The Moon, chapter 17: Recovery

A cold wind blew against Susie's face as she waited for Toriel to exit the hospital. Being that it already nearly night time, with the sun just barely dipping below the horizon, it was quite cold. However, she attributed that to the lack of proper winter clothing she had on. Though right now, that was the least of the worries that plagued her mind. There was a lot of evidence that could prove her made up story false. She left a trail of blood, to be sure, and the broken branches that were far, far away from the balcony would be a red flag too. And that's even assuming they don't find her body... Susie was trying to keep it together. Trying her best to keep a straight face.

A straight face she knew she couldn't hold for long. She knew she had to let it out at some point. Maybe if she could just make it until she got to Toriel's place, she could find a room and quietly do whatever she needed to. But she couldn't let anyone see her like this. The people here depended on her, and she's shown enough weakness already. If something were to happen, and the town at large was attacked, it would need all the help it can. Especially if it was something as strong as... her.

Stop thinking about it. Stop thinking about it. St-

“Apologies for the wait, Susie! Tiresome paperwork and all.”
Finally, something to distract her. Toriel walked out of the hospital, and hastily hurried to the car, unlocking the car and climbing inside. Susie followed soon after, climbing into the passenger seat. It was just as cold in there as it was outside, so who knows how long Toriel had to wait for her.
“Why did you have to do paperwork, anyway?”
“Oh, just obligatory things like proving that you're with me, and that you left with me.”
“Alright.”

The engine of the car roared awake as the headlights lit up the space in front of the car. It had started snowing lightly at some point, but Susie wasn't paying enough attention to her surroundings at the time to notice. Along with the lights in and outside of the car, the radio came on, and from it played nothing but radio static and distortion. Toriel scoffed and turned it off, leaving nothing but the hum of the engine to fill their ears.
“Nothing but static all day, and the weather is clear as ever. If the telephones worked, I would give them quite the stern talking to.”
Susie found the thought of that kind of charming.
“Who's 'them'?”
“Whoever runs the radio stations, of course! And if not them, who ever I need to. They need to know that people are not happy with their service.”
“Of course.”

The car made a U-Turn and began to head north, towards Toriel's house.

“But, erm... Are you alright, Susie?”
“Huh? Yeah, I'm fine. The doctors did great for, apparently, not being prepared for anything like this.”
“Well, yes, of course, but... mentally, I mean. I'm sure if I went through what you did, I wouldn't be feeling great in the head, either. Are you okay?”
“... Yeah. I'm fine, Toriel. I appreciate that you're concerned, but you really don't need to worry about me. I've been through a lot worse than this and came out better.”
“If you're certain... Just do not forget to talk to me. I am here to be spoken to.”
“I'll keep it in mind, thanks. You didn't bring Kris?”
“He's sleeping right now. Thankfully, he's been sleeping at more... acceptable hours, so no need to worry about that.”
“I hope we don't wake him up.”
“No worries, he's an incredibly heavy sleeper. Though, he will be excited to see you in the morning. Luckily, the couch in the living room folds into a bed, so you won't have to sleep in a cramped place. Apologies for not having a guest room, however.”
“Ah, don't sweat it. The couch bed will do, thanks.”

It only took a couple minutes to reach the house, but once they pulled into the driveway, Susie felt a wave of exhaustion hit her. She didn't know how badly her body needed rest until that moment, and now that she was fully aware, she felt like she had been awake for days.
“Hey, Toriel, I'm gonna need to use that bed as soon as I get in there. I feel... really tired all of the sudden.”
“No worries, I will get you set up as soon as I can.”
The car's humming stopped as Toriel shut the car off, and the world fell silent for a moment before she gathered her things and exited the car. Susie, having no things of hers to gather, simply left the car. Didn't she leave her duffle bag here? Did she forget it when she left to go to the diner the other day? She didn't care too much, since nothing in there was too important, but if there had been something important inside, she would be pretty pissed. Susie needed to remember not to forget as much.

Once inside of the house, Susie took off her shoes and sat down on the chair parallel to the couch as Toriel began to unfold the couch.
“Do you need any help?”
“No thank you, Susie. You really should rest, just let me do this.”
“Okay...”
“Would you like to change into your new clothes first?”
“No thank you... I think as soon as I hit that bed I'm gonna be on a different planet.”
Toriel laughed softly.
“Suit yourself. There morning will come, and we will dress you up then.”
It didn't take too long for the bed to be fully made, and even outfitted with a blanket and pillow. Susie took advantage of the situation nearly instantly, barely getting a “thank you” out of her mouth before she was asleep.

Susie wouldn't know it, but afterward, Toriel would tuck Susie in properly after she had fallen asleep, and with a quiet “you're welcome”, ascend up the stairs to her own bedroom.