"Will that be all sir?" the moving ponies asked, leaving the last box on the floor of the room.
"Yes, thank you," I replied, tipping them on their way out.
Well, it's done. I'm all moved in. A good fresh start here in Ponyville. This cottage wasn't so bad either. The last owner actually left a lot of furniture and equipment, so all I need to unpack is some knick-knacks. I opened a box with "living room" scribbled on the side. First came a mirror. I saw it in a store and loved the way it looked. This is going on the wall over here. I hung it on a nail close to the corner of the room, so I pass by it when I leave or enter this new home. This looked beautiful. Next, I pulled out a lamp to set on a table by the couch. My friend got it for my birthday. I know, I know. "He gave you a lamp?" "That's bull-crap!" "Demand a new present!" Sure it was just a lamp but I'm not going to throw it away. I got one lamp richer that day and I'm going to keep it. Once that was hooked up, I took a step back to admire it. It looked...stupid. I need to get rid of it.
Anyway, some of the paintings in the room were askew, glad I had magic to line them up. Other than that, this room looked nice. Cool. One box left.
"Bedroom" was written in marker on the side of the cardboard box. It wasn't too big, mostly formal clothes for when I need them. And then I saw a picture frame. In it was a picture of me and my old marefriend. We were at the fair. It was that picture an automatic camera took of you at the end of the rollercoaster and then sell for unbelievable prices. I bought it anyway to remember. She was one of the best people I ever met. I don't know what happened to her. One day she just stopped responding to my calls. I even went to her house and she wasn't there. I guess she just wanted to move on. Oh well, those days were fun while they lasted. I placed the photo right on the nightstand.
Gurgle. Ummm. I think that was my stomach. I haven't set up the kitchen so I'll have to go out to eat. I think there is a place called Hay is for Horses. A creative name, I must admit. I look outside and I notice it starts drizzling. Well that sucks.Gurgle. I know I know.
Okay. I left the house and went into the nearest convenience store. First thing: Umbrella. Next: Food. I stroll down the road, I know that the restaurant is on this street. Wait. Okay, I see it. This rain is picking up. After some more walking, I approach the shop. The bell jingles on the door as it creaks open. A waitress waits at a podium with menus but she's busy with her snout in a magazine.
"Just pick a table and someone will serve you in a moment." Well thanks, I guess. You cut your tip in half. But I couldn't stay mad for too long. The smell in the place was amazing. Sure most foods smell good but there was my weakness. Bread. I. Love. Bread. Fresh, homemade, right-out-o'-the-oven bread. And the smell was coming from somewhere. I was practically floating toward the source. It may be rude but it was overpowering me.
And then, stop. There was the bread. It wasn't sourdough but it looked good. But the pony sitting there was strikingly...cute. She was a cream-yellow earth mare, with long chocolate brown hair that cascaded down her neck and over her face to where only one eye could peek out she was sipping coffee and enjoying the bread on the table. She had an aura about her that made me feel like I was at home, drinking tea in front of the fireplace. Plus she was really and I mean really cute. And I noticed the empty chair across from her. No way. Was she here alone? This could end wonderfully.
"Hello there," I said, putting on my best smile.
"Oh. H-Hello," she replied softly. I don't know about other stallions, I think the shy mares are always so cute. I loved it. And her voice was so sweet. Low, but sweet and calming.
"Is this seat taken?" I asked politely.
"No."
"May I?"
"S-Sure," she said. She started to blush, and tried to hide behind her hair. Again. Adorable.
I sat down in the chair across from her. "My name is Torrent. I came here alone but I hope you don't mind me joining you," I tried to make eye contact but she was looking away.
"I'm Sunsprite. Nice to meet you." She did glance at me and smile but it didn't last long as she looked away.
"So what are you doing here?"
"I was actually about to leave but the rain snuck up and I figured I'd wait it out since I don't have an umbrella."
"Well, if you'd like, I have an umbrella. I can walk you home."
"Oh no. I don't want t-to be a bother."
"I assure you, it's no trouble at all."
"Are you s-sure?"
Why would I not be. I had a chance with this beautiful mare. "I'm positive."
"O-Ok. Thank you."
She left some bits on the table while finishing her coffee and we got up to leave. I hope I can get her number.
I walked out the door and opened the umbrella with my magic before telling her to come out. She stepped out and thanked me with a smile. The umbrella didn't really fit both of us but I made sure she stayed dry, even if my right half was getting rained on. I turned out she lived really close by. I don't know why she wouldn't go out when it's this close, but I don't care. It's because of that that I got to meet her. It was a small cottage like mine right outside the commercial area. The rain was picking up, making the place smell like rain. You know, that smell rain has? Oh well. She has an overhang above her porc.
As we walked up to her porch, I closed the umbrella. "So this is your place? Looks nice," I commented. She simply nodded. "Do you think I'll see you again?" She nodded again. Now this is a little annoying. "Can I get your number?"
"Well actually, I already have a coltfriend."
WHAT! So all of this is not getting me anything. That's quite the bummer. She began frowning, probably noticing my frustration. Well, I don't think I should get so mad. She was really pretty but it's not that big of a deal, I guess.
"Gackk," she sputtered out. Is she coughing?
"Woah, are you ok?" More coughing. It was getting more raspy by the second. Wait. What's going on? At first it was a normal cough but this is a little too much.
"--Ackk. ----ACCCCkkKKKkKK," she's coughing louder.
"Are you ok? Hey? Are you choking?" Shit. I think she's choking. At this point she's fallen on the floor, gasping for air. What's going on?
"HEY! SOMEPONY, HELP! SHE NEEDS HELP!" I began to yell. I was panicking. I don't know what to do. I don't think anypony can hear me in this rain. I need to do something. Panicking, I broke a window into her house. Once I jumped in, I found a phone. Nine, one, one.
"HELLO? I NEED AN ABULANCE QUICKLY, SHE'S CHOKING ON SOMETHING AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO" I was shouting into the phone. The mare on the line told me to calm down. "CALM DOWN? I THINK SHE'S DYING! HOW CAN I BE CALM!" Now she's telling me to keep an eye on her, an ambulance was on its way. But I looked outside, and...and.
She wasn't moving.
Sunsprite was pronounced dead that night, of suffocation. I still can't understand. She couldn't be choking on food. Unless she brought a doggybag from the restaurant. I waited by her the whole night and now it's early morning. I'm arriving home and the rain. Oh Celestia the rain. Does it have to be this loud right now? I unlock the bolt and walk inside. Closing the umbrella as I came in.
Oh no. What is that? No. Who is that?
"Hello." A pony stood before me, with a grin on his face. I didn't like this.
"Ho-How did you get in here?" I asked, beginning to panic. Somepony else was in my house!
"I've always been here."
"Wait. you look familiar."
"I think I should." He took a step forward.
"Why are you smiling like that? You look like you did somethin-" I started but was interrupted.
"What? Like murder?"
"NO!" Did he? "YOU DIDN'T"
"But I did. I strangled her with my magic."
"HOW COULD YOU! YOU BASTARD! SHE WAS AN INNOCENT GIRL!"
"So?" As he spoke, the rain was getting louder.
"WHY WOULD YOU DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT YOU PSYCHO?"
"Well, when she's not breathing, I can hold her gentle body in my arms, and just sit with her."
"YOU SCUMBAG! WHY WOULD ANYONE DO SOMETHING SO INSANE?"
"She was beautiful, was she not? How could anypony not want to be with a lovely mare. Just to hold somepony else in your arms, like you love them, and they love you."
"YOU'RE A MONSTER!" I charged him now. I can't take this anymore. All of my pent up fury to strike in one blow. This psychopath needed what he deserved. I pulled back my hoof, ready to strike. And the thunder shook the room. The rain seemed to quiet. The end of my hoof made a direct connection right in the middle of this maniac's stupid face. He didn't deserve to live and my hoof intended on fixing that.
Wait....
Crack....
Oh no.
I broke my beautiful mirror.