Epilogue

The lights were still bright in Sugarcube Corner as Pinkie Pie sold her last cupcake. The customer thanked her and left, and the store closed at exactly midnight.

Pinkie collapsed on the rough carpeted floor behind the counter. It wasn't because she was tired of working (never before had she found herself exhausted in the four years she had worked at the bakery); rather, Pinkie found herself wilting with sadness, mostly because of the sticky situation of which she was unwillingly in the middle.

According to Applejack, Applebloom's birthday party was being celebrated on the last day of Applebucking Season, which was today. Fluttershy had received the same notice and had decided to mail an invitation to Pinkie Pie fo her daughter Lavender's birthday the day after.

Unfortunately, in her excitement about the two local parties, Pinkie had forgotten that Sugarcube Corner was open extra hours on the weekends. Therefore, both events conflicted with her schedule. In compensation, she had personally delievered a birthday cake to the Apple family's estate that morning before the bakery opened. She had also talked to Fluttershy about her situation, but it still didn't feel right to be missing the festivities.

Now, Pinkie Pie slowly eased herself up from the floor, frowning. She climbed the stairs at a snail's pace, as if she didn't want to be heard, and reached her second-story bedroom.

Warm sheets greeted her, as well as...wait, is that a letter? This one was hastily closed and very nearly folded in on itself.

Gripping the white envelope with her teeth, she tore it open to reveal a barely legible note.

Pinkie,

Fluttershy wanted me to tell you very quickly that tomorrow's a Sunday. Sugarcube Corner would be closed then, wouldn't it?

Twilight Sparkle

P.S.: Sorry about the penmareship, I wanted to get this to you really fast, and I'm kind of busy.

Pinkie Pie's eyes grew wide with realization. Twilight was right! Now I won't have to miss Lavender's party! she thought.

Nearly bursting with excitement, she made her way noisily down the stairs and into the kitchen behind the counter and brought a hoof up to her chin in thought. Let's see, what would I need first for a giant carrot cake...?

Within seconds, she had all the ingredients out in front of her. The only noise in the room was the clattering of pans and utensils and her own voice recalling her homemade recipe for carrot cake. "Mix these together, then add sugar...don't forget that pinch of salt..."

The batter was done and in the oven ten minutes later as Pinkie Pie smiled, becoming her usual cheery self again. The oven had been enchanted by Twilight some months ago to immediately cool after the timer stopped. "One of my personal favorite gifts from Twilight," Pinkie thought aloud as she began the trip upstairs to her bedroom. A fitful sleep enveloped her as she closed her eyes.