The Cakes had brought Gummy to the hospital to keep their lonely housemate company. For the first time in days, Pinkie perked up at the sight of her pet alligator. She squealed with joy and hugged the miniature reptile to her chest, and the Cakes watched with relief as her hair poofed back up to its cotton candy texture.

"Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!" she exclaimed, grinning at the Cakes as though nothing had happened in the past few days. Gummy attempted to bite her, latching onto her head and refusing to budge. Pinkie giggled.

"Have fun, Pinkie," Mrs. Cake said with sincerity, backing out of the hospital room and shutting the door. Pinkie watched with a huge grin as they trotted away, waiting until she was sure they had disappeared. It was then that she slumped back onto the bed.

As her smile faded, she felt her hair slipping back into its smooth, straight hairstyle, falling like a somber waterfall down her shoulders and neck. Almost angrily, Pinkie pried Gummy from her head and set him in her lap. As if it was routine, the alligator started to paw at her stomach, and she relaxed a little, the slight, uncomfortable pressure soothing her.

"Don't worry," she promised, her voice as aloof as ever. It provided a stark contrast to the rest of her somber appearance, though it didn't bother her in the least. "I know what to do when we get out of the hospital. We're going to throw the party of our lives, and they'll love it! Oh, I have to start preparations now! What do you think we should do first?"

Gummy blinked his right eye.

"That's right," she said, nodding. "We have to clean out the basement. We'll need a lot of room for all the ponies. What else?"

Gummy blinked his left eye.

"That's a great idea!" she exclaimed. "New stuff will certainly make this the best party in Ponyville history! I have to get a new party cannon and come up with a new cupcake recipe, and that'll mean a trip to the Everfree Forest to find some exotic ingredients. I gotta get... what was that?"

Gummy blinked twice.

Pinkie blanched in shock, aghast at the implied answer.

"What? No, that's terrible! Ponies for cupcakes? Eww! No, we're going to buy ingredients, not... harvest substitutes."

Pinkie sat in thoughtful silence, staring up at the stark white ceiling and stroking Gummy like a cat.

"I know, Dashie's visit was really nice, but... she was mean to us," she said to the ceiling. "I'll have to give her a special party. We have to make up for what we did wrong. Then she won't be mean to us again! We'll be best friends again."

Gummy started to chew on the end of her hair, but she didn't notice it. She was too deep in thought.

"Thanks, Pinkie," she said suddenly. "You always have the right suggestions. I think I'll invite Dashie and Cheesy over last. There's never been a party that was designed for everypony's personalities, has there? This is going to be the best party ever!"

She giggled, pleased with herself. Gummy stared up at her with his giant purple eyes, not understanding a word she had said, but enjoying the taste of her mane. It tasted a lot like his favorite punch.

***

Though Twilight and the others waited anxiously for her release, Pinkie was distracted, bouncing around the hospital room and singing a nonsensical song to herself. She knew her friends were waiting for her outside, but all she could think about was the party! There had to be the perfect amount of pink balloons, the right length of streamers, and eight giant floor mats. As with any special party, she knew it was going to be really messy, and cleaning up was a chore. She hated chores! There were so many other fun things to do than cleaning.

The welcoming crew leaped back in surprise as they were suddenly assaulted with what must have been barrels of confetti, shooting from the exit of the facilities with a loud bang. Giggles assaulted the ponies as glitter and little slips of paper rained down on them, catching in manes, tails, and horsefeathers.

"Hi guys!" cried a mass of pink fur from the doorway. "Happy late Birthaversary, Dashie!"

Rainbow Dash laughed awkwardly, shaking confetti out of her mane and smiling at Pinkie Pie.

"Er, thanks, Pinkie," she said. "Good to see you bouncing around..."

Rarity tsked, shaking her head in disbelief.

"Gah, my hair is an atrocity!" she muttered, but as Pinkie looked over to her, she plastered a smile onto her face.

"Come on home, darling," she said, waving her forward. "It's time for us to plan a party for you!"

As the five ponies led the excited Pinkie away, Twilight hung back, watching her friend. She winced at the sight of the bandages around Pinkie's stomach and over her flank, concealing her cutie marks, but that wasn't what was bothering the princess. Instead, it was the odd shape of Pinkie's eyes. She seemed fine and dandy, but her irises were abnormally large, and her pupils had shrunk to pinpricks.

It must be the medicine, she told herself, forcing herself to accept the excuse. Yes, it's just a side effect. I'm sure she'll be fine...

Still unnerved by the sight, Twilight trotted after them, resolving to speak to Cheese Sandwich. She hadn't gotten the chance to do so yet, but she was quite sure that the party pony had a right to know, and very soon.

Author's Note

Well, I figured the dislike was going to happen at some point or another. I just hope it doesn't become a trend... it still hurts that someone changed their mind for the worst rather than the better. I know it's not perfect, but I don't have prereaders, and this is all a rough draft. Thanks for sticking with me up until now, readers. Until... soon, brony on!

And for those of you who find yourselves shocked later, do remember that there is a gore tag. Just a hint...