Why Ponies Shouldn't Talk

The episode plays and even though my mind is trying to decode the many shapes and figures on the blueprints the Doctor left behind, in the back of my mind, I follow along with the dialogue. I've seen every episode dozens of times, so not even the overly complex system of equations can distract me long enough for me to forget what will be said next.

In fact, it's the opposite. The show distracts me from the blueprints and fills me with the same awe Derpy currently has in her eyes; though, to a lesser degree since I have already seen the episode. Soon, I give up on the blueprints entirely and join Derpy's side. It is weird seeing her watch her own world through a screen.

Maybe she hasn't realized it is a show completely under the control of its writers. But, since she travels--or rather traveled--with the Doctor, she has a different grasp on weird than I do. For all I know, this could just be another day for her--maybe not... Regardless, she is surprisingly calm about this.

By the time the second episode begins to play, Derpy has migrated from her original place towards the TV. I doubt she even noticed she moved--I didn't even notice she moved until the tip of her muzzle hit the TV screen. A smile creeps up on me; it's amusing to see her have so much interest in the show. I can see why though.

Even if she was around when these events transpired, she was most likely having her own adventure with the Doctor, so she is taking in the show the same way I take it in--as a distraction from reality. I tell Derpy, "You'll hurt your eyes if you stay that close to the screen," and it's only after I have said that I realize she might think of it as a bit morbid--as if I'm poking fun at her.

Luckily, all she does is look at me and smile...

But that smile... that dainty, innocent smile... After all she experienced, and she can still smile like that, MLP must have more power than I thought, or Derpy is much more freespirited than she otherwise had me believe. Either way, even after she backs away from the TV and continues watching the show, her smile is still there--engraved behind my eyes. I can't even smile in kind--I'm afraid my smile will do hers no justice. Instead, I hold on to a blank expression and say to myself hardly above a whisper, "She's just a pony."

As the episode continues, the CMC break into song, discussing who would be a perfect match for their teacher, Ms. Cheerilee. It's as if they believe that their teacher's only chance at happiness is to find her a special somepony. It's silly and somewhat idiotic, but not as idiotic as me for not remembering who passes by near the end of the song.

Can he stay on screen any longer? His screen time is about two seconds, but it feels more like two hours, and an eternity for Derpy. I bite my lip, hoping she doesn't notice him, but how can she not notice? Clear as day, he is there and not here.

The sound of a breaking heart is a gentle sound until it hits the ground. Derpy's head smashes against the floor and she begins to bawl. All the while, I still hold on to my blank expression. It's only when I feel a tingling sensation running down my cheek that I snap out of my stupor. Over and over, as I turn off the TV and go to Derpy's side, I repeat one thing in my mind, "Don't cry, I want to see that smile again."

Carefully and timidly, I place my hand where Derpy's neck joins with the rest of her body. What am I doing? Truthfully, I don't know what I am doing. All I can say is I am following a motion with no logical reason to explain why. I have seen it work on TV, but reality is hardly the same.

My touch elicits no immediate response from Derpy. There's no reason it should. All she knows is that she is in a strange world with a stranger, and no one to call a friend. I sigh, seeing I have failed to make her feel better. What can I possibly do? I look around the room and see the blueprints. If I can't cheer her up, maybe I can take her to someone--or somepony--who can.

"Hey, Derpy?" I ask, but there is no response in return, so I continue, "Do you want to go home?"

And at the sound of home, her ear twitches, and she says in between sobs, "Mm-hmm."