Author's Note

Grab a tissue box because this might be too much for all of you and be sure to follow Frost The Heron for helping me out with this chapter and for a job well done. And as always, thanks for your patience and support, stay tuned for more chapters and keep bronying on.

With a Heavy Heart

It's already been a week since your grandmother has been brought into the hospital after collapsing on the ground in her home while you were out on a date with an old friend. And because of your grandmother's horrible illness, it's been hard for you to focus on your work at the hotel. Your co-workers were concerned for you and told your boss about it, so now it's led to you winding up in his office. You were sitting across from him, his desk dividing you two. He looked just as concerned for you as your co-workers over this recent week and addressed the issue right away.

"What's the matter? You're usually so chipper when you come to work," he said. You were hesitant to tell him, but if you didn't tell him, you'd only be putting yourself in deeper water.

"It's... my grandmother... Vivian. She's sick. She collapsed at home and was taken to the hospital last week because of her illness and... I promised her I'd visit her everyday after work and tell her what I've been doing. But... seeing my grandmother in her current state... it just... it just pains me to see her like that. Even though she's sick she still manages to smile like that," you said.

Your boss nods. "I think I understand. It's not easy dealing with a close family member that's ill. I believe she's just trying to be strong for you because she believes in you. If you're able to do the same for her, it gives her more of a reason to keep smiling... for your sake, anyways," he replied.

"I... I understand. Sorry if I made you all worry," you said. Your boss shook his head, knowing full well you had no intentions of worrying everyone around you. So, after your little chat with him, you left the office and got ready to get back to work. That is until he called your name out. Fearing the worst, you turned around to look at him.

"Why don't you take the rest of the day off? Take some time to wind down. Trust me, it'll do you a whole world of good to relax for today. That's an order," he says.

"Y-Yeah... okay," you nod before heading out. You went towards the elevator and descended down to the first floor. Maybe your boss was right. You couldn't focus on work at all today. The image of your grandmother in her hospital bed, so pale, yet so peaceful, it broke your heart. You cried a little, not wanting to see your grandmother suffer. When the elevator came to a stop at your destination, you wiped away the tears and stepped out.

You walked down the halls and went into the staff changing room where you got out of your uniform and changed into your normal clothes. You came out, looking down as ever. Some of the people who were staying at the hotel were passing you by and took pity on you.

But it was your co-workers who were the most concerned with you. They couldn't even begin to imagine the pain you felt right now. How could things get this bad for you when they were going so well? That's the question you kept pondering about as you left the hotel and headed off to the hospital. With all this free time on your hands, it was easier for you to be there for your ill foster grandmother.

And almost every day, Sunny Flare joined you on your walk to the hospital. Today she was even kind enough to buy some flowers for your sick grandmother and a "get well soon" card.

"I can't thank you enough for being there for me and my grandmother, Sunny. It means so much that you're always tagging along,” you said gratefully.

"You're welcome, deary. I knew you needed some company as this is a difficult time for you. I just feel like you shouldn't be alone right now. After all the times you were there for me, I think it's only fair that I be there for you too. I hope your grandmother gets well soon. She's a very nice lady," Sunny said in a sweet tone.

"She's more than nice, she treats everyone in the city as her family. It's like she's become a pillar of strength for everyone. But… I'm not sure how much longer that pillar can stay standing and it's gotten me even more worried," you replied with worry. "So, thanks for being there for me. But what about your dad? Won't he get mad?"

"Eh, let him be angry. I can't stand him. I'm already 20 years old, yet he treats me like I'm still his little girl. He just doesn't understand me and doesn't even give a shit about anything but his investments and his business,” Sunny sighed irritably.

"I'm sorry to hear that. You know, in a way, it feels like we're both looking out for each other," you replied, giving her some reassurance.

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Sunny replied. After the little chat, you noticed that you both arrived at the hospital. You went inside with Sunny and went over to the front desk, asking to see Vivian. The lady at the front desk confirms and points you in the direction of her hospital room, which you knew where it was.

You and Sunny went down the usual path, heading up to the 6th floor, then arrived at her hospital room door marked 60B. You opened up the door and allowed Sunny to enter first "Grandma, I'm back, are you feeling alright?" you asked.

Walking up to her bedside, you could see she looked very tired. She looks to you with her usual warm smile. "Hello, dear. How was work? Aren't you off a little early today?" Vivian asked.

"My boss gave me the rest of the day off. He says I should take some time to wind down and spend some time with you," you replied, sitting at her bedside.

"I'm pleased to know he's so caring of you. It's nice to know there are others who are helping you out. And I see you've brought Sunny with you. How are you, dear?" Vivian asked kindly.

"Very good, thanks for asking. We brought you some flowers and a "get well soon" card," Sunny said, giving your grandma her gifts. She accepts them and reads the card.

"We hope you'll make a full recovery and come back home to us. God bless you," Vivian then sees that Sunny and you wrote your names under it. "This is so sweet of you two. Thank you” she placed the card on the near bedside table. “Can someone get me a vase to put these beautiful flowers you brought me in it?”

“I’ll go and get one,” Sunny offered and left the room to give you and your grandmother some ‘alone’ time.

"Grandma? Are you gonna be okay coming back home?" you asked while holding her hand.

"Not much longer, dear. But, you shouldn't worry so much about little old me. This is your life to live, not mine. You should be out there enjoying your life to the fullest. You're still young and full of energy," she said, stroking your cheek.

"But… I can't. You're still sick and I want to do what I can to help you get better," you replied, trying to hold back the tears.

"My dear grandson, I know you mean well, but there must come a time when a young man or woman must fend for themselves. I'm very happy that you care so much for me, but to me, it doesn't feel right that I'm holding you back from doing the things you love," Vivian replied.

You managed to smile at those kind and wise words your grandmother told you. “Thank you so much, Grandma. That’s very heartwarming of you but you never held me back from doing the things I love. I love taking care of you and it’s only fair. You also took care of me when I was just a baby. I do this because I love you, grandma."

"I love you too, sweetie. Still, if you feel like this is what you want to do, just make sure to even out your schedule between being with me and Sunny. She's a very nice young lady and I can tell she cares deeply about you. Never lose sight of that," Vivian said.

“I won’t Grandma, I promise. Sunny is a great friend to me. I’m happy that she’s here for me.”

"Good. You've made me so proud, dear. I was right to take you in all those years ago," Vivian said before you and her heard the doors opening up. Sunny had come back with the flower vase Vivian asked for. She set it on the table, along with the flowers. "Sunny, thank you. I appreciate all that you've done."

"Think nothing of it, Vivian," Sunny said. "But, if you don't mind me asking, did you ever have someone special to you before you adopted my friend?"

"Oh… now that I think about it, yes. I had someone special many, many years ago,” your Grandma replied. “It seems like only yesterday since I first met him.” She closed her eyes remembering that amazing day.

"He wasn't as wealthy as most men in the city, but he had a lot of heart. His name was Booker. The young man had a dream of becoming a famous author one day. I fancied him and decided to get to know him more. We met long ago when we went to see an orchestra at the Canterlot Grand Theatres. I paid for our tickets and we watched and listened to the splendid orchestra.

He fancied the music simply because it inspired him with ideas on what to write for his next stories, but it also opened his heart towards me even more. By the time I was 33, he asked for my hand in marriage. We were married a year later and I couldn't have been happier. I even told him that I wasn't able to have kids, yet he still chose to be with me.

Even if we couldn't have our own, we had plans of adopting children, a lot of children. Running around, laughing and getting into trouble. Booker and I saved our money, bought ourselves a mansion and kept using the money to make bedrooms for the kids. But then, 10 years later, my husband, Booker… he got sick," Vivian said sadly. "The poor dear was diagnosed with a heart disease that was… detected too late. Booker passed away, 20 years before I adopted you,” she looked at you with small tears in her eyes.

You felt like crying again after hearing the love story of your dear Grandma and you gave her a big hug.

"Thanks dear. You know… if he were here today, he would've given you the biggest hug any proud father or grandfather would ever give," Vivian said, hugging you back.

"I know he would. I don't doubt that at all," you whispered before kissing your grandmother on the cheek. Moments later, a doctor came in.

"I’m sorry, but the visiting hours are over for today," he apologized to you all.

"I'll be back tomorrow, grandma," you said.

"I know you will. Take care, sweetie," Vivian said, smiling. You nod and you took Sunny by the hand, walking out the door together.

Soon, after leaving the hospital, you had no other plans other than to head home since your boss let you go home early. That is, until… "Hey, if you'd like, I could come to your house and fix you up some dinner. Did you eat at all today?" Sunny asked.

The rumbling in your stomach was enough to answer Sunny’s question. "I guess I've been too depressed to eat lately. And I'm still barely learning how to cook. Sure, let's go," you agreed, accepting her offer. You guided her through the city, towards your house.

"I still can't believe your grandmother used to have a husband. I wish we could've met him. He sounded like a really nice guy," Sunny said.

"Me too. If he didn't die from that heart disease, I'd have my very own loving grandfather. But I'm happy to know my grandma made an effort to raise me all by herself. She always looked so content and happy whenever she had me around," you said.

"It's the same with my own mother. Even though I hardly see her because of my stupid dad, I still know she loves me and I love her, too," Sunny said, missing her mother.

"Yeah… I know how you feel," you replied. Sunny looks at you and clings to your arm a little more for some reason. Surely, you felt your heart skipping a beat as she held you close to her. You stared into Sunny's eyes, glittering into the beautiful sunlight. That's when you began to wonder, 'Am I falling for her?' you thought.

"Hey, you okay? Why are you staring at me like that?" Sunny asked, snapping you out of your little trance.

"Y-Yeah, sorry. I guess I kinda spaced out a little," you stuttered, blushing a bit. "All this talk about families has gotten me thinking how… very much alike we are."

"R-Right. S-So, Uhm…still care to show me the way to your home? I don’t exactly know where you live.” Sunny stuttered as well with a sheepish smile.

"Y-Yeah, sure," you nodded.

After some time had passed, you made it back to your house with Sunny. You let her in first before walking in and locking the door behind you. "Well, this is it. Home sweet home."

"Wow. This place looks amazing! Your grandmother lives in this mansion? It's a whole lot bigger than my dad's house, that's for sure," Sunny said, awestruck.

“Do you want me to give you a tour of the mansion?” You offered your guest.

"I don't mind. But let's keep it short.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll only show you the rooms where I spent the majority of my childhood with my Grandmother,” as you gently took her hand, you showed her the bedroom you still sleep in, showing all your stuff, including the picture of you as a baby being held by Vivian. Next, you showed her the library where you always studied during your time at CPA and read stories together with your Grandmother. The Daring Do books are both your favorites.

You also went and showed her Vivian's bedroom. The inside had a classic Victorian bed with thick bed curtains and a big window showing a view of the entire city. Sunny awed at the beautiful sight. “This must be beautiful to see once the stars are out.”

“You read my mind, Sunny. Grandmother always watched the city at night whenever she couldn’t sleep. Watching the city's nightlights and the twinkling stars in the sky, it made her feel relaxed and happy. Sometimes, she'd even invite me in here to watch it all with her whenever I couldn’t sleep..” You looked at the city with the sun slowly lowering over the beautiful mansion.

“That’s really kind of her to do that for you,” Sunny added, standing next to you.

Both of you were looking outside for a little while as Sunny suddenly rested her head on your shoulder.You slightly looked at her, smiling as she had closed her eyes, enjoying the moment of peace and quiet together. Sadly, your stomach had to interrupt the beautiful moment between you two.

"Oh boy, I'd better get dinner ready. How do you feel about having spaghetti with garlic bread?" Sunny asked.

“Sounds good to me, Sunny. It’s been a while since I ate some delicious spaghetti.”

"Alrighty. Spaghetti and garlic bread coming right up." Sunny said excitedly. You quickly guided her back downstairs and into the kitchen, showing her where the ingredients were. "Wow! You sure your grandmother isn't running a catering company?"

"Trust me, people ask that all the time when they come to visit Vivian's mansion. At least they used to before she retired. That's what she told me, anyways," you said.

"I see," she chuckled. "Well then, I'll get started." You nod and you allowed her to do her business while you went into the living room. You quickly set the table for you both before you decided to turn on the TV and see what's on for today. You stopped as you saw one of your favorite TV shows playing: Code Lyoko. You used to watch it with your grandmother all the time when you were a little younger. It was about 5 friends who go to a digital world to fight an evil computer virus called Xana that wants to take over the world.

Cartoon Network had stopped playing all the good shows, but it was a good thing Amazon Video came, otherwise you'd be mad at the world for a petty little thing. However, as hard as you tried to get into the show right now, your mind was still focused on Vivian. Just the thought of seeing her in that state still brought a tear to your eye.

If she makes it out of the hospital, you're gonna start making some changes and help her out with all of the housework. As you were thinking of all the chores you can do in the mansion you started to smell something delicious coming from the kitchen.

“Hmm, Sunny must’ve started working on the sauce,” you assumed and licked your lips. "She must be an amazing cook to make the spaghetti smell that good. Maybe she picked up that skill from her mom?" You were tempted to enter the kitchen and help her out and secretly hoping that you would get a small taste of the spaghetti sauce that she was making.

But you remembered how you almost burnt down the kitchen when you tried to make pancakes for Vivian when you were younger. So you decided to play it safe and watched the rest of the episode of Code Lyoko. Eventually, the wait was over.

"Okay, come and get it!" Sunny called out. You jumped up from your seat and went into the kitchen, finding Sunny with two plates of freshly homemade spaghetti and garlic bread. "Dinner is served."

"Ooh, looks good. And smells good, too," you replied while sniffing, your stomach growled even louder. Sunny chuckled, handing you your plate. Then you two left to take a seat on the dining room table, ready to chow down. "Oh, did you want a drink with this?" you asked.

“Sure, I’d like to have some lemonade."

"Gotcha, one lemonade coming right up," you said before getting out of your chair. You went into the kitchen and got the supplies needed to make lemonade, as well as the lemons. It took a mere few minutes before you had a whole pitcher ready for her and poured her a glass before serving yourself some. You walked back to the dining table and handed her a glass. “Here you go, Sunny, one cup of freshly-squeezed lemonade!”

“Thank you, deary,” she smiled and gladly took her glass. “How about we do a toast?”

"Sure," you agreed, lifting up your glass.

"A toast to pray for your grandmother's recovery and to our friendship," Sunny said.

"Cheers," you replied as you clanked your glass with hers before both of you took a sip. Sunny's eyes lit up like the 4th of July.

"Wow, this tastes delicious," she said.

"Thanks. Truth be told, lemonade's one of my specialties. I tried it out once with a little help from my grandma because when I was little I wanted to open up my own lemonade stand. I was raising some money so I could get a new bike when I was 8. Even though she was rich, I wanted to prove I can work to earn my own money. And I did and was able to buy my dream bike and rode it like there was no tomorrow."

"Amazing. You're quite the mass achiever," Sunny said, impressed before taking a bite of the spaghetti she made. You took a couple of bites of your bread and spaghetti, giving into the fantastic taste. She did a really great job in cooking this dish.

"Of course," you said after gulping down some of your food. "Eventually, I literally grew out of my bike and I didn't have the heart to part with it. It was the first bike I ever got in my childhood. So, my grandma put my bike down in the basement, or as we call it: The Museum. Yeah, she's collected a lot of things in her time. Including her own childhood bike. That's where she set mine at. Right next to hers."

"Aww, that's so sweet. I never knew she was that caring. You know, I kinda envy you," Sunny said, looking down at her food, still keeping a smile. "Even though you were adopted, you still had a wonderful life. I wish I could've been part of your paradise."

"Sunny, you already are," you said, reassuring her by patting her hand. You saw her blushing a little from your compliment.

“Thank you,” she smiled sincerely but it quickly turned into a frown. “I just wished that we stayed in contact after we graduated from Crystal Prep.”

“You’re here now, Sunny and that’s what matters to me. I’m glad you’re here, having dinner with me this evening.”

Sunny didn't realize it at first, but from the moment you said those words, her heart skipped a beat and her face felt like it was on fire, yet she didn't care. Her smile became brighter with happiness… content… and other things that made her feel good. Now she found herself holding your hand. You blushed a bit, realizing you were on the same boat. It appears that both of you were falling for each other.

You and Sunny never looked away from each other. The setting sun outside the window made the evening even more fitting as you both leaned in towards each other. Your eyes closed slowly and finally, your lips met with hers. And soon, you sealed your first kiss with the girl you've fallen in love with.

The moment felt like it lasted for an eternity. When you both broke the kiss, you and Sunny stared at each other with content smiles. Not another word was said and the two of you enjoyed your dinner.

Some time after finishing your meal, it was time for Sunny to go home, as much as she hated the idea of leaving. "Well, I guess I'll see you next time," you said.

"Yeah. Thanks for having me over. Tomorrow, I'll meet you at the hospital entrance. We can tell your grandma the good news," Sunny replied.

"Oh, she'll be so happy to hear it. But, are you sure you'll be fine walking home?" you asked.

"Do you really want to feel the wrath of my dad up close and personal? I'd rather you don't follow me otherwise he might tase you,” Sunny pointed out

"Yeesh, talk about overprotective. He needs a reality check."

"Amen to that. Anyways, thanks again, deary. Take care now, okay?" Sunny then planted a kiss on your cheek and left. You waved goodbye to her as she walked out and headed home. You sighed and went back inside the house, locking up and getting to work on cleaning up and turning in for the night.

The next day, around 1:00 PM you were eating your lunch while sending some loving messages to Sunny. You both were making plans on where you two should meet to visit your Grandmother and tell her the amazing news.

But then, your phone started ringing and it was from a number you didn't recognize. But it said it was from Canterlot City, so you answered it. "Hello?" you asked.

On the other line, a man was asking for your name and you confirmed it. "I'm calling from the Canterlot City Hospital. I'm… I'm afraid I have some bad news about your grandmother." Your heart dropped as if it was crushed by a heavy stone.

"What happened?" you asked, worried.

"Vivian's condition is far worse than we thought. We've tried our best, but I'm afraid she's only got a short time left to live. I'm really sorry, sir," the doctor said over the phone.

"Oh no…" you said, tears running down your face. "I… I'll be right there, thanks for letting me know, doctor." you said before hanging up. You grabbed your stuff in a hurry and bolted out of the house, but made sure to lock it before dashing off. You texted Sunny the bad news about your ill grandmother and told her to meet you at the hospital ASAP.

Afterwards, you can only hope your legs would carry you as far as they could at the pace you were running. "Just hold on a little longer, grandma! I'm coming! I'll be there soon! Just don't die on me!" you exclaimed internally, tears still running down your face.

You were able to arrive outside the hospital in half the time. To your surprise, Sunny was there… but so was her father. And as she said last night, he had a taser in his hand. "You…" the man said with a cold tone. "Did I not tell you that no common filth was allowed to date my daughter? Must I make an example out of you?" he asked, turning on his taser.

"Daddy! Stop! He's not a bad guy, now let me go!" Sunny said, trying to get loose of her father's grip, but to no avail.

"Silence! This little wretch has poisoned your mind! And I don't take kindly to those who would dare take advantage of my daughter!"

"Take advantage? Are you serious?! Dude, she's a freaking adult, she's not your little girl anymore and plus, you're the reason she's unhappy! Now, move aside, my grandma needs me!" you argued.

"Don't you talk back to me like that, you little cretin! I’m her father! I know what's best for her! Sunny is my daughter and you are nothing more than common trash! Now I'm only gonna say this once: Stay away!" he persisted, putting his taser close to your face. But then, Sunny stepped in and kicked her dad in the balls, making him lose his grip on his taser and toppled over in pain.

"Come on!" Sunny said hastily. You nod and follow her inside the hospital. You quickly asked the lady at the front desk if you could see Vivian. She nods and you and Sunny head up to the 6th floor using the elevator. You ran towards the room your grandmother was in and quietly walked inside, looking upon the horror in front of you.

Vivan was just laying there, pale as can be. The monitor was beeping slowly, her heart was clearly getting slower by the minute. Her smile was not found on her face. Her breathing was faint, eyes closed. You went over, crying over her. "Grandma? C...Can you hear me?" you asked, stroking her hand. Her eyes open up and look at you. Her smile returns.

"My. . .dear. So good to see you. . . one final time," Vivian said in her weakened state.

"Grandma. I… I have some good news. Sunny… Sunny and I…" you tried to tell her, but her current state made you choke on your words.

"Your grandson's my new boyfriend, Ms. Vivian. That's what he meant to say," Sunny said.

"Oh. . . how wonderful! I'm. . . so proud of you," Vivian said, relieved. "I can't. . . wait. . . to tell my. . . dear Booker. . . how much you've grown."

"Grandma! Please, don't leave me! I'll take care of you! I'll do all the housework! I'll cook for you, I’ll do anything for you! Just whatever you do, don't die on me! Please!" you begged, weeping at her bedside.

"Now, now, dear. Don't you see? You did help me. You gave me. . . everything I could. . . ever want in life: a family. And in doing so. . . you made me feel loved. You made. . . my life worth living to the fullest. Now. . . I'm going home." Vivian said.

"But… but you've done so much for me!" you weeped some more, holding her hand.

"And. . . it was my greatest pleasure. . . knowing I raised. . . my miracle grandson," she replied with her brightest smile. She used her remaining strength into her other hand and held yours. "Now. . . it's time for you. . . to live your own life. . . to the fullest. Goodbye. . . my sweet, sweet little boy. And you too, Sunny Flare. . . Take good care. . . of my grandson."

"I… I will, Vivian. Goodbye," Sunny said, walking up and standing next to you.

If there was ever a chance for you to say goodbye, it was now. "G...Goodbye grandma… I love you so much," you said, choked up. You still held her hand for a little while longer until… she let go and her monitor flatlined. Now… Vivian was truly at peace as she died in your hands… with a beautiful smile. You put your deceased grandmother's hand down and sobbed loudly.

Sunny, who was standing beside you, couldn’t hold in her tears anymore. They started flowing down her cheeks as she grabbed you in a warm, comforting hug. Both of you cried over the loss of your dear, sweet grandmother. She was such an amazing woman and to lose such a loving lady, it tore you up inside just as much as it did with Sunny. But, on the bright side, at least you all got to say goodbye.

You just wish it didn't have to be so soon.