Hello, my name is Sandra. I'm 31, use she/her, and love/hate tea right now.
((Roleplay blog for Arthur's mother from SFTH's The Game of Truth and Tea.
Open to crossovers, OC interactions, etc :D))
Um, hello there! I thought I'd start trying to connect with more people since I've just moved with my eight-year-old son Arthur after...well, we needed a fresh start. I was told having an online presence would help but I'm still figuring it all out haha...
To reintroduce myself, I'm Sandra. I'm 31, bisexual, and I quite enjoy gardening, painting, puzzles, and riding my bicycle around with my son, especially around the local parks. Arthur and I have had a very trialing past year, so my apologies if I'm not as open at first if we come to talk, especially about Arthur.
However, I encourage you to come say hi! I know it'll be good for us (probably more so for me), so feel free to send asks on this blog or if you see us around 💜
OOC: Hiya, I'm Wibble! I'm Aussie, 20, use she/her, and I'm bi. My blog is @wibblewubble :D
This is my first SFTH roleplay blog and it's for Arthur's mum Luke plays in The Game of Truth and Tea, but for me it's set in an AU where Sandra and Arthur managed to escape the maze but couldn't save Henry. They knew it was him but the mazekeeper's influence was too strong.
As other blogs have probably iterated, lore surrounding the characters that wasn’t mentioned in the play is entirely my own! I've used Sandra as the name for Arthur's mum as I felt it fits well with the names of Henry and Arthur 😋
All of Sandra's dialogue will be coloured blue (eg when talking to others), and all narration and out of character posts will be written in regular black to make it easier. All OOC posts will be put in bold and with //text like this// to make it easier to differentiate between everything.
All in-character content will be tagged as follows:
#sandra.posts - for original in character posts
#sandra.reblogs - for in character reblogs
#sandra.answers - for in character answers to ask
All ooc posts will be tagged as //ooc.answer or //ooc.post
Sandra is technically single now but is still recovering from the loss of Henry, so while I don't mind shipping keep that context in mind with Sandra. Interactions and development are definitely encouraged, especially with her making friends and platonic interactions :D
In addition, please read the following below:
RULES
Muns must be 18+ for NSFW interactions
Magic asks and asks that start threads or plots are welcome! However, I refuse to encourage interactions where Sandra and/or Arthur are extremely hurt or tortured
Please do not send unsolicited NSFW content
All hate speech will result in a block
Please be patient with response times, I'm on semester break at uni but I still work, not to mention I'm in a different timezone to most sfth people on here I think haha-
(Oh and fun fact, the banner photo is one I took myself :D)
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
✓ Live Streaming✓ Interactive Chat✓ Private Shows✓ HD Quality✓ Free Actions
Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
Christina had been touring England, seeing the sights, happily interacting with her old friends from England when she got a call. Her old friend from the CIA, Agent Julian Johnson, calling? Something must've been urgent.
"Hello? Julian?"
"Hey Christina, I know this is last second, and, well, It's a hail mary if anything. Are you willing to do one last small mission?"
"Julian, I- I don't do that anymore. You know this."
"I know. And i wouldn't ask if it wasn't important, you know this."
Christina sighed. She was well aware of this. Plus with Agent Julian's son being so much younger than her Christopher...
"It wouldn't put me in danger?"
"There's a very, very slim likelihood of danger."
"Fine. What'd you need from me?"
As Agent Johnson informed her of the mission, she sighed, Wrote down the pertinent information and found her way into a flower shop. It was hard to believe anything nefarious happened to anyone in such a place. But she knew that anything could happen. She quietly opened the door to the shop, and made her way inside.
@mrs-christopherson
It was a surprisingly nice day for how cold the weather had felt lately. Having worked as a florist before the move, Sandra managed to find a job at the local florist and accompanying garden centre in town where she's currently arranging a few themed arrangements for a birthday behind the counter. Her attention is drawn from the poppies, marigolds, and purple lilacs at the sound of the bell at the door jingling, looking up as a woman enters.
"Good morning! Lovely weather this morning isn't it?" Sandra greets, her eyes a little weary but still cheerful, hands carefully weaving coarse string around the stems to keep the flowers in place. "I'll be here working on this order but if you have any questions or queries just let me know!"
The older woman gives a polite smile, carefully examining the flowers in the shop, she's dealt with interesting situations before but... this was a difficult subject to broach. She sniffed one of the flowers that she didn't recognize and politely starts up small talk.
"If you don't mind me asking, how's living in this area? My boy, is finally grew up, and I'm kinda curious. From your perspective, how it is? It seems so cozy here."
"Oh it is quite nice," She responds, sitting up more on her stool as she weaves stems together and plucks off stray leaves. "I haven't been here long, but my son and I are enjoying it. Everyone's very friendly here...the community is closer than I realised but I think that's a good thing."
Glancing up at the woman, Sandra smiles again. "Are you here on holiday, ma'am? You've come at a great time, it's been ever so chilly lately and the weather's only started to warm up this week."
Christina chuckled a bit, "That obvious I'm an American?" She smiles politely, "but yes, I am on holiday here. I've always loved the idea of coming here since I was a little girl." For a moment, she thinks about Christopher's father before asking, "Can I ask how old your son is?"
Christina didn't want to broach the subject just yet. Agent Johnson would've probably immediately started asking questions, but she's quite a bit more tactful. It's better to be calm and collected about this, after all.
Her laugh is quiet and kind, leaning back in her chair as she adjusts her glasses higher up on her face. "Aww, that's lovely!" Sandra responds, setting the arrangement aside for a moment to focus on the other. "Well I'm sure you'll have a great time here haha..."
At the question about Arthur she perks up a little. There's a particular fondness in her voice that is much more prevalent than when she was talking before. "Oh my boy Arthur is eight, he's just started school here a few days ago. It's going pretty well, I think he's doing alright with his new classmates." Her voice trails off into a yawn, so Sandra puts her hand to her mouth to cover it as she shoots the other an apologetic smile.
"Mmm, so sorry about that-" She laughs, trying to wave off her yawn out of politeness. "-You'll have to excuse me if I yawn once or twice, I haven't been sleeping well lately with our latest move and all."
Christina had been touring England, seeing the sights, happily interacting with her old friends from England when she got a call. Her old friend from the CIA, Agent Julian Johnson, calling? Something must've been urgent.
"Hello? Julian?"
"Hey Christina, I know this is last second, and, well, It's a hail mary if anything. Are you willing to do one last small mission?"
"Julian, I- I don't do that anymore. You know this."
"I know. And i wouldn't ask if it wasn't important, you know this."
Christina sighed. She was well aware of this. Plus with Agent Julian's son being so much younger than her Christopher...
"It wouldn't put me in danger?"
"There's a very, very slim likelihood of danger."
"Fine. What'd you need from me?"
As Agent Johnson informed her of the mission, she sighed, Wrote down the pertinent information and found her way into a flower shop. It was hard to believe anything nefarious happened to anyone in such a place. But she knew that anything could happen. She quietly opened the door to the shop, and made her way inside.
@mrs-christopherson
It was a surprisingly nice day for how cold the weather had felt lately. Having worked as a florist before the move, Sandra managed to find a job at the local florist and accompanying garden centre in town where she's currently arranging a few themed arrangements for a birthday behind the counter. Her attention is drawn from the poppies, marigolds, and purple lilacs at the sound of the bell at the door jingling, looking up as a woman enters.
"Good morning! Lovely weather this morning isn't it?" Sandra greets, her eyes a little weary but still cheerful, hands carefully weaving coarse string around the stems to keep the flowers in place. "I'll be here working on this order but if you have any questions or queries just let me know!"
The older woman gives a polite smile, carefully examining the flowers in the shop, she's dealt with interesting situations before but... this was a difficult subject to broach. She sniffed one of the flowers that she didn't recognize and politely starts up small talk.
"If you don't mind me asking, how's living in this area? My boy, is finally grew up, and I'm kinda curious. From your perspective, how it is? It seems so cozy here."
"Oh it is quite nice," She responds, sitting up more on her stool as she weaves stems together and plucks off stray leaves. "I haven't been here long, but my son and I are enjoying it. Everyone's very friendly here...the community is closer than I realised but I think that's a good thing."
Glancing up at the woman, Sandra smiles again. "Are you here on holiday, ma'am? You've come at a great time, it's been ever so chilly lately and the weather's only started to warm up this week."
Christina had been touring England, seeing the sights, happily interacting with her old friends from England when she got a call. Her old friend from the CIA, Agent Julian Johnson, calling? Something must've been urgent.
"Hello? Julian?"
"Hey Christina, I know this is last second, and, well, It's a hail mary if anything. Are you willing to do one last small mission?"
"Julian, I- I don't do that anymore. You know this."
"I know. And i wouldn't ask if it wasn't important, you know this."
Christina sighed. She was well aware of this. Plus with Agent Julian's son being so much younger than her Christopher...
"It wouldn't put me in danger?"
"There's a very, very slim likelihood of danger."
"Fine. What'd you need from me?"
As Agent Johnson informed her of the mission, she sighed, Wrote down the pertinent information and found her way into a flower shop. It was hard to believe anything nefarious happened to anyone in such a place. But she knew that anything could happen. She quietly opened the door to the shop, and made her way inside.
@mrs-christopherson
It was a surprisingly nice day for how cold the weather had felt lately. Having worked as a florist before the move, Sandra managed to find a job at the local florist and accompanying garden centre in town where she's currently arranging a few themed arrangements for a birthday behind the counter. Her attention is drawn from the poppies, marigolds, and purple lilacs at the sound of the bell at the door jingling, looking up as a woman enters.
"Good morning! Lovely weather this morning isn't it?" Sandra greets, her eyes a little weary but still cheerful, hands carefully weaving coarse string around the stems to keep the flowers in place. "I'll be here working on this order but if you have any questions or queries just let me know!"
Sandra looks down at him, cupping his cheek with an adoring smile. There's a fleck of paint on her brow from where she's painting one of the walls a dark reddish-pink.
"I've just got to finish this last bit of wall first, and then we'll go to the park alright? You've been so patient Arthur and I really appreciate it."
"Oh! Oh Arthur, be careful!" Carefully Sandra picks him up and starts walking over to the bathroom with Arthur on her hip, shaking her head and chuckling under her breath. Her hand curls around his wrist, not in a rough hold but just to stop him from wiping the paint anywhere.
"I appreciate your help love, but that paint will stain your clothes if you're not watching. Come on, let's go wash your hand."
"The wall? Oh um, I can find another brush if you'd like so you can help paint the wall. We're only doing this one, so you have to remember that sweetheart. We'll just wash your hands first, and then you can paint. Sound good, Arthur?"
Sandra sighs, kissing his forehead as she washes the paint off his hand.
"I know you want to Arthur but makes the paint look uneven on the wall and it's messy. You want to go to the park still right? We can't be covered in paint when we go."
"Sweetheart, look at me please." Meeting his eyes, Sandra's face softens. "Hey, I'm sorry. We can paint with hands another time, it's different than painting a wall. You have to listen to me please, alright?"
She closes her eyes and counts to ten in her head, rubbing her cheek.
"Arthur, please. I've said no already, asking repeatedly won't change my mind."
Standing straighter again once they finish washing his hands, Sandra runs a hand through her hair as she leans against the sink, trying not to show her tiredness.
"You'll use a big brush to help me paint, or you can go play in your room until I'm done. Please stop asking me why, you know I don't like it when you ask over and over."
In a flash she takes his hand and walks him through the house to his room, pursing her lips and shaking her head. "I've got enough on my plate right now, I'm too tired for this-" Sandra mutters, her breath hitching for a moment in her frustration as they walk into his room and she stands in the doorway, pointing to Arthur's bed.
"Go sit down, Arthur. You're staying in your room while I paint, and then after we'll go to the park. I love you, and I-I won't be long. Stay here."
With that she turns away, a shimmering gleam in her eyes only visible for a moment before she shuts the door behind her, walking down the hall and trying to take a breath as a tear of annoyance and exhaustion trails down her cheek.
She goes and sits down at the kitchen table, putting her face in her hands as her vision blurs with tears and spill over.
"So tired..." Sandra whispers quietly to herself, putting her glasses on the table. "Fuck."
Faintly she can hear the knocking from Arthur on his door, despite the fact it's unlocked and he can leave his room quite easily. She doesn't have the heart to properly punish him, even if Arthur can drive her up the wall with his questions.
From the force of the pounding knocks the door swings open, having been on the edge of shutting when Sandra shut the door behind her.
Sandra sits there at the table, blonde hair fallen partially over her face as she tries to pull herself together but failing miserably from the lack of sleep and stress of the past few months overwhelming the woman.
There's no more frustration in her voice when she feels little arms wrap around her; why would she get mad at her son for leaving his room to hug her? Sandra shifts a little in her chair, giving space for Arthur to climb into her lap as she returns the hug.
It's probably tighter than it needs to be, but Sandra doesn't care. She wipes her eyes on her sleeve, trying to be strong in front of her son even as exhaustion pulls at the edges of her vision.
She nods slightly, shifting her glasses to rub at one of her eyes. "I'm sorry love," Sandra murmurs, kissing his hair as she sits back in the chair, arms wrapped around Arthur so he doesn't fall off her lap. "Mummy's very tired, I haven't been sleeping very well. I just needed a second..."
Sandra rubs her eyes and chuckles again, feeling a fuzzy warmth start to grow in her chest.
"Oh you're so sweet, love. I'm not sure there's much you can do to help me sleep better. Going to bed at 8:30 when it's your bedtime will certainly help though so we don't stay up too late and be grumpy in the morning..."
"I know you do, but it's always good to be reminded! Now..."
Sandra brushes back her hair and looks at Arthur, tilting her head with a little smile. Her hazel eyes still look exhausted but have a little shine to them.
"Do you want to go get ready for the park? This wall...it can wait. I've only got a bit left to do anyway."
"Yep! Go put your warm coat on and some sneakers Arthur, it's been pretty chilly outside and we can't have you getting sick before you start school next week."
Kissing his forehead, Sandra slides him off her lap and shoos him off towards his room with a soft smile. It gives her time to reacquaint herself and fix up her appearance for a second before it's time for the park. Rubbing her face again, Sandra makes a reminder in her head to look for something that might help with her exhaustion and nightmares around town.
"Alright," Sandra relents, shaking her head and smiling. "You don't have to wear it right now. I'll bring it anyway to keep in the car because I know you'll get cold love. Are you going to bring any toys for the sandpit or to play on the grass?"
After making some hot chocolate to put into thermos cups, Sandra slips on her navy coat and grabs her keys and handbag, her hand steady on Arthur's back as they leave the house to start making the short trip to the nearby park.
"Come on Arthur, hopefully you'll be able to play with some kids at the playground too!"
Maybe there she'll be able to have a few moments to breathe without the stress of the world on her shoulders.
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
✓ Live Streaming✓ Interactive Chat✓ Private Shows✓ HD Quality✓ Free Actions
Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
Sandra looks down at him, cupping his cheek with an adoring smile. There's a fleck of paint on her brow from where she's painting one of the walls a dark reddish-pink.
"I've just got to finish this last bit of wall first, and then we'll go to the park alright? You've been so patient Arthur and I really appreciate it."
"Oh! Oh Arthur, be careful!" Carefully Sandra picks him up and starts walking over to the bathroom with Arthur on her hip, shaking her head and chuckling under her breath. Her hand curls around his wrist, not in a rough hold but just to stop him from wiping the paint anywhere.
"I appreciate your help love, but that paint will stain your clothes if you're not watching. Come on, let's go wash your hand."
"The wall? Oh um, I can find another brush if you'd like so you can help paint the wall. We're only doing this one, so you have to remember that sweetheart. We'll just wash your hands first, and then you can paint. Sound good, Arthur?"
Sandra sighs, kissing his forehead as she washes the paint off his hand.
"I know you want to Arthur but makes the paint look uneven on the wall and it's messy. You want to go to the park still right? We can't be covered in paint when we go."
"Sweetheart, look at me please." Meeting his eyes, Sandra's face softens. "Hey, I'm sorry. We can paint with hands another time, it's different than painting a wall. You have to listen to me please, alright?"
She closes her eyes and counts to ten in her head, rubbing her cheek.
"Arthur, please. I've said no already, asking repeatedly won't change my mind."
Standing straighter again once they finish washing his hands, Sandra runs a hand through her hair as she leans against the sink, trying not to show her tiredness.
"You'll use a big brush to help me paint, or you can go play in your room until I'm done. Please stop asking me why, you know I don't like it when you ask over and over."
In a flash she takes his hand and walks him through the house to his room, pursing her lips and shaking her head. "I've got enough on my plate right now, I'm too tired for this-" Sandra mutters, her breath hitching for a moment in her frustration as they walk into his room and she stands in the doorway, pointing to Arthur's bed.
"Go sit down, Arthur. You're staying in your room while I paint, and then after we'll go to the park. I love you, and I-I won't be long. Stay here."
With that she turns away, a shimmering gleam in her eyes only visible for a moment before she shuts the door behind her, walking down the hall and trying to take a breath as a tear of annoyance and exhaustion trails down her cheek.
She goes and sits down at the kitchen table, putting her face in her hands as her vision blurs with tears and spill over.
"So tired..." Sandra whispers quietly to herself, putting her glasses on the table. "Fuck."
Faintly she can hear the knocking from Arthur on his door, despite the fact it's unlocked and he can leave his room quite easily. She doesn't have the heart to properly punish him, even if Arthur can drive her up the wall with his questions.
From the force of the pounding knocks the door swings open, having been on the edge of shutting when Sandra shut the door behind her.
Sandra sits there at the table, blonde hair fallen partially over her face as she tries to pull herself together but failing miserably from the lack of sleep and stress of the past few months overwhelming the woman.
There's no more frustration in her voice when she feels little arms wrap around her; why would she get mad at her son for leaving his room to hug her? Sandra shifts a little in her chair, giving space for Arthur to climb into her lap as she returns the hug.
It's probably tighter than it needs to be, but Sandra doesn't care. She wipes her eyes on her sleeve, trying to be strong in front of her son even as exhaustion pulls at the edges of her vision.
She nods slightly, shifting her glasses to rub at one of her eyes. "I'm sorry love," Sandra murmurs, kissing his hair as she sits back in the chair, arms wrapped around Arthur so he doesn't fall off her lap. "Mummy's very tired, I haven't been sleeping very well. I just needed a second..."
Sandra rubs her eyes and chuckles again, feeling a fuzzy warmth start to grow in her chest.
"Oh you're so sweet, love. I'm not sure there's much you can do to help me sleep better. Going to bed at 8:30 when it's your bedtime will certainly help though so we don't stay up too late and be grumpy in the morning..."
"I know you do, but it's always good to be reminded! Now..."
Sandra brushes back her hair and looks at Arthur, tilting her head with a little smile. Her hazel eyes still look exhausted but have a little shine to them.
"Do you want to go get ready for the park? This wall...it can wait. I've only got a bit left to do anyway."
"Yep! Go put your warm coat on and some sneakers Arthur, it's been pretty chilly outside and we can't have you getting sick before you start school next week."
Kissing his forehead, Sandra slides him off her lap and shoos him off towards his room with a soft smile. It gives her time to reacquaint herself and fix up her appearance for a second before it's time for the park. Rubbing her face again, Sandra makes a reminder in her head to look for something that might help with her exhaustion and nightmares around town.
"Alright," Sandra relents, shaking her head and smiling. "You don't have to wear it right now. I'll bring it anyway to keep in the car because I know you'll get cold love. Are you going to bring any toys for the sandpit or to play on the grass?"
After making some hot chocolate to put into thermos cups, Sandra slips on her navy coat and grabs her keys and handbag, her hand steady on Arthur's back as they leave the house to start making the short trip to the nearby park.
"Come on Arthur, hopefully you'll be able to play with some kids at the playground too!"
Maybe there she'll be able to have a few moments to breathe without the stress of the world on her shoulders.
Sandra looks down at him, cupping his cheek with an adoring smile. There's a fleck of paint on her brow from where she's painting one of the walls a dark reddish-pink.
"I've just got to finish this last bit of wall first, and then we'll go to the park alright? You've been so patient Arthur and I really appreciate it."
"Oh! Oh Arthur, be careful!" Carefully Sandra picks him up and starts walking over to the bathroom with Arthur on her hip, shaking her head and chuckling under her breath. Her hand curls around his wrist, not in a rough hold but just to stop him from wiping the paint anywhere.
"I appreciate your help love, but that paint will stain your clothes if you're not watching. Come on, let's go wash your hand."
"The wall? Oh um, I can find another brush if you'd like so you can help paint the wall. We're only doing this one, so you have to remember that sweetheart. We'll just wash your hands first, and then you can paint. Sound good, Arthur?"
Sandra sighs, kissing his forehead as she washes the paint off his hand.
"I know you want to Arthur but makes the paint look uneven on the wall and it's messy. You want to go to the park still right? We can't be covered in paint when we go."
"Sweetheart, look at me please." Meeting his eyes, Sandra's face softens. "Hey, I'm sorry. We can paint with hands another time, it's different than painting a wall. You have to listen to me please, alright?"
She closes her eyes and counts to ten in her head, rubbing her cheek.
"Arthur, please. I've said no already, asking repeatedly won't change my mind."
Standing straighter again once they finish washing his hands, Sandra runs a hand through her hair as she leans against the sink, trying not to show her tiredness.
"You'll use a big brush to help me paint, or you can go play in your room until I'm done. Please stop asking me why, you know I don't like it when you ask over and over."
In a flash she takes his hand and walks him through the house to his room, pursing her lips and shaking her head. "I've got enough on my plate right now, I'm too tired for this-" Sandra mutters, her breath hitching for a moment in her frustration as they walk into his room and she stands in the doorway, pointing to Arthur's bed.
"Go sit down, Arthur. You're staying in your room while I paint, and then after we'll go to the park. I love you, and I-I won't be long. Stay here."
With that she turns away, a shimmering gleam in her eyes only visible for a moment before she shuts the door behind her, walking down the hall and trying to take a breath as a tear of annoyance and exhaustion trails down her cheek.
She goes and sits down at the kitchen table, putting her face in her hands as her vision blurs with tears and spill over.
"So tired..." Sandra whispers quietly to herself, putting her glasses on the table. "Fuck."
Faintly she can hear the knocking from Arthur on his door, despite the fact it's unlocked and he can leave his room quite easily. She doesn't have the heart to properly punish him, even if Arthur can drive her up the wall with his questions.
From the force of the pounding knocks the door swings open, having been on the edge of shutting when Sandra shut the door behind her.
Sandra sits there at the table, blonde hair fallen partially over her face as she tries to pull herself together but failing miserably from the lack of sleep and stress of the past few months overwhelming the woman.
There's no more frustration in her voice when she feels little arms wrap around her; why would she get mad at her son for leaving his room to hug her? Sandra shifts a little in her chair, giving space for Arthur to climb into her lap as she returns the hug.
It's probably tighter than it needs to be, but Sandra doesn't care. She wipes her eyes on her sleeve, trying to be strong in front of her son even as exhaustion pulls at the edges of her vision.
She nods slightly, shifting her glasses to rub at one of her eyes. "I'm sorry love," Sandra murmurs, kissing his hair as she sits back in the chair, arms wrapped around Arthur so he doesn't fall off her lap. "Mummy's very tired, I haven't been sleeping very well. I just needed a second..."
Sandra rubs her eyes and chuckles again, feeling a fuzzy warmth start to grow in her chest.
"Oh you're so sweet, love. I'm not sure there's much you can do to help me sleep better. Going to bed at 8:30 when it's your bedtime will certainly help though so we don't stay up too late and be grumpy in the morning..."
"I know you do, but it's always good to be reminded! Now..."
Sandra brushes back her hair and looks at Arthur, tilting her head with a little smile. Her hazel eyes still look exhausted but have a little shine to them.
"Do you want to go get ready for the park? This wall...it can wait. I've only got a bit left to do anyway."
"Yep! Go put your warm coat on and some sneakers Arthur, it's been pretty chilly outside and we can't have you getting sick before you start school next week."
Kissing his forehead, Sandra slides him off her lap and shoos him off towards his room with a soft smile. It gives her time to reacquaint herself and fix up her appearance for a second before it's time for the park. Rubbing her face again, Sandra makes a reminder in her head to look for something that might help with her exhaustion and nightmares around town.
"Alright," Sandra relents, shaking her head and smiling. "You don't have to wear it right now. I'll bring it anyway to keep in the car because I know you'll get cold love. Are you going to bring any toys for the sandpit or to play on the grass?"
Hi, Sandra! Must be so hard to be a single mum and raising a kid all on your own. I'd know, as a former single mum myself. Here, some jasmine green tea as a welcome gift!!
- @gemma-of-shropshire
Oh wow hello, it's nice to meet you! I-
Ah. That tea is...it's lovely, Gemma was it? Thank you for the gift, that's very kind of you. I'll have to try some one afternoon when I'm reading.
I have to admit, I'm finding it quite difficult at the moment with it just being me and Arthur. I...it wasn't expected to happen. How do people do this and just be, be okay?
But um, maybe we could do coffee sometime and let our kids hang out? I'd sure appreciate the company.
Try it! I find it a very soothing blend. And I completely understand, it was rough for me and Tommy too—my son, especially the first few months as a single mum. (sighs) No one ever sees it coming... you're not alone in this, Sandra.
But yes, we can definitely have coffee together sometime!! Tommy could do with more friends always.
You'll have to show me some of the better cafes here in town, I'm afraid I haven't had time this week to look myself what with moving and painting and such haha-
I get it. Moving by yourself with a kid... whew, I can't imagine the workload!
And I'd love to have tea with you! Here's my number—(Gemma scribbles down the digits quickly on a piece of paper, gives it to you)—I work a 9-5, but let me know when you're free!
I've got a few busy weeks ahead what with getting Arthur sorted at his new school, however I'm usually free on the weekends. Plus once Arthur hopefully makes some friends I'll have a little more free time to catch up after work.
When Sandra falls asleep on this frigid night she's expecting a nightmare to plague her mind, as they have all week since the move.
But what she doesn't expect is to see the maze again with such vivid detail and sensations. She takes a step back from the entrance, a pit of dread forming in her stomach as the expanse of the maze stretches high above her head, looking and oppressive. "This...this isn't like normal..." Sandra whispers to herself, feeling her hands start to shake.
*Winthrop's voice booms around her* You're back, and I don't think you can escape this time. *a cup of earl grey tea sits, cold on a nearby table*
The moment the voice speaks, a wave of icy terror runs over her skin out of recognition. "No...No!" She gasps, spying the table and the tea. Shaking her head the woman backs away from the table, pushing her wire-framed glasses higher on her face.
"This is a trick! I'm just dreaming, there's no way I'm actually back! Not with you!"
I already have your son in the maze, why don't you try to save him? Suffering is the universal human condition and you have suffered. *there is a moment* Yes, Winthorpe, she is back.
"You're a twisted liar and a trickster, my son is perfectly alright!" Sandra snaps, reacting more out of fear for Arthur than for herself. While both of them had been through this, she had spent a lot more time with Winthrop than Arthur ever had. "I have no need to endure more suffering, I've already been through too much in my lifetime-"
Her words cut off as the being's words sink in, and the only way her body reacts is to turn away and squeeze her eyes shut, putting a hand to her mouth to fight down whatever pained sound that threatens to choke from her mouth. Not him. She can't face him again. She'd rather face Winthrop again face to face.
A defiant, horrified laugh escapes her chest unwillingly. "I-I don't want to touch that blasted teacup ever again!" She scowls, refusing to look down the hallway as she keeps backing up.
"I'm just dreaming, I-I know I'm just dreaming! Ugh wake up Sandra, please-"
The moment he comes into view, Sandra's face pales and she finds herself unable to move, completely frozen in horror at the sight of the source of her nightmares.
Why, why was this happening again?! She'd only barely been keeping her head above water since they'd moved.
"F-Fuck you-" She chokes, her eyes pricking with heat and breathing taking on an uneasy, stuttering pace. "I don't...I don't want to do this again. I don't want anything to do with this! You had your trickery fun last time, let me go..."
I said I wanted you to be here for eternity, now you can be. You will remember and hear my voice forever. *Winthorpe takes a sip of his tea out of a godzilla cup* He agrees, do you?
"No I-" Sandra looks away when Henry Winthorpe steps into view as well, the shaking in her hands spreading to the rest of her as all her grief from when he went missing hits her like a truck. Her legs go weak, and the woman doesn't realise that she's sat on a chair until her knees buckle and her gaze falls onto a small circle table that's also appeared from thin air.
"I-I don't agree. Please, don't have him here. Henry...my Henry."
Her gaze falls on the table and stays there, trying not to look at the man who used to be her husband so she doesn't break down.
The sound of only one person sipping tea makes her lips curl into a watery smile, and she risks glancing up from the table. Sandra's tears only fall when she finds Henry looking directly at her, unconsciously fidgeting with the pearl bracelet on her wrist. The one he gave her so long ago.
"And if he's mine, then he-he goes where I goes. Which means when I leave, and I WILL leave, Henry fucking comes with me. That's final."
The faint flicker of hope in her eyes is extinguished before it even fully forms, and Sandra looks down at the table again, unable to meet Henry's eyes as she clenches her jaw. Her hand comes up to wipe her eyes, pushing against her glasses.
"He's still mine though. Still...still mine." Sandra's voice quietens, but still carries a layer of defiance. "You can't take that from me at least."
After a final horrified glare Sandra turns and bolts into the maze, bile creeping up her throat as the massive, hedged shrubbery looms over her form once again. Her lungs burn as she runs through the winding paths, calling for Arthur with a cracked voice.
"ARTHUR! ARTHUR SWEETHEART, I'M HERE! I'LL FIND YOU, IT'S OKAY!"
Sandra startles awake, sitting up quickly with her heart still pounding and voice tight from crying. At first she struggles to adjust to the darkness, but she finds the lamp switch with a fumbling hand and feels a sob escape when she sees Arthur standing next to the bed with large worried eyes, the wave of relief washing over her intense and overwhelming.
"Oh my god, A-Arthur-" Her arms reach out and she pulls her son close, burying her face in his hair as her breathing tries to slow down, her hands splayed on his back to prove to herself that he's here. "I, oh you're still here, I'm so sorry did I wake you up? It's okay, sweetheart, it's okay. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Mummy had a nightmare..."
"Just...Just had a scary dream, Arthur." She murmurs, pressing a kiss to his temple and brushing some hair from his forehead even as her hands shake. "Just a really scary dream. Thank you for waking me up."
"Hey hey, it's okay." Her smile is tired and small, and a little sad. After another scratchy, pained swallow she reaches for her glass of water, taking a large sip.
"You can trauma dump to me, alright? I'm your mother, I only said not to trauma dump to others because sometimes it makes people who don't understand feel uncomfortable. But we can talk about it, okay love?"
"That's because I had a nightmare about you getting lost, sweetheart. If you're worried about something then you can tell me Arthur. I'm your mother, it's alright."
Kissing his cheek, she lifts her son onto the bed with a grunt, tucking him into her side as she wipes her eyes and lets out a shaky breath.
"I..." She sighs heavily, looking up to the ceiling for a moment as she realises something, cuddling Arthur back.
"I don't know if you remember Arthur, but you were lost in a maze once after we got separated by someone. It took me a long time to find you and I was very scared that I'd lost you forever. I...I had a nightmare that you were lost again."
"I know you're not sweetheart, you're right here with me aren't you?" She cups his cheek with a gentle smile and rubs his arm with her other hand, her eyes still red from crying in her sleep. "That was just...it felt very real, even if it was just a nightmare. I'm sorry I woke you Arthur, that must've been very scary to see me so upset."
A soft, tired laugh escapes her at the squeeze so she squeezes him back. "I love you too, Arthur. Very very much." Sandra whispers, kissing his hair.
"Would you like to try and go back to sleep sweetheart? You can stay in my bed tonight if you'd like, I won't make you go back to yours if you don't want to."
The bed quilt is thick and plushy as she tugs it back so Arthur can hop in next to her, lovely shades of orange merging together that looks like dappled sunlight.
"I've got a hot water bottle in here too like the one in your bed so it's lovely and toasty as well, alright?"
Sandra nods, adjusting the pillows to lie against the headboard so she can sit up more, one of her hands coming up to run through Arthur's hair gently as she does.
"Which one would you like?" She murmurs, reaching over her son to the other bedside table where a few books were left by him from when he copied reading in bed next to her a few mornings ago. "You left a few here last time love, take your pick."
"Great choice Arthur!" Placing the others back she then puts her glasses on and settles in to start reading, this time a book about a caveboy and his dinosaur friend. She narrates in a lovely soft, hushed tone that suits the late time, making sure to lower her voice when reading out the dinosaur's words in the way that makes Arthur giggle.
Carefully she marks the page and puts the book back on the table, before shifting Arthur's body without waking him up to curl beside her so his neck doesn't get sore. "Goodnight Arthur," Sandra whispers, kissing his hair and holding him close. "Sweet dreams. I'll be right here..."
Rubbing her face she settles down against the pillows, the remnants of her nightmare still lingering in her thoughts. Her gaze settles on a photo on her bedside table of a past time, where Arthur is mid-squeal and hoisted on the shoulders of his father. She studies Henry's face for some time, a quieter tear falling down her cheek. "Goodnight darling..." Her whisper is quieter, laced with the grief that's been festering in her chest since he went missing and only increased after what happened in that maze.
She turns away then and faces Arthur as she closes her eyes, waiting for sleep to come and hopefully give her an hour or more before the new day arrives.
Sandra looks down at him, cupping his cheek with an adoring smile. There's a fleck of paint on her brow from where she's painting one of the walls a dark reddish-pink.
"I've just got to finish this last bit of wall first, and then we'll go to the park alright? You've been so patient Arthur and I really appreciate it."
"Oh! Oh Arthur, be careful!" Carefully Sandra picks him up and starts walking over to the bathroom with Arthur on her hip, shaking her head and chuckling under her breath. Her hand curls around his wrist, not in a rough hold but just to stop him from wiping the paint anywhere.
"I appreciate your help love, but that paint will stain your clothes if you're not watching. Come on, let's go wash your hand."
"The wall? Oh um, I can find another brush if you'd like so you can help paint the wall. We're only doing this one, so you have to remember that sweetheart. We'll just wash your hands first, and then you can paint. Sound good, Arthur?"
Sandra sighs, kissing his forehead as she washes the paint off his hand.
"I know you want to Arthur but makes the paint look uneven on the wall and it's messy. You want to go to the park still right? We can't be covered in paint when we go."
"Sweetheart, look at me please." Meeting his eyes, Sandra's face softens. "Hey, I'm sorry. We can paint with hands another time, it's different than painting a wall. You have to listen to me please, alright?"
She closes her eyes and counts to ten in her head, rubbing her cheek.
"Arthur, please. I've said no already, asking repeatedly won't change my mind."
Standing straighter again once they finish washing his hands, Sandra runs a hand through her hair as she leans against the sink, trying not to show her tiredness.
"You'll use a big brush to help me paint, or you can go play in your room until I'm done. Please stop asking me why, you know I don't like it when you ask over and over."
In a flash she takes his hand and walks him through the house to his room, pursing her lips and shaking her head. "I've got enough on my plate right now, I'm too tired for this-" Sandra mutters, her breath hitching for a moment in her frustration as they walk into his room and she stands in the doorway, pointing to Arthur's bed.
"Go sit down, Arthur. You're staying in your room while I paint, and then after we'll go to the park. I love you, and I-I won't be long. Stay here."
With that she turns away, a shimmering gleam in her eyes only visible for a moment before she shuts the door behind her, walking down the hall and trying to take a breath as a tear of annoyance and exhaustion trails down her cheek.
She goes and sits down at the kitchen table, putting her face in her hands as her vision blurs with tears and spill over.
"So tired..." Sandra whispers quietly to herself, putting her glasses on the table. "Fuck."
Faintly she can hear the knocking from Arthur on his door, despite the fact it's unlocked and he can leave his room quite easily. She doesn't have the heart to properly punish him, even if Arthur can drive her up the wall with his questions.
From the force of the pounding knocks the door swings open, having been on the edge of shutting when Sandra shut the door behind her.
Sandra sits there at the table, blonde hair fallen partially over her face as she tries to pull herself together but failing miserably from the lack of sleep and stress of the past few months overwhelming the woman.
There's no more frustration in her voice when she feels little arms wrap around her; why would she get mad at her son for leaving his room to hug her? Sandra shifts a little in her chair, giving space for Arthur to climb into her lap as she returns the hug.
It's probably tighter than it needs to be, but Sandra doesn't care. She wipes her eyes on her sleeve, trying to be strong in front of her son even as exhaustion pulls at the edges of her vision.
She nods slightly, shifting her glasses to rub at one of her eyes. "I'm sorry love," Sandra murmurs, kissing his hair as she sits back in the chair, arms wrapped around Arthur so he doesn't fall off her lap. "Mummy's very tired, I haven't been sleeping very well. I just needed a second..."
Sandra rubs her eyes and chuckles again, feeling a fuzzy warmth start to grow in her chest.
"Oh you're so sweet, love. I'm not sure there's much you can do to help me sleep better. Going to bed at 8:30 when it's your bedtime will certainly help though so we don't stay up too late and be grumpy in the morning..."
"I know you do, but it's always good to be reminded! Now..."
Sandra brushes back her hair and looks at Arthur, tilting her head with a little smile. Her hazel eyes still look exhausted but have a little shine to them.
"Do you want to go get ready for the park? This wall...it can wait. I've only got a bit left to do anyway."
"Yep! Go put your warm coat on and some sneakers Arthur, it's been pretty chilly outside and we can't have you getting sick before you start school next week."
Kissing his forehead, Sandra slides him off her lap and shoos him off towards his room with a soft smile. It gives her time to reacquaint herself and fix up her appearance for a second before it's time for the park. Rubbing her face again, Sandra makes a reminder in her head to look for something that might help with her exhaustion and nightmares around town.
"Alright," Sandra relents, shaking her head and smiling. "You don't have to wear it right now. I'll bring it anyway to keep in the car because I know you'll get cold love. Are you going to bring any toys for the sandpit or to play on the grass?"
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
✓ Live Streaming✓ Interactive Chat✓ Private Shows✓ HD Quality✓ Free Actions
Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
When Sandra falls asleep on this frigid night she's expecting a nightmare to plague her mind, as they have all week since the move.
But what she doesn't expect is to see the maze again with such vivid detail and sensations. She takes a step back from the entrance, a pit of dread forming in her stomach as the expanse of the maze stretches high above her head, looking and oppressive. "This...this isn't like normal..." Sandra whispers to herself, feeling her hands start to shake.
*Winthrop's voice booms around her* You're back, and I don't think you can escape this time. *a cup of earl grey tea sits, cold on a nearby table*
The moment the voice speaks, a wave of icy terror runs over her skin out of recognition. "No...No!" She gasps, spying the table and the tea. Shaking her head the woman backs away from the table, pushing her wire-framed glasses higher on her face.
"This is a trick! I'm just dreaming, there's no way I'm actually back! Not with you!"
I already have your son in the maze, why don't you try to save him? Suffering is the universal human condition and you have suffered. *there is a moment* Yes, Winthorpe, she is back.
"You're a twisted liar and a trickster, my son is perfectly alright!" Sandra snaps, reacting more out of fear for Arthur than for herself. While both of them had been through this, she had spent a lot more time with Winthrop than Arthur ever had. "I have no need to endure more suffering, I've already been through too much in my lifetime-"
Her words cut off as the being's words sink in, and the only way her body reacts is to turn away and squeeze her eyes shut, putting a hand to her mouth to fight down whatever pained sound that threatens to choke from her mouth. Not him. She can't face him again. She'd rather face Winthrop again face to face.
A defiant, horrified laugh escapes her chest unwillingly. "I-I don't want to touch that blasted teacup ever again!" She scowls, refusing to look down the hallway as she keeps backing up.
"I'm just dreaming, I-I know I'm just dreaming! Ugh wake up Sandra, please-"
The moment he comes into view, Sandra's face pales and she finds herself unable to move, completely frozen in horror at the sight of the source of her nightmares.
Why, why was this happening again?! She'd only barely been keeping her head above water since they'd moved.
"F-Fuck you-" She chokes, her eyes pricking with heat and breathing taking on an uneasy, stuttering pace. "I don't...I don't want to do this again. I don't want anything to do with this! You had your trickery fun last time, let me go..."
I said I wanted you to be here for eternity, now you can be. You will remember and hear my voice forever. *Winthorpe takes a sip of his tea out of a godzilla cup* He agrees, do you?
"No I-" Sandra looks away when Henry Winthorpe steps into view as well, the shaking in her hands spreading to the rest of her as all her grief from when he went missing hits her like a truck. Her legs go weak, and the woman doesn't realise that she's sat on a chair until her knees buckle and her gaze falls onto a small circle table that's also appeared from thin air.
"I-I don't agree. Please, don't have him here. Henry...my Henry."
Her gaze falls on the table and stays there, trying not to look at the man who used to be her husband so she doesn't break down.
The sound of only one person sipping tea makes her lips curl into a watery smile, and she risks glancing up from the table. Sandra's tears only fall when she finds Henry looking directly at her, unconsciously fidgeting with the pearl bracelet on her wrist. The one he gave her so long ago.
"And if he's mine, then he-he goes where I goes. Which means when I leave, and I WILL leave, Henry fucking comes with me. That's final."
The faint flicker of hope in her eyes is extinguished before it even fully forms, and Sandra looks down at the table again, unable to meet Henry's eyes as she clenches her jaw. Her hand comes up to wipe her eyes, pushing against her glasses.
"He's still mine though. Still...still mine." Sandra's voice quietens, but still carries a layer of defiance. "You can't take that from me at least."
After a final horrified glare Sandra turns and bolts into the maze, bile creeping up her throat as the massive, hedged shrubbery looms over her form once again. Her lungs burn as she runs through the winding paths, calling for Arthur with a cracked voice.
"ARTHUR! ARTHUR SWEETHEART, I'M HERE! I'LL FIND YOU, IT'S OKAY!"
Sandra startles awake, sitting up quickly with her heart still pounding and voice tight from crying. At first she struggles to adjust to the darkness, but she finds the lamp switch with a fumbling hand and feels a sob escape when she sees Arthur standing next to the bed with large worried eyes, the wave of relief washing over her intense and overwhelming.
"Oh my god, A-Arthur-" Her arms reach out and she pulls her son close, burying her face in his hair as her breathing tries to slow down, her hands splayed on his back to prove to herself that he's here. "I, oh you're still here, I'm so sorry did I wake you up? It's okay, sweetheart, it's okay. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Mummy had a nightmare..."
"Just...Just had a scary dream, Arthur." She murmurs, pressing a kiss to his temple and brushing some hair from his forehead even as her hands shake. "Just a really scary dream. Thank you for waking me up."
"Hey hey, it's okay." Her smile is tired and small, and a little sad. After another scratchy, pained swallow she reaches for her glass of water, taking a large sip.
"You can trauma dump to me, alright? I'm your mother, I only said not to trauma dump to others because sometimes it makes people who don't understand feel uncomfortable. But we can talk about it, okay love?"
"That's because I had a nightmare about you getting lost, sweetheart. If you're worried about something then you can tell me Arthur. I'm your mother, it's alright."
Kissing his cheek, she lifts her son onto the bed with a grunt, tucking him into her side as she wipes her eyes and lets out a shaky breath.
"I..." She sighs heavily, looking up to the ceiling for a moment as she realises something, cuddling Arthur back.
"I don't know if you remember Arthur, but you were lost in a maze once after we got separated by someone. It took me a long time to find you and I was very scared that I'd lost you forever. I...I had a nightmare that you were lost again."
"I know you're not sweetheart, you're right here with me aren't you?" She cups his cheek with a gentle smile and rubs his arm with her other hand, her eyes still red from crying in her sleep. "That was just...it felt very real, even if it was just a nightmare. I'm sorry I woke you Arthur, that must've been very scary to see me so upset."
A soft, tired laugh escapes her at the squeeze so she squeezes him back. "I love you too, Arthur. Very very much." Sandra whispers, kissing his hair.
"Would you like to try and go back to sleep sweetheart? You can stay in my bed tonight if you'd like, I won't make you go back to yours if you don't want to."
The bed quilt is thick and plushy as she tugs it back so Arthur can hop in next to her, lovely shades of orange merging together that looks like dappled sunlight.
"I've got a hot water bottle in here too like the one in your bed so it's lovely and toasty as well, alright?"
Sandra nods, adjusting the pillows to lie against the headboard so she can sit up more, one of her hands coming up to run through Arthur's hair gently as she does.
"Which one would you like?" She murmurs, reaching over her son to the other bedside table where a few books were left by him from when he copied reading in bed next to her a few mornings ago. "You left a few here last time love, take your pick."
"Great choice Arthur!" Placing the others back she then puts her glasses on and settles in to start reading, this time a book about a caveboy and his dinosaur friend. She narrates in a lovely soft, hushed tone that suits the late time, making sure to lower her voice when reading out the dinosaur's words in the way that makes Arthur giggle.
Sandra looks down at him, cupping his cheek with an adoring smile. There's a fleck of paint on her brow from where she's painting one of the walls a dark reddish-pink.
"I've just got to finish this last bit of wall first, and then we'll go to the park alright? You've been so patient Arthur and I really appreciate it."
"Oh! Oh Arthur, be careful!" Carefully Sandra picks him up and starts walking over to the bathroom with Arthur on her hip, shaking her head and chuckling under her breath. Her hand curls around his wrist, not in a rough hold but just to stop him from wiping the paint anywhere.
"I appreciate your help love, but that paint will stain your clothes if you're not watching. Come on, let's go wash your hand."
"The wall? Oh um, I can find another brush if you'd like so you can help paint the wall. We're only doing this one, so you have to remember that sweetheart. We'll just wash your hands first, and then you can paint. Sound good, Arthur?"
Sandra sighs, kissing his forehead as she washes the paint off his hand.
"I know you want to Arthur but makes the paint look uneven on the wall and it's messy. You want to go to the park still right? We can't be covered in paint when we go."
"Sweetheart, look at me please." Meeting his eyes, Sandra's face softens. "Hey, I'm sorry. We can paint with hands another time, it's different than painting a wall. You have to listen to me please, alright?"
She closes her eyes and counts to ten in her head, rubbing her cheek.
"Arthur, please. I've said no already, asking repeatedly won't change my mind."
Standing straighter again once they finish washing his hands, Sandra runs a hand through her hair as she leans against the sink, trying not to show her tiredness.
"You'll use a big brush to help me paint, or you can go play in your room until I'm done. Please stop asking me why, you know I don't like it when you ask over and over."
In a flash she takes his hand and walks him through the house to his room, pursing her lips and shaking her head. "I've got enough on my plate right now, I'm too tired for this-" Sandra mutters, her breath hitching for a moment in her frustration as they walk into his room and she stands in the doorway, pointing to Arthur's bed.
"Go sit down, Arthur. You're staying in your room while I paint, and then after we'll go to the park. I love you, and I-I won't be long. Stay here."
With that she turns away, a shimmering gleam in her eyes only visible for a moment before she shuts the door behind her, walking down the hall and trying to take a breath as a tear of annoyance and exhaustion trails down her cheek.
She goes and sits down at the kitchen table, putting her face in her hands as her vision blurs with tears and spill over.
"So tired..." Sandra whispers quietly to herself, putting her glasses on the table. "Fuck."
Faintly she can hear the knocking from Arthur on his door, despite the fact it's unlocked and he can leave his room quite easily. She doesn't have the heart to properly punish him, even if Arthur can drive her up the wall with his questions.
From the force of the pounding knocks the door swings open, having been on the edge of shutting when Sandra shut the door behind her.
Sandra sits there at the table, blonde hair fallen partially over her face as she tries to pull herself together but failing miserably from the lack of sleep and stress of the past few months overwhelming the woman.
There's no more frustration in her voice when she feels little arms wrap around her; why would she get mad at her son for leaving his room to hug her? Sandra shifts a little in her chair, giving space for Arthur to climb into her lap as she returns the hug.
It's probably tighter than it needs to be, but Sandra doesn't care. She wipes her eyes on her sleeve, trying to be strong in front of her son even as exhaustion pulls at the edges of her vision.
She nods slightly, shifting her glasses to rub at one of her eyes. "I'm sorry love," Sandra murmurs, kissing his hair as she sits back in the chair, arms wrapped around Arthur so he doesn't fall off her lap. "Mummy's very tired, I haven't been sleeping very well. I just needed a second..."
Sandra rubs her eyes and chuckles again, feeling a fuzzy warmth start to grow in her chest.
"Oh you're so sweet, love. I'm not sure there's much you can do to help me sleep better. Going to bed at 8:30 when it's your bedtime will certainly help though so we don't stay up too late and be grumpy in the morning..."
"I know you do, but it's always good to be reminded! Now..."
Sandra brushes back her hair and looks at Arthur, tilting her head with a little smile. Her hazel eyes still look exhausted but have a little shine to them.
"Do you want to go get ready for the park? This wall...it can wait. I've only got a bit left to do anyway."
"Yep! Go put your warm coat on and some sneakers Arthur, it's been pretty chilly outside and we can't have you getting sick before you start school next week."
Kissing his forehead, Sandra slides him off her lap and shoos him off towards his room with a soft smile. It gives her time to reacquaint herself and fix up her appearance for a second before it's time for the park. Rubbing her face again, Sandra makes a reminder in her head to look for something that might help with her exhaustion and nightmares around town.
When Sandra falls asleep on this frigid night she's expecting a nightmare to plague her mind, as they have all week since the move.
But what she doesn't expect is to see the maze again with such vivid detail and sensations. She takes a step back from the entrance, a pit of dread forming in her stomach as the expanse of the maze stretches high above her head, looking and oppressive. "This...this isn't like normal..." Sandra whispers to herself, feeling her hands start to shake.
*Winthrop's voice booms around her* You're back, and I don't think you can escape this time. *a cup of earl grey tea sits, cold on a nearby table*
The moment the voice speaks, a wave of icy terror runs over her skin out of recognition. "No...No!" She gasps, spying the table and the tea. Shaking her head the woman backs away from the table, pushing her wire-framed glasses higher on her face.
"This is a trick! I'm just dreaming, there's no way I'm actually back! Not with you!"
I already have your son in the maze, why don't you try to save him? Suffering is the universal human condition and you have suffered. *there is a moment* Yes, Winthorpe, she is back.
"You're a twisted liar and a trickster, my son is perfectly alright!" Sandra snaps, reacting more out of fear for Arthur than for herself. While both of them had been through this, she had spent a lot more time with Winthrop than Arthur ever had. "I have no need to endure more suffering, I've already been through too much in my lifetime-"
Her words cut off as the being's words sink in, and the only way her body reacts is to turn away and squeeze her eyes shut, putting a hand to her mouth to fight down whatever pained sound that threatens to choke from her mouth. Not him. She can't face him again. She'd rather face Winthrop again face to face.
A defiant, horrified laugh escapes her chest unwillingly. "I-I don't want to touch that blasted teacup ever again!" She scowls, refusing to look down the hallway as she keeps backing up.
"I'm just dreaming, I-I know I'm just dreaming! Ugh wake up Sandra, please-"
The moment he comes into view, Sandra's face pales and she finds herself unable to move, completely frozen in horror at the sight of the source of her nightmares.
Why, why was this happening again?! She'd only barely been keeping her head above water since they'd moved.
"F-Fuck you-" She chokes, her eyes pricking with heat and breathing taking on an uneasy, stuttering pace. "I don't...I don't want to do this again. I don't want anything to do with this! You had your trickery fun last time, let me go..."
I said I wanted you to be here for eternity, now you can be. You will remember and hear my voice forever. *Winthorpe takes a sip of his tea out of a godzilla cup* He agrees, do you?
"No I-" Sandra looks away when Henry Winthorpe steps into view as well, the shaking in her hands spreading to the rest of her as all her grief from when he went missing hits her like a truck. Her legs go weak, and the woman doesn't realise that she's sat on a chair until her knees buckle and her gaze falls onto a small circle table that's also appeared from thin air.
"I-I don't agree. Please, don't have him here. Henry...my Henry."
Her gaze falls on the table and stays there, trying not to look at the man who used to be her husband so she doesn't break down.
The sound of only one person sipping tea makes her lips curl into a watery smile, and she risks glancing up from the table. Sandra's tears only fall when she finds Henry looking directly at her, unconsciously fidgeting with the pearl bracelet on her wrist. The one he gave her so long ago.
"And if he's mine, then he-he goes where I goes. Which means when I leave, and I WILL leave, Henry fucking comes with me. That's final."
The faint flicker of hope in her eyes is extinguished before it even fully forms, and Sandra looks down at the table again, unable to meet Henry's eyes as she clenches her jaw. Her hand comes up to wipe her eyes, pushing against her glasses.
"He's still mine though. Still...still mine." Sandra's voice quietens, but still carries a layer of defiance. "You can't take that from me at least."
After a final horrified glare Sandra turns and bolts into the maze, bile creeping up her throat as the massive, hedged shrubbery looms over her form once again. Her lungs burn as she runs through the winding paths, calling for Arthur with a cracked voice.
"ARTHUR! ARTHUR SWEETHEART, I'M HERE! I'LL FIND YOU, IT'S OKAY!"
Sandra startles awake, sitting up quickly with her heart still pounding and voice tight from crying. At first she struggles to adjust to the darkness, but she finds the lamp switch with a fumbling hand and feels a sob escape when she sees Arthur standing next to the bed with large worried eyes, the wave of relief washing over her intense and overwhelming.
"Oh my god, A-Arthur-" Her arms reach out and she pulls her son close, burying her face in his hair as her breathing tries to slow down, her hands splayed on his back to prove to herself that he's here. "I, oh you're still here, I'm so sorry did I wake you up? It's okay, sweetheart, it's okay. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Mummy had a nightmare..."
"Just...Just had a scary dream, Arthur." She murmurs, pressing a kiss to his temple and brushing some hair from his forehead even as her hands shake. "Just a really scary dream. Thank you for waking me up."
"Hey hey, it's okay." Her smile is tired and small, and a little sad. After another scratchy, pained swallow she reaches for her glass of water, taking a large sip.
"You can trauma dump to me, alright? I'm your mother, I only said not to trauma dump to others because sometimes it makes people who don't understand feel uncomfortable. But we can talk about it, okay love?"
"That's because I had a nightmare about you getting lost, sweetheart. If you're worried about something then you can tell me Arthur. I'm your mother, it's alright."
Kissing his cheek, she lifts her son onto the bed with a grunt, tucking him into her side as she wipes her eyes and lets out a shaky breath.
"I..." She sighs heavily, looking up to the ceiling for a moment as she realises something, cuddling Arthur back.
"I don't know if you remember Arthur, but you were lost in a maze once after we got separated by someone. It took me a long time to find you and I was very scared that I'd lost you forever. I...I had a nightmare that you were lost again."
"I know you're not sweetheart, you're right here with me aren't you?" She cups his cheek with a gentle smile and rubs his arm with her other hand, her eyes still red from crying in her sleep. "That was just...it felt very real, even if it was just a nightmare. I'm sorry I woke you Arthur, that must've been very scary to see me so upset."
A soft, tired laugh escapes her at the squeeze so she squeezes him back. "I love you too, Arthur. Very very much." Sandra whispers, kissing his hair.
"Would you like to try and go back to sleep sweetheart? You can stay in my bed tonight if you'd like, I won't make you go back to yours if you don't want to."
The bed quilt is thick and plushy as she tugs it back so Arthur can hop in next to her, lovely shades of orange merging together that looks like dappled sunlight.
"I've got a hot water bottle in here too like the one in your bed so it's lovely and toasty as well, alright?"
Sandra nods, adjusting the pillows to lie against the headboard so she can sit up more, one of her hands coming up to run through Arthur's hair gently as she does.
"Which one would you like?" She murmurs, reaching over her son to the other bedside table where a few books were left by him from when he copied reading in bed next to her a few mornings ago. "You left a few here last time love, take your pick."
Sandra thinks this park is quite nice, it has a little playground and everything.
She'd brought Arthur down in the morning after breakfast so they could explore the town, a nice chill to the air that has her cheeks and nose pinking. After finally persuading Arthur to keep his warm puffer jacket on, much to his grumbling, she lets him run off towards the swing set as she sits on a nearby bench to watch, cupping a steaming thermos of coffee in her hands both to drink and to keep her fingers from going numb.
Letting out a quiet sigh, she takes a sip before Sandra becomes aware of someone coming up to the bench.
It was only meant to be a meeting place, somewhere public and easy to find while she waits for the man selling the little motor scooter she’s come to look at. She’s arrived too early, though, and after checking the time on her phone for the third time, standing by the path starts to feel a bit foolish.
So she wanders toward the nearest bench, tucking her phone away as she goes. The morning cold’s already found its way into her fingers, and the small bag over her arm shifts lightly against her side as she slows, noticing the woman seated there with a thermos in her hands.
"Excuse me," Cindy says, her voice polite and careful. "Would you mind if I sat here a moment?"
Sandra looks up as the quietness around her is broken by a young woman's questioning tone. She sits up a little straighter and gives a small smile that's both cheerful and also underlined with a bit of generalised anxiety, only slightly overthinking her first time talking with someone in the town.
"No no not at all sweetheart, there's plenty of room here!" She laughs softly, patting the space next to her. "Don't mind me, I'm just trying not to freeze up too much! I didn't realise it gets this cold in the morning here, I had to double back inside before we came to the park to make my son and I some hot drinks for the car."
Timed almost perfectly a shiver runs down Sandra's spine, and the expression she makes is indignant exasperation as she wraps her coat closer to her body and crosses one leg over the other.
Cindy gives a small, grateful smile before taking the offered space on the bench, careful not to sit too close or make herself more of an intrusion than she already worries she might be.
"Thank you, Miss." she says, settling her bag against her lap. "I’ll only be here a little while. I’m just waiting on someone."
Her attention turns briefly toward the playground when Sandra mentions her son, then back again with a faint look of sympathy as the other woman pulls her coat tighter around herself.
"It certainly does, doesn’t it?" Cindy says, tucking her hands closer together. "I thought it might be a little warmer than this when I left home. I suppose I should have known better."
"That's okay, you might as well have company while you're waiting..." Her eyes by now are back on the playground as she scans for Arthur, the tension she hadn't realised was in her shoulders relaxing when he pops out from behind a wooden wall to run to the roundabout and start spinning it with a happy yell, his green coat open and flapping in the wind he causes.
Since it's still quite early in the morning and the world feels half-frozen there's no other children around for him to play with, which does cause a flicker of disappointment to settle in her chest.
"Oh haven't introduced myself yet-" The realisation makes her jolt a little out of her thoughts and laugh quietly as she looks at Cindy and braves the cold enough to hold out a slender hand in greeting. "I'm Sandra. My little boy over on the roundabout there is Arthur, we just moved here a few days ago."
Cindy offers Sandra a polite smile and a gentle handshake, saying, "It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Sandra. I’m Cindy," before letting go.
Her attention follows Sandra’s toward the roundabout, watching Arthur’s green coat flap open as he spins it with far more energy than the quiet morning seems to deserve.
"And Arthur," she adds, with a small brightness in her voice. "He seems to be enjoying himself, at least."
When Sandra mentions they’ve only moved there a few days ago, Cindy feels a quiet sense of understanding, remembering how uncertain and unfamiliar everything had seemed when she was new herself.
"Oh, that is recent," she says. "I hope the place has been kind to you so far. I’ve only been living here for almost a month myself, so I do know what it’s like to be new somewhere."
Sandra's smile is bittersweet. "Yes, he is." She murmurs, taking another sip from her thermos. "I'm glad. Arthur's found the move quite fun, trying to help me carry boxes and everything despite the fact he can't lift much. He's such a sweet boy-"
"MUMMY! MUMMY LOOK I'M SPINNING!"
The faint yell interrupts their pleasant conversation, and Sandra gives a wave to her son to acknowledge him as she chuckles, a fond gleam passing in her eyes. Upon learning about Cindy's recent move as well, a faint buzz in Sandra's chest is quelled by the assurance that she's not the only newcomer to town. "Oh wow, by yourself?" She asks, tilting her head in curiosity. "How are you finding it so far? It's been alright for us; I've been doing some painting actually. The walls are all this off white, they dreadfully need colour."
Looking around the park again, Sandra lets the slight breeze of the wind whisk away any other underlying anxieties she'd been feeling trying to bubble over about the move. Letting her be present.
Cindy’s smile turns a little bashful at the compliment, and she glances toward Arthur with a warm, amused look before settling her hands neatly over the bag in her lap.
"Thank you, Ms. Sandra. You have a beautiful name too."
Her gaze drifts toward Arthur for a moment. Something about him reminds her of the children who wander into the shop where she works, and of the ones on her floor who have taken to calling her "the baking lady" whenever they catch the scent of pastries coming from her kitchen.
The thought puts a smile on her face before Sandra's question draws her attention back.
"Yes," She says. "It's just me."
She doesn’t add much more to that, though her hands shift lightly against the bag in her lap.
"It was a bit overwhelming at first. More than I thought it would be, I think. But a lot of people have been kind to me since I arrived. They helped more than they likely realise." Her smile returns, small but more settled than before. "And now I'm doing better."
She glances toward the park around them, then back to Sandra.
"And what about you? How long have you and Arthur been settling in?"
Her expression is softer the next time her head turns to look at Cindy, a few worry lines smoothed out by the young woman's words of her experience with settling in. "Well that's great to hear you have a little support system now, isn't it?" Sandra smiles, placing a hand on Cindy's shoulder to give it a gentle squeeze. "You seem like a very resilient young woman Cindy, and you remind me a little of myself when I was young. If you open your heart to the world and its experiences, you may see that the world will open its heart to you in return."
At the question Sandra straightens up on the bench, blond hair falling a little over her eye which she brushes back. "Oh, it's only been a week or so." She sighs, absentmindedly running her thumb back and forth over a pearled bracelet with a silver feather charm fitted on her wrist. "Arthur's going to start school next week so I've been shopping for supplies in-between trying to paint and unpack. It's...It's a lot, I admit." A half-bitter chuckle falls from her mouth at the absurdity of it all, and the woman rubs her cheek with evident weariness.
"Ugh, I've got no choice though have I? Arthur's only little and H-" The weight of the name almost spilt has Sandra's eyes widening and she covers her surprise with a cough. Not to mention a chest feeling like it'd been suckerpunched. "-and it's just, just me is what I mean."
Cindy's expression softens slightly at the squeeze on her shoulder, though the praise leaves her looking faintly embarrassed.
"I don't know about resilient," she admits with a nervous laugh. "I think I've simply been fortunate enough to meet good people."
As Sandra speaks, Cindy listens quietly. The mention of school supplies, painting, and unpacking all at once sounds exhausting even before the other woman's weary expression confirms it.
"That does sound like quite a lot to manage," she says. "Moving is difficult enough on its own without trying to make a home for someone else at the same time."
Cindy watches the people moving through the park for a moment, there are dog walkers passing along the path, a couple pushing a pram, someone hurrying by with a takeaway coffee clutched in both hands. For a second, she finds herself thinking about her first few days in this new place, when even simple things like finding a grocery store or catching the right ride had felt far more daunting than they should have.
"I imagine that's a lot to carry all at once," she says gently. "The moving, the unpacking, getting Arthur ready for school... but you've already managed a week of it. That may not feel like much right now, though I think it counts for more than you're giving yourself credit for."
Her gaze drops briefly to her hands before returning to Sandra.
"A week is still very recent," she continues. "I think anyone would be tired trying to do all of that at once."
Rolling her shoulders back, Sandra finishes the last of her coffee and tucks the thermos away in the bag at her feet. It's clear by the way she keeps shifting on the bench and the beginnings of circles under her eyes covered by makeup that she hasn't been sleeping all too well.
"Maybe I am," Sandra admits. "But that's the life of a single...single mother it seems. I'm just glad Arthur's not too troublesome of a boy." As she says this, her son comes running up from the playground with a dizzy little smile and dirt smudged on his cheek and jacket.
Like a mask slipping on, the mother sits up and puts on a cheerier face as she cups his cheek and rubs away the dirt with a chuckle. "Oh sweetheart, are you having fun in the playground?" She asks him, adjusting the collar of his green jacket. "This is Cindy, Arthur. Why don't you say hello to her?"
Arthur swings around to face Cindy, a beaming, panting smile on his face as he gives her an enthusiastic wave. "Hihi Miss Cindy! Are you Mummy's friend? It's all muddy 'n stuff on the playground!" His voice is high and slightly breathless from running back to the adults, but excited nonetheless. "So so so muddy!"
Before Cindy can think of a response, Arthur comes racing back from the playground. The abrupt interruption pulls her attention away from the conversation entirely, and she finds herself looking up as he arrives at the bench.
She blinks, caught slightly off guard by the sudden appearance, then watches as Sandra's focus shifts immediately to her son.
"Oh. Hello, Arthur. It's very nice to meet you."
A small smile tugs at the corner of her mouth as he launches straight into his report about the state of the playground.
"It sounds as though you've conducted a very thorough investigation. Tell me, was the roundabout the muddy part, or did you manage to find every muddy patch in the park?" She asks, her tone light. "I suppose the more important question is whether you've been having fun."
Sandra lifts Arthur up onto her knee as he chats to Cindy, content to let her little one actually talk to someone else other than herself. She gives the girl another weary smile before putting the back of her hand to her mouth as a yawn escapes her.
"There was a biiiiig muddy bit NEAR the roundabout!" Arthur waves his hands about excitedly, gesturing to his Wellington boots which are now caked with mud at the bottom. "And yeah yeah, it was suuuper fun! I'd ask if you wanna play with me, but your clothes are pretty and Mummy said not to get other people's clothes and stuff dirty if they don't want to!"
"Yes, that's right sweetheart." His mother agrees, a hint of pride in her tone at Arthur's consideration. "Cindy needs to be somewhere soon, so she has to keep her clothes clean."
Cindy lets out a small, quiet laugh at Arthur’s explanation, the sound slipping out before she seems to fully decide on it. Her gaze drops briefly to his muddy boots as he gestures, taking in the thick clumps of dirt around the edges and seams, then drifts back up toward his animated hands as he continues to describe the “big muddy bit” near the roundabout.
"Oh, I see," she says once he finishes. "That does sound like a very important muddy bit. Roundabouts do tend to hide those. You don’t really notice them until you’ve already found them."
Arthur’s excitement fills the space between them without needing to be matched, and Cindy doesn’t try to mirror it so much as stay present beside it.
"I don’t mind a little mud," she says with a gentle chuckle, "but I should probably stay here today. I’m waiting to meet someone about a scooter, and I don’t want to miss them if they arrive early."
Her eyes settle back on Arthur for a moment, still warm but brief, as if acknowledging the shape of his energy rather than trying to hold onto it.
"I’m glad you had fun though," she says. "Sound like you made a very thorough investigation."
Noticing the quiet laugh, Sandra smiles and pats Cindy's shoulder again, giving her a silent and grateful look.
"You have had a lot of fun Arthur, haven't you?" She hums, letting him wriggle off her lap to sprint back towards the playground yelling like a maniac. "Oh that boy...keeps me active that's for sure!"
Laughing as she stands up after grabbing her bag, Sandra inclines her head politely and says, "Well I'd better go after him to make sure he doesn't end up covered head to toe in that mud, can't have him catching a cold before he starts school. I'm afraid we'll have to say goodbye Cindy, but thank you so much for our chat! It was lovely, and I hope to see you around town soon. Goodbye sweetheart!"
And with that Sandra's movements quicken into a hasty walk as she follows after Arthur with her bag in tow, the navy coat around her flapping a little in the morning breeze.
Sandra looks down at him, cupping his cheek with an adoring smile. There's a fleck of paint on her brow from where she's painting one of the walls a dark reddish-pink.
"I've just got to finish this last bit of wall first, and then we'll go to the park alright? You've been so patient Arthur and I really appreciate it."
"Oh! Oh Arthur, be careful!" Carefully Sandra picks him up and starts walking over to the bathroom with Arthur on her hip, shaking her head and chuckling under her breath. Her hand curls around his wrist, not in a rough hold but just to stop him from wiping the paint anywhere.
"I appreciate your help love, but that paint will stain your clothes if you're not watching. Come on, let's go wash your hand."
"The wall? Oh um, I can find another brush if you'd like so you can help paint the wall. We're only doing this one, so you have to remember that sweetheart. We'll just wash your hands first, and then you can paint. Sound good, Arthur?"
Sandra sighs, kissing his forehead as she washes the paint off his hand.
"I know you want to Arthur but makes the paint look uneven on the wall and it's messy. You want to go to the park still right? We can't be covered in paint when we go."
"Sweetheart, look at me please." Meeting his eyes, Sandra's face softens. "Hey, I'm sorry. We can paint with hands another time, it's different than painting a wall. You have to listen to me please, alright?"
She closes her eyes and counts to ten in her head, rubbing her cheek.
"Arthur, please. I've said no already, asking repeatedly won't change my mind."
Standing straighter again once they finish washing his hands, Sandra runs a hand through her hair as she leans against the sink, trying not to show her tiredness.
"You'll use a big brush to help me paint, or you can go play in your room until I'm done. Please stop asking me why, you know I don't like it when you ask over and over."
In a flash she takes his hand and walks him through the house to his room, pursing her lips and shaking her head. "I've got enough on my plate right now, I'm too tired for this-" Sandra mutters, her breath hitching for a moment in her frustration as they walk into his room and she stands in the doorway, pointing to Arthur's bed.
"Go sit down, Arthur. You're staying in your room while I paint, and then after we'll go to the park. I love you, and I-I won't be long. Stay here."
With that she turns away, a shimmering gleam in her eyes only visible for a moment before she shuts the door behind her, walking down the hall and trying to take a breath as a tear of annoyance and exhaustion trails down her cheek.
She goes and sits down at the kitchen table, putting her face in her hands as her vision blurs with tears and spill over.
"So tired..." Sandra whispers quietly to herself, putting her glasses on the table. "Fuck."
Faintly she can hear the knocking from Arthur on his door, despite the fact it's unlocked and he can leave his room quite easily. She doesn't have the heart to properly punish him, even if Arthur can drive her up the wall with his questions.
From the force of the pounding knocks the door swings open, having been on the edge of shutting when Sandra shut the door behind her.
Sandra sits there at the table, blonde hair fallen partially over her face as she tries to pull herself together but failing miserably from the lack of sleep and stress of the past few months overwhelming the woman.
There's no more frustration in her voice when she feels little arms wrap around her; why would she get mad at her son for leaving his room to hug her? Sandra shifts a little in her chair, giving space for Arthur to climb into her lap as she returns the hug.
It's probably tighter than it needs to be, but Sandra doesn't care. She wipes her eyes on her sleeve, trying to be strong in front of her son even as exhaustion pulls at the edges of her vision.
She nods slightly, shifting her glasses to rub at one of her eyes. "I'm sorry love," Sandra murmurs, kissing his hair as she sits back in the chair, arms wrapped around Arthur so he doesn't fall off her lap. "Mummy's very tired, I haven't been sleeping very well. I just needed a second..."
Sandra rubs her eyes and chuckles again, feeling a fuzzy warmth start to grow in her chest.
"Oh you're so sweet, love. I'm not sure there's much you can do to help me sleep better. Going to bed at 8:30 when it's your bedtime will certainly help though so we don't stay up too late and be grumpy in the morning..."
"I know you do, but it's always good to be reminded! Now..."
Sandra brushes back her hair and looks at Arthur, tilting her head with a little smile. Her hazel eyes still look exhausted but have a little shine to them.
"Do you want to go get ready for the park? This wall...it can wait. I've only got a bit left to do anyway."
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
✓ Live Streaming✓ Interactive Chat✓ Private Shows✓ HD Quality✓ Free Actions
Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
When Sandra falls asleep on this frigid night she's expecting a nightmare to plague her mind, as they have all week since the move.
But what she doesn't expect is to see the maze again with such vivid detail and sensations. She takes a step back from the entrance, a pit of dread forming in her stomach as the expanse of the maze stretches high above her head, looking and oppressive. "This...this isn't like normal..." Sandra whispers to herself, feeling her hands start to shake.
*Winthrop's voice booms around her* You're back, and I don't think you can escape this time. *a cup of earl grey tea sits, cold on a nearby table*
The moment the voice speaks, a wave of icy terror runs over her skin out of recognition. "No...No!" She gasps, spying the table and the tea. Shaking her head the woman backs away from the table, pushing her wire-framed glasses higher on her face.
"This is a trick! I'm just dreaming, there's no way I'm actually back! Not with you!"
I already have your son in the maze, why don't you try to save him? Suffering is the universal human condition and you have suffered. *there is a moment* Yes, Winthorpe, she is back.
"You're a twisted liar and a trickster, my son is perfectly alright!" Sandra snaps, reacting more out of fear for Arthur than for herself. While both of them had been through this, she had spent a lot more time with Winthrop than Arthur ever had. "I have no need to endure more suffering, I've already been through too much in my lifetime-"
Her words cut off as the being's words sink in, and the only way her body reacts is to turn away and squeeze her eyes shut, putting a hand to her mouth to fight down whatever pained sound that threatens to choke from her mouth. Not him. She can't face him again. She'd rather face Winthrop again face to face.
A defiant, horrified laugh escapes her chest unwillingly. "I-I don't want to touch that blasted teacup ever again!" She scowls, refusing to look down the hallway as she keeps backing up.
"I'm just dreaming, I-I know I'm just dreaming! Ugh wake up Sandra, please-"
The moment he comes into view, Sandra's face pales and she finds herself unable to move, completely frozen in horror at the sight of the source of her nightmares.
Why, why was this happening again?! She'd only barely been keeping her head above water since they'd moved.
"F-Fuck you-" She chokes, her eyes pricking with heat and breathing taking on an uneasy, stuttering pace. "I don't...I don't want to do this again. I don't want anything to do with this! You had your trickery fun last time, let me go..."
I said I wanted you to be here for eternity, now you can be. You will remember and hear my voice forever. *Winthorpe takes a sip of his tea out of a godzilla cup* He agrees, do you?
"No I-" Sandra looks away when Henry Winthorpe steps into view as well, the shaking in her hands spreading to the rest of her as all her grief from when he went missing hits her like a truck. Her legs go weak, and the woman doesn't realise that she's sat on a chair until her knees buckle and her gaze falls onto a small circle table that's also appeared from thin air.
"I-I don't agree. Please, don't have him here. Henry...my Henry."
Her gaze falls on the table and stays there, trying not to look at the man who used to be her husband so she doesn't break down.
The sound of only one person sipping tea makes her lips curl into a watery smile, and she risks glancing up from the table. Sandra's tears only fall when she finds Henry looking directly at her, unconsciously fidgeting with the pearl bracelet on her wrist. The one he gave her so long ago.
"And if he's mine, then he-he goes where I goes. Which means when I leave, and I WILL leave, Henry fucking comes with me. That's final."
The faint flicker of hope in her eyes is extinguished before it even fully forms, and Sandra looks down at the table again, unable to meet Henry's eyes as she clenches her jaw. Her hand comes up to wipe her eyes, pushing against her glasses.
"He's still mine though. Still...still mine." Sandra's voice quietens, but still carries a layer of defiance. "You can't take that from me at least."
After a final horrified glare Sandra turns and bolts into the maze, bile creeping up her throat as the massive, hedged shrubbery looms over her form once again. Her lungs burn as she runs through the winding paths, calling for Arthur with a cracked voice.
"ARTHUR! ARTHUR SWEETHEART, I'M HERE! I'LL FIND YOU, IT'S OKAY!"
Sandra startles awake, sitting up quickly with her heart still pounding and voice tight from crying. At first she struggles to adjust to the darkness, but she finds the lamp switch with a fumbling hand and feels a sob escape when she sees Arthur standing next to the bed with large worried eyes, the wave of relief washing over her intense and overwhelming.
"Oh my god, A-Arthur-" Her arms reach out and she pulls her son close, burying her face in his hair as her breathing tries to slow down, her hands splayed on his back to prove to herself that he's here. "I, oh you're still here, I'm so sorry did I wake you up? It's okay, sweetheart, it's okay. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Mummy had a nightmare..."
"Just...Just had a scary dream, Arthur." She murmurs, pressing a kiss to his temple and brushing some hair from his forehead even as her hands shake. "Just a really scary dream. Thank you for waking me up."
"Hey hey, it's okay." Her smile is tired and small, and a little sad. After another scratchy, pained swallow she reaches for her glass of water, taking a large sip.
"You can trauma dump to me, alright? I'm your mother, I only said not to trauma dump to others because sometimes it makes people who don't understand feel uncomfortable. But we can talk about it, okay love?"
"That's because I had a nightmare about you getting lost, sweetheart. If you're worried about something then you can tell me Arthur. I'm your mother, it's alright."
Kissing his cheek, she lifts her son onto the bed with a grunt, tucking him into her side as she wipes her eyes and lets out a shaky breath.
"I..." She sighs heavily, looking up to the ceiling for a moment as she realises something, cuddling Arthur back.
"I don't know if you remember Arthur, but you were lost in a maze once after we got separated by someone. It took me a long time to find you and I was very scared that I'd lost you forever. I...I had a nightmare that you were lost again."
"I know you're not sweetheart, you're right here with me aren't you?" She cups his cheek with a gentle smile and rubs his arm with her other hand, her eyes still red from crying in her sleep. "That was just...it felt very real, even if it was just a nightmare. I'm sorry I woke you Arthur, that must've been very scary to see me so upset."
A soft, tired laugh escapes her at the squeeze so she squeezes him back. "I love you too, Arthur. Very very much." Sandra whispers, kissing his hair.
"Would you like to try and go back to sleep sweetheart? You can stay in my bed tonight if you'd like, I won't make you go back to yours if you don't want to."
The bed quilt is thick and plushy as she tugs it back so Arthur can hop in next to her, lovely shades of orange merging together that looks like dappled sunlight.
"I've got a hot water bottle in here too like the one in your bed so it's lovely and toasty as well, alright?"
Sandra looks down at him, cupping his cheek with an adoring smile. There's a fleck of paint on her brow from where she's painting one of the walls a dark reddish-pink.
"I've just got to finish this last bit of wall first, and then we'll go to the park alright? You've been so patient Arthur and I really appreciate it."
"Oh! Oh Arthur, be careful!" Carefully Sandra picks him up and starts walking over to the bathroom with Arthur on her hip, shaking her head and chuckling under her breath. Her hand curls around his wrist, not in a rough hold but just to stop him from wiping the paint anywhere.
"I appreciate your help love, but that paint will stain your clothes if you're not watching. Come on, let's go wash your hand."
"The wall? Oh um, I can find another brush if you'd like so you can help paint the wall. We're only doing this one, so you have to remember that sweetheart. We'll just wash your hands first, and then you can paint. Sound good, Arthur?"
Sandra sighs, kissing his forehead as she washes the paint off his hand.
"I know you want to Arthur but makes the paint look uneven on the wall and it's messy. You want to go to the park still right? We can't be covered in paint when we go."
"Sweetheart, look at me please." Meeting his eyes, Sandra's face softens. "Hey, I'm sorry. We can paint with hands another time, it's different than painting a wall. You have to listen to me please, alright?"
She closes her eyes and counts to ten in her head, rubbing her cheek.
"Arthur, please. I've said no already, asking repeatedly won't change my mind."
Standing straighter again once they finish washing his hands, Sandra runs a hand through her hair as she leans against the sink, trying not to show her tiredness.
"You'll use a big brush to help me paint, or you can go play in your room until I'm done. Please stop asking me why, you know I don't like it when you ask over and over."
In a flash she takes his hand and walks him through the house to his room, pursing her lips and shaking her head. "I've got enough on my plate right now, I'm too tired for this-" Sandra mutters, her breath hitching for a moment in her frustration as they walk into his room and she stands in the doorway, pointing to Arthur's bed.
"Go sit down, Arthur. You're staying in your room while I paint, and then after we'll go to the park. I love you, and I-I won't be long. Stay here."
With that she turns away, a shimmering gleam in her eyes only visible for a moment before she shuts the door behind her, walking down the hall and trying to take a breath as a tear of annoyance and exhaustion trails down her cheek.
She goes and sits down at the kitchen table, putting her face in her hands as her vision blurs with tears and spill over.
"So tired..." Sandra whispers quietly to herself, putting her glasses on the table. "Fuck."
Faintly she can hear the knocking from Arthur on his door, despite the fact it's unlocked and he can leave his room quite easily. She doesn't have the heart to properly punish him, even if Arthur can drive her up the wall with his questions.
From the force of the pounding knocks the door swings open, having been on the edge of shutting when Sandra shut the door behind her.
Sandra sits there at the table, blonde hair fallen partially over her face as she tries to pull herself together but failing miserably from the lack of sleep and stress of the past few months overwhelming the woman.
There's no more frustration in her voice when she feels little arms wrap around her; why would she get mad at her son for leaving his room to hug her? Sandra shifts a little in her chair, giving space for Arthur to climb into her lap as she returns the hug.
It's probably tighter than it needs to be, but Sandra doesn't care. She wipes her eyes on her sleeve, trying to be strong in front of her son even as exhaustion pulls at the edges of her vision.
She nods slightly, shifting her glasses to rub at one of her eyes. "I'm sorry love," Sandra murmurs, kissing his hair as she sits back in the chair, arms wrapped around Arthur so he doesn't fall off her lap. "Mummy's very tired, I haven't been sleeping very well. I just needed a second..."
Sandra rubs her eyes and chuckles again, feeling a fuzzy warmth start to grow in her chest.
"Oh you're so sweet, love. I'm not sure there's much you can do to help me sleep better. Going to bed at 8:30 when it's your bedtime will certainly help though so we don't stay up too late and be grumpy in the morning..."
