Further towards the end of the diary of Derpy Hooves.

I stare up at the drop ceiling hanging above me. It’s strange how all hospitals seem the same in that way. I look over at my nightstand through the translucent pod and the various tubes and spy these old memoirs. Perhaps it’s time for me to pen their final chapter. This old tome has seen the fires of Tartarus and the Elysian Fields all the same. It’s worn binding is etched with time and the scribbles of the wheel Gallifreyan my dear husband has taught me over these many years. So much of him is bound between those covers that it almost isn’t my story. I slip away from my topic again though. I find I’m doing that a lot more lately.

“Derpy?” my husband calls from the door.

“Yes dear,” I try to sit up but he places his hoof on my shoulder.

Looking at his face again with these old eyes I can see the first signs of his aging. His once solid brown mane is now flecked with silver. Age will come to him eventually, but long after I’ve gone and long after more faces fill his story. He’ll regenerate and long outlast maybe even the memory of this book.

“How are you today?” He looks over this wrinkled face he’s seen too many times to count with a straining passion to grab hold of me but knowing that this is one thing he is powerless against.

“Oh, same as yesterday you silly old colt. You worry too much. You’ll get wrinkles that way.” I adjust myself and clear my throat.

He laughs a bit. These days they come softer and more infrequent than they used to.

“How’s your book coming?” He asks tilting it in his hoof back and forth as he peers at it through his bifocals. He’s taken to wearing them these days and says that it makes him look distinguished. I think his vision is going a little. That’s the price of being nostalgic for an old face, that old sentimental foal. Not that I’m complaining.

“The last page isn’t written yet.” I calmly answer with a smirk.

He almost tears up at that.

“How are Dinky and Amy?” I ask trying to draw his attention away. I rub my hoof over his.

“Dinky is doing just fine. They’ve sent her to look after the Sol sector. She seems happy and pops by Ponyville occasionally to check in on things. Amy seems like she’s finally getting over Altair’s passing. She’s really thrown herself into her work with white point stars. It worries me sometimes that she’s pushing herself too hard, but I’m sure in time she’ll calm down and settle in.” He rubs his other hoof over mine.

“Keep an eye on her for me will you?” I clear my throat again.

“Don’t worry about a thing. Just get some rest. I’ll keep a close eye on her.” He smiles to reassure me. That smile has always brought me peace, even if I had to walk through Tartarus to get it.

“Doctor, visiting hours are ending.” A nurse pops her head in.

“I’ll be going in just a moment.” He calls back and she keeps moving along.

“Goodbye, my dearest love. Take good care of yourself.” I tell him as he starts to find his hooves.

“Not goodbye, see you tomorrow.” He corrects me as he does most days.

“See you tomorrow.” I correct myself and manage a weak smile.

“See you tomorrow my love.” he replies. He reluctantly drags himself to the door.

I lean back and gaze at the beautiful sunset crest over the hill. It is so beautiful, another wondrous sight for these old eyes that was never meant for such a humble little pegasus.

Turning back, I pick up my book and quill. The nurses will turn off the lights soon, so I need to jot these moments down before I lose my light.

The words flow freely today. My mind is clearer today than it has been recently. These new meds must be helping. They are definitely doing their best to prop up this old body of mine against time.

My last line is written down as the sun sinks below the horizon. The fire of trees is extinguished and the darkness creeps over the world. I look up at the ceiling one more time. I wonder if this is what I saw on the day I was born? I close my eyes and the world fades…

“To my husband, the old soul and lively foal, please love again. You never know… I might just reincarnate and follow you all over again… and again never regret a single moment!”

Author's Note

Sorry for leaving you alone for so long. Writing about the seven days wouldn't really fit within the diary framing device. I doubt I'll ever get around to writing it up, so feel free to fill in that or any other gap that strikes your fancy.