paradisa | Thirty One Truffula Trees

[The Once-ler hasn't heard from his mother in a while. This is nothing new, really. She only ever comes to him if she wanted something, it's always been that way, and he doubts she'd ever change, magical castle notwithstanding. But he hasn't heard from her since that dinosaur mess, and eventually, his love for her overwhelms his common sense and desire not to get his heart kicked in, as it always inevitably does. He heads off to her room, finding the nameplate gone.

Well. That was that. She'd left him. Again. Quietly this time, with no harsh words to bite into his memory as she drives away into the smog. Just a door without a name on it. He doubts he'll ever see her again, and he feels guilty for finding some relief in that thought. He exhales, opening his journal. He doesn't even know what to say at first, he doesn't even know if she even HAD any friends here]

For anyone who cares, my mom. [Pause] Flora her name's Flora. Look, I don't know if anyone knew her or not- but she's gone. Back home. So there you go.

[He'll just go try to find somewhere to brood where his friends won't find him now]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[IT'S A WONDERFUL BEAUTIFUL THING, ONCE. Shut up and let her care about you!]

That's a little pessimistic, don't you think?

[NO]

No, it's facing reality. She's gone back home, too. She disowned me as soon as she realised I wasn't going to make her any more money.

[DON'T MAKE HER TURN YOU INTO A TOAD AGAIN]

That's horrible!

[BRING IT]

Yeah well. No more or less than what I deserved, really.

[DON'T TEMPT HER.

Her voice softens a little]

You're starting to sound like one of my sisters.

...Gosh that sure is the one thing every guy always wants to hear.

No, no. What I mean is my father walked out on us after our mother died... at least, that's what we thought he did. My oldest sister, Prue, always said that if he really wanted a relationship with us he would come back ... she always seemed to blame herself for him leaving. It didn't make any sense but it's how she coped with it, I guess.

Oh. My dad took off too. Or at least that's what mom always used to say. It's tough. I guess he was just another person I wasn't good enough for.

Oh Once, don't say that. You don't know that's why he left.

[The self loathing in this one is strong]

It's a good a reason as any.

[The optimism and positivity in this one is strong, too]

It doesn't mean it's the right one.

Maybe. Maybe not. I'll stick with it for now.

I assume there's nothing I can say to change your mind.

No. But I appreciate the effort, anyway.

Well you know how I feel, anyway.

I do, and thanks.

Thirty One Truffula Trees

Once-Ler

Phoebe

Once-Ler

Phoebe

Once-Ler

Phoebe

Once-ler

Phoebe

Once-ler

Phoebe

Once-ler forever

AND EVER

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