After three days, Poppy was finally able to speak again. And sing, for that matter.
My love
There's only you in my life...
"Poppy, what are you doing?" Branch asked as he served her breakfast.
"Singing," she answered as if it was obvious. "It helps me relax. You should try it."
Branch shook his head and said, "I don't sing, and I don't relax. Now eat up, you need your strength."
Poppy mouthed his words and rolled her eyes.

After three weeks, Poppy was able to walk again, but she needed to be careful, and she still had to wear casts. So, she still couldn't dance.
That night, while Branch was asleep, Poppy snuck outside and sat down on a rock. She pulled a ukulele out of her hair and began playing a song.
Hello Darkness, my old friend
I've come to talk with you again
Poppy noticed all the forest animals joining in, and smiled as they continued.
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision
That was planted in my brain
Still remains...
Poppy wasn't aware of this, but Branch was watching her from behind a tree stump.
Within the sound...
Of silence
Once Poppy finished her song, along with the various flora and fauna, Branch emerged from his hiding spot. He felt amazed deep down, but he decided to push that aside.
"What are you doing out here?" he asked.
"I want to go home," Poppy admitted. "I miss my father, all my friends, and I just needed to get my mind off of it."
"I understand."
Poppy's eyes widened. "You do?"
Branch then realized what he just said and shook his head.
"Let's go back to bed," he said, taking her hand and leading her back to his home.

By the end of the month, both of Poppy's legs were healed, but she still couldn't use her arm. Branch popped her shoulder back in place when he found her, but she needed to wear a sling.
That evening, using her free arm, Poppy took off her dress and examined her body. Her thighs and torso were covered in scars made by the lizard's teeth. She remembered that day. Creek didn't even try to save her. He just left her to die. And when she returns... if she returns... how would she face him? Who knows what he told the others?
Poppy then heard knocking on the door and tried to put her dress back on as quickly as possible.
"Just a minute!" she called out sheepishly. Then, she accidentally hit her bad arm and yelped.
"Poppy, are you alright​?" Branch asked from the other side of the door.
"I'm fine," she lied. Branch then entered the room and saw Poppy standing there with her dress not on all the way.
Branch felt the urge to laugh, but he just smiled and helped Poppy with her dress.
"There, all better," he said as he tied it back up. "Now come on."
Poppy and Branch laid down on a different side of the bed. Poppy pulled out a picture of all her best friends from her hair and smiled.
"Goodnight, Cooper," she began. "Goodnight, Smidge. Goodnight, Fuzzbert. Goodnight, Satin. Goodnight, Chenille. Goodnight, Biggie. Goodnight, DJ. Goodnight, Guy Diamond."
Poppy turned over to look at Branch and quietly said, "Goodnight, Branch."
"Goodnight, Poppy," Branch replied.
Poppy continued to stare at Branch. She had never seen a gray Troll before, and it left her puzzled. Was he a different breed of Troll? Did something happen to him? Or was he just dirty?
Poppy's thoughts were interrupted as her Hug Time bracelet went off. She looked at it, then at Branch.
"Don't. Even. Think about it."
Poppy frowned and decided to just sleep. But she couldn't help but wonder why Branch was gray.
And why she cared so much.

I guess you could say Poppy's feeling like a prisoner at this point, but she knows it's for her own good.

Next chapter, we find out more about Branch's past. So grab the tissues and stay away from the onions, because there's going to be tears.

Until next time. 😉