is patient, and so are we. Take care of yourself sweetheart! Call me without hesitation, it will only bring me joy as it would any neighbor.
With all a mother's love, Poppy ♡
