The summer season was always the busiest time of year at Sugarcube Corner. Not that Pinkie Pie minded, of course. She was perfectly content to work harder than usual for a few months purely for the chance to see the young ponies’ faces as they enjoyed the exquisite taste of Pinkie’s ever-popular chocolate chip cookies. Pinkie knew she would be hard-pressed to find a career more satisfying than the simple act of bringing happiness to others.
Still, she couldn’t help but pause at the kitchen sink on occasion. She would peer through the small window above, watching the young fillies enjoying their freedom from school. Some happily playing by themselves, some hanging out with their friends, even a few lonely children who seemed in need of some company. She often wished she could have fun with them instead of baking cupcakes for hours on end, day after day. She briefly considered asking for some time off, or simply an early leave. The instant such thoughts crossed her mind, she snapped back to reality. Mr. and Mrs. Cake needed her help too much, and she was far too faithful to her job to take a vacation, even the many times she was graciously offered the opportunity.
Pinkie soon became caught up in her daily routine, hardly noticing Mrs. Cake milling about the kitchen to retrieve supplies and ingredients. Mrs. Cake had been silently observing Pinkie’s wistful demeanor. She sympathised, having worked away her younger days and rarely setting aside time for herself. Pinkie’s work ethic was admirable without a doubt, but she deserved to experience life to the fullest while she was still young, didn’t she?
The hours passed mostly without incident, until Mrs. Cake suddenly called out, startling Pinkie out of her daze. The shaken pony apologised and promised to make up for the time she had wasted daydreaming. Mrs. Cake managed to calm her long enough to inform her that the baking for the day was finished. Confused, Pinkie checked the clock in the far corner of the kitchen. Five minutes past six. She must have completely lost track of time. Promising to clean up the rest of the kitchen, Mrs. Cake sent Pinkie on her way. The pink pony bounded gleefully from the shop, smiling all the way, ready to seek out her usual friends and anxious to meet some new ones.
Mrs. Cake smiled to herself, proud to be caring for such a spirited and determined young pony. After confirming that Pinkie was fully out of sight, she snuck over to the kitchen clock and pulled open the face plate, turning the hands backward an hour and a half. Pinkie deserved a break; it was summer, after all.
