In the morning, sitting at the kitchen table, Once tapped his foot nervously. He took a long sip of coffee with way too much sugar, and took a deep breath.

"And just to be clear, everyone is okay with this plan? No one thinks this could go horribly wrong, or anything?"

He wanted to be sure.

Once was trying to think of a way to make everyone happy.   More specifically, he was trying to think of a way he ended up happy as well.  

To that end, he was throwing some clothes in a bag, along with his Thneed-kit, and some knitting needles.   He had a feeling that if he got caught by anyone in his family, biological or otherwise, he'd never hear the end of how bad his plan was.

And, while going back to his factory was not the most brilliant thing he'd ever come up with, it was necessary if Once's idea was going to have a shot at all.   

Dinner in the manor, just him and his mother---he had it planned out perfectly.   The twins were out on separate dates and his aunt and uncle were at some fancy French place.

Once had been trying different scenarios in his mind, and they all ended the same way---his mother telling him in no uncertain terms to shut his trap. He hoped reality would go a bit smoother.

So, it was over the tiramisu that he finally got up the courage to say, "Uh, Mom---there's something I want to talk to you about..."

Once-ler had several reasons for wanting to go to his mother's last.  He of course wanted to give Norma time with her own mother, and do something special for Norma herself---but he also wanted lessen the chances of running into Epps.  He figured if the others wanted to play family, they could do so at brunch.

And hopefully, he'd be able to have a normal time with his mother at dinner.

So, roses and chocolates presented, and dinner actually on the table, Once hoped for the best.  

Once shook his head, bemused.  "I think that's just called 'tough love'."  

Once-ler sat at his desk, hunched over paperwork.  He hadn't said a word to anyone all day, and downright scared a Blondette with his flat stare.  He had no intention on being hurt or used, and was going to do whatever it took, to ensure he stayed safe.

The Blondettes were gossiping, as usual.  It seemed that today, the Once-ler hadn't shown up for three meetings, and wasn't picking up on any of his calls.  The office door was locked and none of them dared to try and open it. Their boss was eccentric even at his best, and moody at his worst.  

If they had worked up the nerve, they wouldn't have found him anyway.  There was no one to be found in the office, just some odd sniffling noises from under the desk....