Here's a script I wrote about Ted and his fanon mother (that I created), Kate.
*Later that night. TED’s bedroom. A small lamp glows dimly on the bedside table. The muffled sounds of the television downstairs fade into the background. KATE (30s) gently knocks and steps inside. TED (5) is sitting cross-legged on the bed, fiddling with the corner of his blanket.*
TED (shuffles, smiling faintly):
Didn’t think you’d come up. Thought you’d be arguin’ with Dad.
KATE (sits on the edge of the bed, brushing his hair back):
Ain’t no point arguin’ with him once he’s set. Best to let it cool. But I couldn’t leave you sat here on your own, not with that look on your face.
TED (quietly, after a pause):
Felix doesn’t get it, does he? Always makin’ me out to be silly.
He’s still a boy himself, tryin’ to sound grown. Doesn’t mean he sees clearer than you.
TED (picking at the blanket):
It weren’t just him though… it’s everyone hearing him. Felix teasing me, Cindy makin’ that story, and Penny sittin’ right in the room… it was embarrassing.
KATE (careful, listening):
You and Penny. You care about her a lot, don’t you?
Well… yeah, cause she’s smart. Smarter than me definitely. And she’s nicer than a lot of other people at our school. But when Felix made the joke, I thought about what everyone else would think. Penny’s my friend, but if she heard it… what if she thinks it’s true? What if she thinks I’m daft, or wrong?
KATE (soft smile, squeezing his hand):
You’re not wrong, Theo. Wanting people to be kind, wanting to be near folk who make you feel safe, that’s not wrong. That’s you knowing what matters.
Soft ain’t weak. It means you’ve got room in your heart, and that’s a strength of its own. Your dad just grew up where softness weren’t allowed. He don’t see it the way I do.
Sometimes I wish everyone knew. That I’m just who I am. And I wish Penny knew how much I cared for her. That when I’m talking and laughing with her, she makes me feel… not stupid.
Maybe one day she will, love. For now, you just keep bein’ yourself. That’s enough. I see it, I reckon Penny also sees it. You’ll find others who do too.
TED (after a long pause, voice small but brighter):
Do you think Penny would ever… understand that I care a lot for her? Even though she moved classes and I don’t see her much?
KATE (kisses his forehead, gentle but not pressing):
That’s for the future to tell. Right now, just enjoy the dragons ‘n’ silly stories. The rest’ll come when it’s ready.
*TED smiles faintly, leaning into her hand. The weight lifts a little. KATE stays with him, stroking his hair until his eyes grow heavy. The door clicks softly as she leaves, leaving TED safe in the quiet glow of his lamp.*