Maud stared aimlessly out the window of the train car as she thought about how she was going to see her sister, Pinkie Pie, once again for her birthday. She knew Pinkie would be planning this big, special surprise party for her even though her sister knew that she wasn't big on parties; however, since it was Pinkie planning the party, she didn't care whether it was huge party or not. All Maud really cared about was that she was going to see her sister in Ponyville again.
The train stopped slowly as it let out a loud hiss, causing steam to cover the window of the train car; Maud had reached her destination.
Letting out a soft sigh, the mare got up from her seat and headed for the door.
"Hi Maud!" A high pitched voice greeted with glee as the head of a pink mare popped into the entrance of the train car as the doors opened. It was her hyper-active sister, Pinkie Pie.
Maud smiled slightly, unphased by her sister's sudden appearance. She was expecting something like that from Pinkie.
"Hello Pinkie," she replied in her usual monotoned voice.
Pinkie gave her oldest sister a big hug as she smiled brightly.
"Are you excited for you super-duper-extra-special-birthday party? I hope so! I know you'll love it!"
Maud listened to her sister ramble on as she bounced around her all excitedly; Maud was actually touched that her sister would be so excited to do something for her, it wasn't like she was anypony special. But she knew she was somepony special to Pinkie.
After finally settling down a bit, Pinkie lead her sister to Sugar Cube Corner; Maud suspected that this was where her birthday party was being held, but knowing Pinkie, it could be on the moon for all she knew.
"Stay out here for a bit, I need to put a few more touches on the cake!" Pinkie said as she zipped inside the building of sweets.
Maud waited patiently for her sister to come back; taking in the view of Ponyville as she waited. It still looked the same from when she last visited: same rocks scattered on the ground; same smiling ponies walking by; everything. It was a nice place, but a bit too much for Maud. She preferred more of a secluded area than this; maybe someplace with a bit more rocks.
"It's finished~!" Pinkie called out in a sing-song voice as she poked her head out the door. "Hey, are you okay Maud?"
Maud snapped back into attention; although she didn't react to Pinkie all that fast on the outside.
"I'm fine Pinkie," she assured.
Her sister gave her a skeptical look, but it vanished quickly once she smiled.
"Okay, come on inside! Everypony's waiting!"
Maud followed Pinkie into Sugar Cube Corner; it was dark inside making it hard her to see anything. Once she heard the door slam shut behind her, the lights came on to reveal a large cake with rock-like decorations on it.
"Surprise~!" Pinkie cried out along with her friends as she threw out confetti into the air. "Happy Birthday Maud!"
"Thank you, everypony," Maud replied flatly. "You shouldn't have."
She then turned her attention to the cake. It was a huge cake that nearly touched the ceiling, and was covered in vanilla icing and rocks; which she assumed was most likely rock candy.
"I know you don't really like candy, Maud, but I wanted to make a cake that would be perfect for you!" Pinkie explained as she approached her and gave her another hug.
Maud hugged Pinkie back; she was really touched by Pinkie's gesture. She was so happy that she thought she was going to cry, but she couldn't; not in front of her sister and everypony else.
"I appreciate it, Pinkie, thank you."
The two Pie sisters enjoyed the rest of that afternoon partying; and even though Maud didn't really care for cake or rock candy, she still had a slice and ate it. She was even smiling the whole time for once as she watched Pinkie be her usual partying-self; she didn't want this day to end. However, she soon found herself getting tired just as the party was coming to an end.
"I'm getting tired, Pinkie, I think it's about time I head home."
"No! Wait!" Pinkie protested as she galloped in front of her sister. "I have a song for you!"
Maud waited for a bit as Pinkie cleared her throat and began to sing You Are My Sunshine. The part that struck her the most was "...You make me happy when skies are gray." She wasn't sure why it did, but perhaps it was because Pinkie was usually the one to make others happy. Maud felt a slight pain in her chest as her emotions began to bubble up inside, but she kept them down since she wasn't used to showing other ponies her true feelings; even her own sister.
Once Pinkie had finished singing, Maud pulled her close and gave her a big hug. Pinkie was a bit caught off guard since her sister didn't usually give "big" hugs.
"Thank you, Pinkie. This was the best birthday any older sister could ask for."
Pinkie giggled and hugged back.
"You're welcome, sis. Come back soon okay?"
Maud nodded in a silent agreement and headed off to the train station. She didn't really want to leave, but she had too. She could feel her heart tighten up with emotions of sadness and happiness all at the same time; She didn't like this feeling one bit. Once on the train, Maud looked out the window as she had done before and said a silent good-bye to her sister.
She took her pet rock, Boulder, out of her pocket and let out a heavy sigh.
"It's going to be a long night, Boulder..."