The First and Last Customers

Celestia trotted silently to Pony Joe’s, very early Saturday morning, as she always did. As she opened the back door, she was greeted with the smell of Joe frying donuts for the day. She slipped down the short path between crates and bags of baking ingredients. The low lights and narrow passage gave way to bright open space. Next to the tins of coffee, Joe stood over the fryer, watching and flipping his pastries.

Celesta sat patiently as he carefully pulled out the donuts, lay them on a tray, and finally turned to face her. He smiled through his fangs as she nodded politely from the edge of the shadowy hall.

“Come in already, I was about to frost the donuts.” He turned to a long table stacked with donuts and picked up a bucket of icing. Celestia stood up, but paused. She looked at her holey reflection in his leg.

“I know it’s been a few years, but,” she started. He turned to listen, completely at ease in his changeling form. “Are you sure you should work without your disguise? What if someone comes in?”

He shook his head as he put down the spatula he was about to use. “Celestia, most ponies think all the changelings are gone for good. Aside from that, no one comes in this early because my store is closed. And, on top of that-” he shifted into his pony form in less than an instant. “I think I would be fine. You should stop worrying.” With another flare of blue, he dropped his disguise.

Celestia sighed in defeat and stepped up to the table. “Can I frost the strawberry ones?”

“Sure.” He nudged her spatula towards her, and the early morning passed quietly, the two equines quickly finishing their work. Celestia picked out a few donuts, and ate them as Joe brewed coffee and opened his shop. She dropped some bits in his cash register as he flashed blue again, tying on an apron as he went.

“Thank you for the wonderful company, Joe. The donuts were excellent, as usual. I hope your day goes well.” Celestia prepared to teleport back to her chambers, ruffling her large wings and gently shaking her mane.

“I always enjoy working with you. Hope you have a good one. I’ll be watching the sun rise, as usual.”

With a nod, Celestia disappeared in a golden flash.