Later that day, Poppy went over to Branch's bunker to explain her engagement party plans to him.

"I'm thinking about making a Bergen-sized scrapbook of all the sweet, romantic moments Bridget and Gristle have shared," Poppy explained as she changed Flower's diaper. "What gift are you gonna give them, Branch?"

"Jewel-encrusted brass knuckles," Branch replied. Poppy gave him a look of confusion. "I'm just kidding, hon. But I think the bigger question is will Willow be at the party?"

"Of course!" Poppy answered. "We came up with this together. Why wouldn't she come?"

"For one thing, it's at Shadow Springs," Branch pointed out. "And I don't think what she feels towards it is nostalgia. I think she feels something else. Something she wants to forget."

"Who would want to forget Shadow Springs?" Poppy asked, dressing Flower back up. "The summers I spent there as a kid were some of the best of my life!"

"I'm just saying, just because you had loads of fun someplace doesn't mean everyone else had the same experience," Branch said. "I think you should talk to Willow about what she's feeling and why she feels this way."

"Why can't you do it?"

"I've got emotionalistical issues," Branch pointed out, picking up the princess as she giggled. "What am I gonna do?"

"Are you gonna be this way when she has teenage drama going on?" Poppy asked, gesturing to little Flower.

"Oh, that's not gonna happen for a loooooong time," he insisted. "In fact, I hope it never happens."

"It happens to all of us," Poppy pointed out. "Even I had drama, if you can believe it."

"You mean, how I got you pregnant at nineteen?"

"Yeah, that," Poppy said, realizing that he did, indeed, know what she was talking about. “Put Flower down for her nap. If you need help, I'll be in the other room, planning the engagement party."

“Sure thing, Pops," Branch replied, and looked down at his daughter. “Please don't grow up faster than you should, like Daddy and Willow had to."

“I won't..." Flower sighed, letting out a tiny yawn. Branch sweetly kissed her forehead and began singing a lullaby.

I won't let nobody hurt you

Won't let no one break your heart

And no one will desert you

Just try to never grow up

💚🩵💜🩵💛🩵🩷🩵💙🩵

The engagement party was in full swing. Most Pop Trolls didn't remember Shadow Springs all that well, but were easily won over by Poppy's decorations. The Bergens were quite impressed, as well.

“Geronimo!" Legsly shouted as she stretched her legs, took one step towards the water, and shrunk them back down so she would fall and make a big splash.

“You go, Legsly!" Gristle called out, pumping his fist.

“Enjoying your party, Bridge?" Poppy asked her best friend.

“You know it, girlfriend!" Bridget answered. “By the way, Poppy, I have a small favor to ask you..."

Willow, meanwhile, was having no fun at all. Too many memories, too many oblivious Trolls and Bergens.

“And to think I could be wearing a powdered wig right now," she muttered. Suddenly, Willow noticed water pouring upwards and forming the shape of a heart. “Hey, Branch? How did Poppy install a fountain into the springs?"

“She didn't," Branch answered. “It's not a fountain."

Willow slowly made her way towards the springs and found Synth swimming around, moving his arms up and down. The flowing water seemed to be matching his movements.

“Uh, Synth... what are you doing?" Willow asked nervously.

“This is an engagement party," he explained. “I'm using my water powers to add a little romantic flair!"

“I didn't know you had water powers."

“Pretty neat, eh?" Synth said. Willow just shrugged. The water splashed back down as Synth slumped his shoulders in dejection.

“Will! Will! Will! Will!" Poppy exclaimed as she dashed towards the rainbow-haired teen.

“What is it, Pops?" Willow asked.

“Will, you're not gonna believe this!" Poppy said eagerly. “Bridget asked me to be her maid of honor! Can you believe it?! She said I'm the closest thing she has to a sister! That's the best thing I've ever heard! I've always wanted a sister, and the fact that she considers me one is just... Ahh! You know what I mean! Even Barb has a sister!"

“I've got six," Willow reminded her. “You could've just borrowed one."

“You know, I'm really glad to see you enjoying yourself," Poppy said. Willow just rolled her eyes. “I mean, I'm not surprised. This place was a huge part of your childhood. You must be thrilled to have it back."

“Wow, only one thing you just said is true," Willow grumbled. “Look, Pops, I'm just gonna... get some fresh air."

“We're outside," Poppy pointed out. “How much fresher can the air get?"

“Can we please just drop it?!"

Poppy, along with the other Trolls and Bergens, were taken aback by Willow's sudden outburst.

“Willow, are you alright?" Biggie asked with concern, but she didn't answer. She just flew away with arms wrapped around her torso.

“What's going on with her?" Bridget asked Poppy.

“I don't know," she admitted. “I thought this would be something we could all enjoy."

Synth, meanwhile, decided to leave the party, too, so he could figure this out for himself.

Should probably give a little heads up: next chapter is going to vaguely mention... some stuff.