The Tales of Colt 17

by _Reader_

Rating: teen
Tags: Slice of Life, Dark, Sad, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 6419

A young stallion finds himself in an institution after a failed suicide attempt.

Depression is something that everybody has to deal with. Some can deal with it easier than others. A young stallion finds himself lost in life and sees suicide as a way out but fortunately or unfortunately life has other plans for him.

WARNING: Suicide/Asylum Fic.

Published 2013-07-29 07:30:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-07-29 07:30:02 UTC

Everyday

Do you ever think about depression? You know, that thing that makes ponies sad, and I mean really sad. Things like losing family, losing a job, realizing everything you worked for in life was completely meaningless. What about having a cutie mark for a talent you don’t even enjoy?

“Goodnight mom, goodnight dad.” I said to my parents resting on the nearby couch. I stared at them for a moment. How many times had I said goodnight to them? How many more times would I have to say it?

“Goodnight son.” They said in unison. I wonder if they felt the same way I did. Having to say the same line over and over again just because that’s what’s expected of you. I walked up the stairs to my room and slowly closed the door behind me, as I did so many times in the past and as I would do in the future. Everything was just getting too repetitive.

I slowly moved towards my bed and took notice of the small ball of grey fur, resting quietly atop the blankets. When you have a pet, you’re supposed to love and care for them right? They’re supposed to make you happy and give you a sweet feeling on the inside, similar to the way a parent views a child. If that’s true, then why do I never feel anything when I look at him?

“Come on Ash, move over would you. If you’re in the middle of the bed then where am I going to sleep?” I smiled as a chuckle escaped my lips. I understand the concept but that’s about all.

I walked up to the bed and after a little prodding; the little grey furball began to move. He got up rather slowly, taking his time to stretch out his legs and give a small yawn. His eyes eventually met mine and I wondered if that meant anything to him. He abruptly looked away and jumped off the bed, immediately heading to his food bowl. I jumped onto the bed and began to watch him. What I wouldn’t have given to be a cat. They have it easy; just eat, sleep, and poop. No worries, no expectations, no nothing.

“Goodnight Ash.” I said lightly. I lowered my head and stared at the ceiling for what would be another long night. I always enjoyed going to bed. It gave me hope that I wouldn’t wake up in the morning.

___

“Come on there sleepy head, it’s time for school. You’re going to be late if you don’t hurry.” I heard a voice, one so familiar yet distant, my mothers.

I slowly opened my eyes and caught a glimpse of the sun. Most ponies found it beautiful but I couldn’t really understand why. It was something that was always there and would always be there. The sun was nothing more than a common everyday occurrence, so how could it be beautiful? To me, real beauty was something that was rare, maybe a once in lifetime thing. If something was common then it was simply average, not beautiful.

“It only takes me second to get ready, I won’t be late.” I said with some mild irritation. My mother smiled, she always smiled. A mother’s smile is warm enough to melt a frozen heart, so they say anyways.

After brushing my teeth and washing my face, I walked into kitchen. Dad was there, always was, eating his morning breakfast and drinking his morning coffee. I walked by him and headed to the door.

“I’m off to school.”

“Not going to eat anything before you go?” He asked. He always asked that same damn question.

“Not hungry.” I said as I walked out the door. I didn’t want to hear his reply, I already knew what it would be anyways.

___

The trip to school was the same as always. Say good morning to Pinkie Pie, wave to the mailmare, and meet my two friends next to the entrance of the schoolhouse before entering together. I really liked those two. We were great friends ever since I was little.

“Good morning class.” Cheerilee was answered by a wave of good mornings from the other students. I don’t think I answered her even once. “Now class, as you know, graduation is coming up in a few short months and I need to have your reports finished and on my desk before then. These are very important to stallions and mares your age. With them, I can help set up meetings for your future so that all of you may become upstanding citizens of Ponyville or anywhere else you may decide to live.” She gave a stern look to all the students, especially me. She always had high hopes for me. She was probably disappointed I didn’t hand in my paper yet.

“Miss Cheerilee, are those papers really necessary for us to do. Most of us here already know what we're doing when we graduate. I don’t see why we got to do them if we already have a job lined up.” The blond stallion next to me spoke up. He may have sounded like he had plans but he just wanted to get out of the work.

“Cloud Buster, I think you of all ponies should be the most concerned. If you’re so confident you don’t need to do this paper then tell me, what plans do you have after graduation?” Cheerilee glared at him.

“Ugh, well…okay I got nothing.” The class laughed slightly and Cheerilee gave him the ‘whatever am I going to do with you’ look. Cloud was the class clown. Everyone found him funny but I thought he was just annoying.

“Moving on, let me give you back the tests you took last week.” Cheerilie got out a stack of papers and began to call off names. One by one the students walked up to grab their paper, some frowning and others smiling. I followed suit when my name came up. I always thought just leaving the papers upside down on the student’s desks would have been easier. She did love to talk with her students though.

“A 98, I’m impressed as usual.” She grinned at me but it quickly turned into a frown. “I’d like you to stay after class today. I have something I want to talk to you about.” The fact I haven’t handed in my paper no doubt. A 98. Most ponies would have been ecstatic to get a grade like that on their midterm. I never cared though. You know, most of the others probably considered me a nerd but I never actually studied. I just had a good memory for that kind of thing. All the years I was in school, I never tried and yet I was the number five student in the school's history. Talent is wasted on the lazy as they say.

I walked back to my seat without saying anything and put the test away. After all of the tests were in their owners hooves she began to go through the questions, explaining the correct answers and what some of the more common mistakes were. That would be the whole school day. That test was long.

After the bell rang the students quickly piled out, the next class would be here shortly after all. I walked up to Cheerilee, knowing very well that an awkward conversation would be coming up. “You wanted to see me Cheerilee.” I said as enthusiastic as ever. She looked up at me with her gloomy eyes. She always did that to me. She knew I was never trying and that bothered her.

“You haven’t handed in your report yet.” Her voice was emotionless; I think it hurt her to even talk to me.

“I’m working on it.” I said blandly. She just shook her head.

“If you need help, you can talk to me you know, about anything.” She gave me a heartfelt smile. She loved her students; I had to give her that. She probably knew even before I did.

“Thanks, but I’m fine. I’ll get to work on the report right away.” I started to walk away. That’s all she wanted to talk about anyway.

“Wait…” She seemed at a loss of what to say. I really hated to see her like that, and yet I was always the one to do it.

“Is there something else you needed to talk about?” I didn’t bother to turn around, I didn’t want to.

“No, never mind. Just…try not to let things bother you, okay?” I reluctantly turned to face her. Her smile was still there and her eyes now glowing with warmth. I always wondered why she never had a special somepony. She was perfect.

“Sure.” I turned away and walked out the door. I could see some of the other students coming towards the schoolhouse. As I walked past them, I got a few greetings and a friendly punch in the shoulder. I did my normal ‘hey’ and simply kept walking. They were a pretty good bunch. A bit unruly at times, but the whole class always stuck together and looked out for each other, even me.

___

I hated after school, I never knew what to do. If I went home, my parents would start to talk to me and want to do family things. Not that I didn’t appreciate it or anything, I was just too serious and I didn’t find much fun in board games. If I walked around town, Pinkie was sure to find me and she was the ultimate pain in my ass. So, as I did most of the time, I found the most secluded spot in the park and just sat down to think. Besides being in bed, it was the only other time I could find peace.

It’s amazing the things you think of when you’re all alone. Your mind just wanders and all kinds of thoughts begin to enter. What if Pinkie was blue? Did anyone ever go to the Golden Oak Library? Why was the mailmare always at the bakery? I thought of all kinds of things. Eventually though, my thoughts would drift from silly to serious. What was the point of this world? Why did everypony accept everything that happens as fact and truth? Why do I feel so empty?

I looked at all the ponies around me. They were so cheerful and carefree. Sometimes, I just felt like I was the only one who could see the truth, as if I was the only one not brainwashed to believe everything is grand and perfect. I loved and hated that feeling. To me, it was a source of depression but it was also who I am. If I got rid of that then I would be somepony completely different. That terrified me, more then you can ever imagine. It’s because of this that I just swallowed it all. I wanted to remain who I am, even if it meant carrying a great depression along with it. A depression that was completely pointless.

I hated myself, but I didn’t want to change. I refused to change.

I took a deep breath until I felt a small release in my chest. It only ever lasted a few seconds but I always welcomed it. A release from the pain, a pain that I didn’t know as physical or emotional. Who wouldn’t welcome such a release? The breathing exercises; I think if I did more of them, I would have been happier.

___

I started to make my way home after what felt like hours. My mother welcomed me back and told me there was someone to see me. How unexpected. No one ever came to see me besides my two friends.

I walked into the living room to see a young yellow mare playing with Ash. I couldn’t help but smile, only she could get him to be that playful. Fluttershy, you knew that I was depressed didn’t you? That’s why you gave me Ash and always came to talk to me in the park.

“Hey Fluttershy, can I help you?” I said with a small grin. She got mad at me if I didn’t smile when talking to her.

“You’re such a cute kitty.” She laughed a bit before looking up at me. “Oh, yes, I was wondering, if it wasn’t too much trouble that is, if you could help me out a little. You see, I’m moving some of the chickens to the new chicken coop I just built and well, they can get a bit unruly at times. I was wondering if you could help with the nests while I kept an eye on them, to make sure they didn’t get into any trouble.” Her smile, it was even worse than Cheerilee’s. How could I say no? It was Fluttershy.

“Yeah, sure thing.” I didn’t want to help her, but a part of me still found joy in seeing her face light up at my response.

___

I was exhausted by the time I made it back to my house. The chickens were way beyond just unruly. Pinkie being there didn’t help matters either. When I walked in the door I got the usual ‘welcome home’ and ‘dinner will be ready soon’ lines. I just nodded and went up to my room and jumped onto my bed. My chest was hurting a bit more than usual. It wasn’t different then any other day, yet I felt so horrible. I guess it just added up.

I wanted it to end, everything to just end. I had gone through the same damn thing over and over again. I felt so empty and I wanted nothing more than to die.

It wasn’t fair though, I didn’t have the right to end my life. I had everything a colt could want. A loving family, supportive friends, intelligence, a natural born strength, a normal appearance, and a future…in anything I wanted. I had everything that most would consider valuable yet…I was depressed and I wanted nothing more than to see my life end. It’s what kept me going. The thought that I wasn’t allowed to be depressed. I had so much and yet I wanted to throw it all away. Such wasted potential.

“Honey, time for supper.” My mother called. I didn’t want to move, I didn’t want to do anything.

I had to though, it was expected of me and I would do as I was expected of. I walked down the stairs and sat at the table. I smiled and said it looked good. I made a light joke about some of the burnt food and, all in all, it was a normal dinner. We ate, laughed, and told stories of our day. I paid close attention to the stories they told, more than usual anyway. Today was going to be my last and I wanted them to be happy.

After dinner, I helped to clear the table and even offered to wash the dishes. My mother gave me the ‘who are you and what have you done with my son’ look before quickly accepting the help. I think she was happy just to do something with me, even if it was only dishes.

After finishing the dishes and talking a bit more with both of them, I decided it was time. I told them goodnight and that I would see them tomorrow.

“Goodnight son.” How ironic, the last time I’ll ever hear that and it felt more real then ever before. I walked up to my room and slowly closed the door behind me. I looked to my bed and saw my little grey bundle of fluff stretched out over the blankets. I smiled. That was probably my only real smile all day. I didn’t feel anything for him but I still loved him more than most things.

I walked up to him, not entirely sure how I wanted to say goodbye. How does one say goodbye to a pet? I guess…you just do it. “I want you to know Ash, that I love you. I might not be able to feel it, but…I really do love you. I know it, deep down I know it.” I stopped, not entirely sure how to continue. I closed my eyes in an attempt to cry. Nothing came; I was dry eyed as always.

“You know Ash, I kept saying over the years that you’re only allowed to die after me. I didn’t know what I would do otherwise.” He just stared at me with a blank expression. He couldn’t understand me, he didn’t know what I was planning. Yet, why did I want him to react, why did I want him to cuddle up to me as if to say ‘everything’s fine’. I wanted him to be sad; I wanted this moment to be sad. I was about to kill myself and yet…everything still felt the same. I was confused. I didn’t know what I wanted or how to go about finding it.

I pet him as gently and lovingly as possible, only inches away from his face. I wanted him to nuzzle me, to lick me or do anything for that matter. After a few more moments, I gave up. “Goodbye Ash.” I stepped away from him and walked back toward my door. My intelligence was finally going to be put to use. I would have to wait for just the right time to make my move, as not to alert anyone to my actions. It was already late but I would still need to wait another hour or two before everypony in town would be sleeping. That’s when I decided I would write a note. It was the least I could do after all.

___

I was finished. It took me a good hour but I had written a three-page note of my thoughts and reasons behind my suicide. It was a bit preachy but I honestly didn’t care as I was going to die anyway. I was just sitting there now, waiting until I felt the time was right. Ash was now lying on my note, almost as if to say I should go through with it. Damn Cat. Ash, you didn’t know any better. You’re just a cat after all.

I checked my clock and after a few last thoughts, I decided it was time. I looked at Ash and once again said goodbye before slowly walking out my door. I walked down the stairs, taking a deep breath with each step. I slowly glanced around to make sure neither of them was up. After I was satisfied, I opened the front door and walked out into the cold winter air. My death would be drawn out and painful; I had decided. What a better way to go then freezing to death. I always considered myself to be fairly immune to the cold weather. It never bothered me at all. I was going to hurt many ponies with my actions and I wanted to make sure my death was a long drawn out one, I wanted to suffer. It was the only way to make me feel better.

I slowly walked through town avoiding the guards and eventually made my way back to the park. I looked into the distance at the snow-covered hills. That would make a great place for me to lie down. I came to the small creek that I knew would try to stop me. I wasn’t about to waver though. I slowly stepped onto the ice that had formed, inching my way across; it didn’t hold. The water was freezing. It soaked right to the bone but it wasn’t actually all that bad. I had lost feeling in my legs almost instantly.

After making my way across, I began to run toward the hills. My breathing was erratic and my heart pumping much faster than I thought possible. I eventually made my way to a wooded area where I collapsed to the ground. This spot would have to do. I looked up at the great sky and…waited. My death would come to me eventually.

How long, how long does it take to die?

I was losing it, my mind was in jumbles and I began to scream at the sky.

“WHY! Why won't you just let me die? I don’t want to be here, I just want it all to end.” I still wanted to cry. I wanted this moment to be sad but I was still the exact same pony.

It was a few more moments; my mind was beginning to shatter.

“I’m sorry.” My voice was barely a whisper. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. I’ll do…the right thing.”

I started to laugh in between my words. “I’ll go back… and I’ll start to talk to everypony again. I’ll find a very special somepony. I promise I’ll be fine.”

I got up off the snow and wobbled my way to a nearby path. I followed it, hoping it would take me back to Ponyville. I ended up at the schoolhouse. That damn schoolhouse, I hated it. Cheerliee was always so nice to her students, I hated her.

I tried opening the front door but to no avail. I wouldn’t be denied my entry. I looked around the schoolhouse until I came to a small window on the lower portion of the building. It led to the basement where the newspaper equipment was held. That was my way in.

I began to pound on the glass, all the while looking at the other buildings to make sure no one saw me. After a few hits, I got angry that the glass had remained intact. I hit it full force and shattered it. I knocked away some of the remaining pieces and squeezed my way in. I was a decent sized stallion but I was always proud of how I could fit through tight spaces.

I had never been in the basement of the school. I took a moment to look around, a moment to take in my victory. I walked up to the door leading to the classroom and after a little push, I was finally in. I didn’t really know why I wanted to be in there. It was just a spur of the moment thing.

I would get my revenge on her, on everypony. I started to flip the students desks and I threw all the papers I could find. I ripped the posters off the wall and eventually came to Cheerilee’s desk. I took my time with hers, examining every spot of it. I laughed before opening it and throwing all her papers and supplies over the room. I stopped at the glue and a small can of paint. My original goal came back to me. I wanted to die and I was getting desperate.

I began to mix the paint with the glue and any other liquid I could find. Ink, white out, some strange looking dye. It would make a truly delectable drink for the afterlife. After I was satisfied with my concoction, I set it down on her desk and sat in her chair. I always wondered what it was like behind this desk. I smiled and started thinking about the things I would never know. What happens at the end of the daring do books? What…that was it. I couldn’t think of anything else. My life was so pathetic. It wasn’t any different. Being behind the desk that is. It wasn’t special or magical in any way. I was really disappointed.

I glanced over my body. It was beginning to regain feeling and I took notice of all the blood on my legs. I must have cut myself pretty badly getting through that window. My mind was beginning to go blank as I reverted back to the way I was before. Who was I trying to kid. I didn’t have it in me to take my own life. I was a coward and I made a mistake. I would simply leave and go home to pretend none of this ever happened. Things never work out the way you want them to though.

As I got up from her chair, I noticed figures through the windows and a small device inserted into one of them. My heart sank. Someone had found me and they were here. I couldn’t let that happen. I wouldn’t let it happen. “STAY BACK, all of you!” They didn’t hesitate. The window popped open with a thud and they came in. “I’ll do it! I swear.” I took hold of my drink and put it to my mouth. I planned to use my own body as a hostage. The Guards were too well trained though. I knew they wouldn’t stop.

They kept walking toward me, not hesitating in the least. They left me with no choice; I’m not one to bluff. I began to guzzle the drink as the guard got to me. He knocked the can out of my hooves and pushed me against the wall. He let up quickly when he looked at my form. I couldn’t breathe, I was choking and my vision was quickly fading. He put a hoof on my shoulder as the other guards came near. They began to talk with one another and one of them slipped hoofcuffs on me. They had to make sure I wouldn’t try anything else. It made sense.

After a few minutes the guard asked me if I was okay and I shook my head yes. I was regaining my vision from the tears and my stomach was starting to calm down. They led me out to an ambulance carriage. Once I was inside, they undid my cuffs and put another pair on me to the stretcher. There was a nurse in the back with me, she handed me a bucket. My stomach had finally decided to evacuate my earlier delicacy . In other words, I threw up. “I’m sorry…I’m sorry…I’m sorry.” It was all I could say between the purging. I was pathetic. I never wanted to get caught yet here I am throwing up and saying I’m sorry.

The trip to the hospital was a quiet one. The nurse wouldn’t even look me in the eye. When we arrived, they wheeled me out on the stretcher and put me in a room by myself. My mind was completely blank and empty. I always thought I had felt empty before, but I was in a whole new kind of pain. A guard eventually made his way into the room.

“Okay, what’s your story kid? I have to file a report on everything that happened so start from the beginning.” I looked at him with dead eyes and answered his question without hesitation. I was a robot and I would do as I was told.

“-and then you came through the door and told me to tell you what happened.” The guard finished writing down what I said and smiled.

“It’s lucky Luna noticed you running around so late. If she didn’t you may not have made it.” I glared at him

“I didn’t want her help or yours. I wanted to die.” The guard’s smile quickly faded and he began to walk away, muttering something about an ungrateful punk.

I laid there for what felt like hours even though time had slowed down for me. I know only a few minutes had gone by but it was an eternity to me. I could hear talking. “Your son is right in here.” No… please no. I can’t face them. I can’t do it. I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep. It was just too much for me. I didn’t want to see the look on their faces when they saw me.

I heard the hoofsteps get closer and eventually stop right next to me. I could hear my mother whimper, and my father’s deep breaths. They didn’t say anything for a while. They just looked at me with what I imagine to be pity. I felt a hoof on my leg.

“They should have at least cleaned the blood off.” Her voice was broken, much like my heart. Dear Celestia that sounded pathetic.

“Maybe one of the nurses has a cloth we can use.” His voice was reassurance. He had to remain strong for her. I heard him walk away, only to return a moment later.

I felt a wet cloth on my leg. My mother was cleaning me. I guess she couldn’t stand the site of the blood. After cleaning both my legs, she began to rub the same spot over and over. Even though I was clean, it gave her comfort just to be able to touch me.

“I’m really sorry to disturb you, but we’re going to have to move him to another room.” It was a nurse. My parents didn’t say anything and after a few moments I felt the stretcher begin to move. I kept my eyes closed. I didn’t dare open them and chance looking at my parents.

The movement eventually stopped and all was silent. I couldn’t tell if anypony was with me or not. I wouldn’t open my eyes, I wouldn’t. I remained as motionless as possible and breathed only when I had to. I heard a door open. “Okay, let’s get him moved to the emergency room.” I heard many more hoofsteps and curiosity finally got to me. I opened my eyes and saw a few of the hospital staff carting me away. There was a guard with them and thankfully, my parents were nowhere to be seen.

“This won't hurt a bit.” The nurse said to me while preparing the nearby machines. “Were going to have to put you under, but why don’t you count to see how long it takes. Most don’t get past five.” She smiled and put the mask over my face. I began to count as the doctors and nurses set up all the equipment. One, Two, Three…Twenty-two, Twenty-three. I stopped and let my mind be taken. That nurse was a liar. I think she just wanted to make me feel better because I could count so high.

___

I woke up slightly dazed and not entirely sure where I was. I stared at the ceiling and tried to think. I must be in a hospital bed. I looked around and my heart sank once again. My parents were both there, looking at me. My mother’s eyes were red; no doubt from crying and my father had a small smile on his face. Probably happy I was awake. They both looked like they wanted to say something but weren’t entirely sure how. Mom finally spoke.

“The doctors say the procedure went well and that everything is out of your stomach.” Just like mom to say something like that. I looked away from them and back to the ceiling. “Um, the doctors say someone is going to come in and talk to you later. Make sure to answer all of their questions okay.” It was said with love but I couldn’t feel it. I was barely even listening. I was too deep in thought. How was I going to get out of this? How would I kill myself now?

The next few hours went by quickly and in silence. I had my next move planned out. There was a bathroom here with a shower. I would request to bathe and then drown myself while in there. Full-proof.

“So this must be the young handsome stallion.” A mare’s voice caught my attention. I looked over at her. She had a fake smile, a much too happy complexion, and to top it off, a bright yellow coat with a bright yellow mane. She just screamed sunny and cheery, she must be the one coming to talk with me.

She seemed like she was waiting for me to answer but when I said nothing she just walked up and sat on the bed next to me. “I know you don’t want to leave your son but I have to talk to him alone.” She said to my parents. They both looked at each other before leaving the room. She then turned her attention to me.

“I know you don’t want to talk to me or anypony for that matter so I’m going to make this quick and easy, okay?” I nodded. The quicker this was done the better. “Do you feel safe here in the hospital?”

“Yes.”

“Do you feel as if you’re going to hurt anypony in the hospital?”

“No.”

“Do you feel as if you’re going to hurt yourself?”

“I…don’t know.” I was answering her sincerely. I didn’t know why, I just did. The smile she had slightly faded and she got up.

“Okay, that’s all I needed to hear. Come night time, you’re going to be taken to an institution with other colts your age where you’ll be able to get the help you deserve.” She got off the bed and smiled at me once more before leaving. What just happened?

___

It was dark, my bathroom plan had failed as they refused to let me shower and I was only allowed to leave the bed if I had to ‘go’ in which case they would watch me very carefully. That limited my resources and eventually I decided just to wait until I was at the institution. I would have my chances there.

“Time to go sweetheart.” My nurse called to me. Having only known her for a day, she was pretty damn cool. She knew many inappropriate jokes and I even laughed at a few of them. Quite an accomplishment in my book.

“Yup.” I looked over to my right. My parents had been here all day keeping my silence company. We had played a few board games and even got to see the newest addition to The Wonderbolts; who had apparently come in from an injury, or so they told me anyways. That new addition was full of herself to say the least.

I was stretchered down to the lobby where they loaded me into another ambulance. My parents said they would meet me at the Institution. I know they wanted to ride with me. I’m surprised they didn’t put up a fight when the doctors told them no.

I wasn’t entirely aware of where I was going but it was a long trip to be sure. After a couple of hours, we finally arrived and I was let out of the ambulance. They said I could walk this time and didn’t need the stretcher anymore. Good, I was getting sick of that thing anyway.

My parents were already there waiting and we walked inside the building together. Calling it huge would have been an understatement. It seemed like it stretched on forever.

“Ahh, we’ve been expecting you.” An older looking mare greeted us as we walked in. “I just have a few things to discuss with you before proceeding. Um, privately.” She looked at me while saying her last line. I took the hint and started to walk around the large room. The ceiling was up much higher than it needed to be and there were so many posters of rewards and other things on the walls that it was almost sickening. Without much else to do, I regrettably started to read a few. The place was a joke. All the posters and rewards were for excellent service to the community and so many children helped over the years. It was disgusting.

I made my way back to the group when the older mare motioned to me. “So you understand the rules then?” My parents both nodded. I guess she was explaining how things worked around here. “Then, it’s time to say goodbye for now. You’ll be able to see each other tomorrow.” My parents looked at me with those damn loving eyes they always had.

“We’ll see you tomorrow son.” My mother managed to choke out. My dad just nodded and said a simple bye.

“Yeah.” I muttered back and walked over to the old mare. I didn’t look back, I couldn’t.

I kept walking with the old mare through a few reinforced doors until eventually we came to rather open room with a chalk board on one of the walls. It had names on it along with times. I wonder what it meant. One name specifically stood out among them, Shadow. I wonder what he was like.

“This must be the new kid then.” A rather fat stallion walked up to us.

“Indeed, I trust you understand your responsibilities?” There was a touch of irritation on her voice. I don’t think those two got along.

“Yeah, I know how to do my job.” He retorted. His face was a bit scrunched up.

“Good. See to him then.” She quickly walked away and after she was out of site I could hear the fat one mutter ‘big stupid bitch’ or similar to that. I smiled.

“Okay kid; let me show you to your room.” We walked a whole ten feet before he pointed to a door. “And here we are, the presidential suite.” He gave a little bow before opening it. The inside of the room had two beds, a window and was extremely bland. The colors, the sheets, everything was just…tacky. Not like I had much of a choice though. I said thanks before going in and choosing one of the beds. He interrupted me before I got too comfortable.

“Oh, sorry about that. I kind of forgot, you’re going to have to sleep a bit closer to me.” He walked into the room and started to move the closest bed next to the doorway. “It’s only for a few days until we can trust you not to hurt yourself.” He smiled and pulled a nearby chair closer and sat in it, just a few feet away from where my head would be. He had to watch me; it was his job to make sure I didn’t do anything. I’m glad it was him and not somepony else though. I had only just met him but he was a likeable guy.

I got into bed and gave a deep sigh before closing my eyes. I prayed and hoped that when I woke up again, all of this would be nothing more than a nightmare.