Metaphorical Future

“Sweetheart! Time to wake up!” called a cheerful voice.

“Five more minutes mom,” replied a groaning reply from under a pile of blankets.

“You’ve had five more minutes three times already, that’s quite enough for a young colt like you. Now come on, up and at them!”

The blankets under which the colt himself was hiding were suddenly floated into the air by a magical field leaving him to curl up and groan in discontentment. He looked up slightly and pulled a grumpy face before sighing heavily causing his deep blue mane to fly upwards before it fell back in front of his face.

“I can’t understand why you’re always so sleepy in a morning, a colt of your age should be bouncing with energy,” continued his mother, the tan coloured unicorn currently pulling the curtains back allowing the sun to burst into the room.

The blue unicorn colt groaned again and turned away from the light to rub his eyes. Slowly he sat up and yawned once more. Finally casting his vision outside he watched for a moment as the hustle and bustle of Canterlot passed by.

“Dunno mum,” he replied with another yawn, “I went to bed early last night too.”

His mother sighed, “Perhaps we should take you back to the doctors.”

“But he said I was fine!” protested the colt, “I don’t feel ill or nothing!”

“Don’t use that tone with me young colt.”

He flinched slightly, drawing his ear back at his mother’s comment. His mother took a deep breath.

“Sorry darling, I’ve had another rough night,” she said with a shake of her head, “Your father was late home last night and wasn’t exactly quiet about it. It’s alright for him, he doesn’t have to get up early in a morning.”

The colt’s eyes brightened suddenly, “Dads home?!”

“Yes dear but don’t disturb him, he’s…”

She didn’t get to finish her sentence as the colt jumped from his bed and shot out of the room. Biting her lip she followed as quickly as she could but she knew she wouldn’t be able to stop the inevitable. As she reached the corridor she hung her head in despair as a loud shout filled the air.

“Daaaaaaaaad!”

There was a loud thud, a wheeze and a cry of surprise that only served to speed her on her way to the next room where the door was wide open. The colt sat on top of his father’s bed smiling broadly, the current occupant looking a little dazed.

“Metaphor!” she snapped, “Get down from there this instant, you know your father is tired when he gets back from the lab. Sorry sweetie, he was just excited that you were home.”

The bed’s occupant, a light orange earth pony with a black mane, groaned as he opened his eyes. He felt dizzy, as if he had just been hit by a runaway hay cart, ironically it wasn’t far from the truth. Metaphor was still sat on top of him smiling despite his mother’s insistence to get off him.

“Hi Dad! Where you been? I haven’t seen you in ages! You said you were going to help me with my science project yesterday!” he rattled off quickly as he stood up on his father’s chest and looked down at him.

“Oh….yeah…I did promise that, sorry kid,” moaned his father in reply, “I’ve been involved in some pretty intense research back at the lab, guess I lost track of time.”

At this point Metaphor’s mother walked to the edge of the bed and lifted Metaphor to the ground with her magic. She frowned at him for a moment and then turned to her husband.

“You always seem to lose track of time darling, I take it you’re still working on that…uh…whatcha-ya-ma-call-it rock.”

“Magicite, and yes I was,” he replied as he sat up slowly, “its important work, could change the way we look at magic forever.”

“As much as that might be true dear don’t you think it would be better to let those unicorn scientists you introduced me to last week look into it, they are probably better suited to…”

“Just because I’m an earth pony doesn’t mean I’m not qualified to research this. I’m a geologist, it’s a rock…a magical rock for sure but that still doesn’t mean…”

“Alright darling, I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to insinuate anything, I’m just saying your family is missing you, isn’t that right Metaphor.”

“Yeah!” cut in Metaphor as he bounced up and down on the spot.

The stallion gave a gruff sigh and shook his head, “Very well, I’ll try and get home a little more often in the future.”

“Yay!” cried Metaphor as he continued to bounce up and down.

“But right now I need to get some more sleep; I’ll be down by lunch time.”

His wife nodded and quickly ushered Metaphor out of the room and down the hallway. She had met Pumice Stone originally when she had been a little filly and the pair had hit off a good friendship. Her family had moved soon after but they had been reunited at high school later in their life and from there on their future had been set in motion.

Pumice had always been a funny one, always going on about earth pony magic and how it differed from that of other magic that existed in the world. She had always found it intriguing being a unicorn herself. Whilst magic wasn’t her forte she liked to learn and they had spent many long nights together discussing and debating the finer points of magic in its various forms. Eventually their love blossomed and Metaphor had been the ultimate result but they hadn’t been unprepared.

Pumice had worked hard at his education and was now one of the chief researchers at the Canterlot Science Institute researching some new form of magic rock. He had explained it to her a number of times but each time it had been like trying to listen to somepony in fast forwards. She was sure the detail was there but it was recited so fast she couldn’t follow it at all. That said she didn’t mind, she knew he was happy and despite the fact that she hardly ever saw him, so was she.

She huffed slightly, how could she not be happy? Not only did she have a wonderful husband and a fantastic child she had the job of her dreams. She knew magic wasn’t her forte but she did love to learn; and what better place to learn than the library at Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns? She might only be a humble librarian but with a name like Bookworm she was more than happy to spend her days surrounded by leather wrapped books and old tomes.

As she ushered Metaphor down the stairs she found herself musing on the colt’s future. He was fast approaching the end of his regular schooling and the choice would soon be upon them as to what to do next. Part of her hoped that he would be able to enrol in Celestia’s school but she doubted this would happen. Metaphor was a decent magic user, definitely better than she was at his age, but with her limited talents and his father being an earth pony she doubted they would even look at his application much less accept him into the school. The pompous nature of the school was one of the only things that soured her days but what could one expect from such an important institution?

If he wasn’t to attend magic school though what would his next step be? Metaphor had shown little interest in most things and even less at the rest. He enjoyed his school subjects but none of them struck her as a potential direction for him. He liked reading and writing like her but he found it hard to sit still for long periods and often put books down mid chapter for days before going back to them. He wasn’t interested in sports, nor was he vested in the arts, science or anything else. It had caused her more than a few headaches in the past. He didn’t even have his cutie mark yet!

In fact the only thing that always got his attention was his friends. Numerous times he had rushed out of the house after catching word that something was wrong. He had always been there to help them, care for them and council them. Maybe he should be a psychiatrist?

“Mom? Are you making breakfast or not?”

Bookworm blinked and shook her head. In her daydreaming she had seemingly been stood in the middle of the kitchen for several minutes much to her embarrassment.

“Oh! Yes, yes of course darling! What would you like?” she said quickly as she started rummaging through the cupboards.

“Hmm…pancakes?” replied the colt.

“Pancakes! Yes no problem, you go and wash up and I’ll start mixing the batter. I’ll let you flip them if you get back in time.”

Metaphor grinned, he had to admit he liked to bake every so often. Dashing off he made his way to the bathroom and quickly ran a sink of water and quickly washed his face and hooves. For a moment he admired himself in the mirror, pulling a few goofy grins before rearranging the mass of dark blue and black hair masquerading as a mane on his head. By the time he got back to the kitchen Bookworm was already stacking up pancakes by the stove.

“Wondered if you were coming back darling, come on there’s a few left you can flip.”

“Awesome!”

Metaphor quickly hoisted himself onto a chair and propped himself up on the edge of the stove. Grabbing the batter and pan with his magic he quickly poured out a new pancake and watched as it sizzled on the stove top. After a moment he loosened it with a spatula, grinned and flipped it. The pancake did at least three full revolutions in the air before it landed with a splat on the pan again. His mother grinned, he always did love showing off.

Soon enough they were both sat at the table munching happily on a stack of pancakes. Bookworm had seemingly forgotten her earlier musing and was now watching her son with an amused smile as he tore into his stack of pancakes like a starving pony.

“Are you going out today?” she asked after a moment.

“If that’s ok mom, I’m meeting up with Dust Storm and Paper Weight,” he replied, “We’re going to go and see Misty.”

Bookworm gave a small gasp, “Oh that poor little filly, I was just speaking with her mother the other day. Yes of course it’s alright, that girl needs all the support she can get.”

“Yeah, me and the other have been feeling really sorry for her lately, she’s missed the best bit of the summer.”

“Well why not bring the summer to her? Just a moment dear.”

Metaphor could only watch as Bookworm jumped from her seat, grabbed a nearby basket and started going from one cupboard to the next filling the basket with various early season fruits, jams and chutneys before putting it down on the counter top and heading from the room. She trotted down the corridor, opening the back door as she went and headed into the garden. It wasn’t a large garden, space was a premium in Canterlot after all, but it was enough to grow a few flowers and still have enough space to relax in the sun. She quickly plucked a few nice flowers with her magic and started arranging them into a bunch as she headed back inside. She headed back to the kitchen but not before stopping by the lounge to pluck a piece of ribbon from her book binding kit to wrap the flowers up in. As she set the amateurish bouquet down on top of the basket Metaphor just looked at it blankly.

“What all this for mom?” he asked curiously.

“It’s a care package darling, you can take it along with you when you go to visit Misty,” replied his mother with a smile.

Metaphor didn’t respond at first but his mother could only grin slightly as a warm blush began to spread over his face. She had known for a while of course, any mother would be able to spot the tell-tale signs of infatuation. The slightly broader grin when he talked about her, the way he always seemed to strut up to his room after visiting her, the blushes and gasps when he saw her, the way his eyes seemed to linger on her just a little too long than was polite. Young love was always so cute to watch.

“C-Care package? Mom…uh…do I have to… can’t you take it round later?” he asked slowly.

“No I’m afraid not, I’ve got a lot of things to do today. Besides, you are already going and I’m sure she’ll appreciate it.”

“Oh…uh…well…sure, ok then if I have to.”

Metaphor snorted slightly as if the task he was been given was a chore and he was doing her a favour. Bookworm just smiled, perhaps she had just read too many romance novels but she really liked playing matchmaker even if it didn’t go anywhere. She wasn’t sure how much faith to put in a childhood fancy but she wanted to do what she could, after all he was her son and she wanted to see him happy.

“Good good, now you run along and get yourself ready, I’ll wash these dishes up. I’ll leave this basket here for you to collect on your way out, don’t forget it now.”

“Ok, thanks mom!”

With that Metaphor rushed from the room and galloped upstairs to his room. As he got there he shut the door and let out a whimper. His mind was racing back and forth with questions. Why had he said anything? Did his mother know he had a crush on Misty? Would Misty really like a care package? Wouldn’t it just remind her of what she’d missed? He didn’t want to upset her or make it out that she’d missed out. Plus it was going to be super embarrassing! He hadn’t told anypony about his feeling, what would his friends think when they saw him with the package? Would they tease him?

With another whimper he threw himself on his bed and curled up in a ball. He suddenly didn’t feel like going at all but then he had promised his friends they would all go together and he didn’t want to upset them. Groaning in acceptance he rolled off his bed and left the room heading to the shower.

Soon enough though he was stood in a stream of warm water and nothing seemed to matter anymore. He took his time as was his usual custom, when it came to showers there was no point in rushing. In fact by the time he had washed himself and started to dry his fur half an hour had gone by. As he stumbled out of the bathroom, his magic running a towel through his mane, his mother’s voice called up the stairs.

“Darling your friends are here!”

Metaphor cringed, he wished she wouldn’t call him that in front of his friends, “Be there in a second!”

Rushing back to his room he finished drying himself off and quickly got to work getting himself ready. Opening a draw he pulled out three long lengths of red cloth and lay them down on the bed. Picking the first up with his magic he tied it around his head under his fringe and allowed the loose ends to fall down his neck. The next two were wrapped around his tail, the first near the base and the second about halfway down. It was his trademark signature; he never left home without them much like some ponies were never seen without a bow, hat or fancy shirt.

As he charged down the stairs he found his friends Dust Storm and Paper Weight waiting for him in the hallway. The trio had been friends since they started school and usually went everywhere together. Dust Storm was a Pegasus, the purple filly sporting a newly acquired cutie mark of a tornado. She was always full of energy and never stopped going on about how she was going to join the Canterlot weather team. Next to her was Paper Weight, the brown earth pony colt swinging back and forth in time to the music that was playing through his headphones. Much like Metaphor he hadn’t got his cutie mark yet but every pony in his class knew it was only a matter of time given his love of music.

“Hey guys!” called Metaphor as he reached the bottom of the stairs.

“What took you so long?” asked Dust Storm, “You take longer to get ready than my sister!”

Paper Weight smirked as he took off his headphones and stored them in his saddlebag; Metaphor just rolled his eyes, this kind of playful banter was common between them.

“Won’t be a moment guys, just gotta pick something up,” he said as he snuck passed them and into the kitchen.

He looked at the basket once more and then lifted it into the air with a sigh. Slowly he lowered it onto his back, his magic not yet strong enough to hold it up for very long. Making sure it was steady he walked back into the hallway where his two friends were waiting still.

“Yo M! What’s with the basket?” asked Paper Weight.

“Well duh, it’s a care package,” commented Dust Storm as she jabbed his side, “For Misty you know.”

“Oh right, I knew that…uh…good idea!”

“You think so?” asked Metaphor in an unsure tone.

“Oh totally!” replied Dust, “She’s so going to love it!”

Metaphor felt himself relax, his first fear had been quashed; perhaps this wasn’t such a bad idea.

“Guess we should get going then eh?” he said with a broadening smile.

The others nodded and together the trio left the house, Metaphor’s mother watching from the lounge window with a smile on her face. Together they trotted down the marble lined streets of Canterlot basking in the warm sun that shone above them. As usual Dust was occupying a majority of the conversation going on about what the weather was going to be like over the next few days and how her dad had arranged a trip to Cloudsdale to visit the weather factory. You could tell she was excited and in a way Metaphor found himself feeling a little jealous although happy for her at the same time. Dust knew where she was going in life but there was still plenty of time for him to work out his own future, for now he just wanted to have fun.

Before long they arrived at a small but tastefully decorated house on the outskirts of Canterlot. The building was made of white marble like much of the city and was decorated with window boxes and banners that fluttered in the wind. Paper Weight stepped forward to knock on the door and then stepped back with the others to wait. When the door opened a tired looking female Pegasus appeared before them. Her white fur dazzled in the sun but it did little to hoist the expression from her face, what did lift it though was the sight of the children on her doorstep.

“Why hello you three!” she said warmly, “Come to check on Misty have we?”

“Yes ma’am!” replied Dust in a confident tone, “If that’s alright that is.”

“Of course, she’s been a little weak as of late but she’s getting stronger now. I’m sure a short visit will really lift her spirits, come on in!”

She opened the door and stepped to the side to let them in, the Pegasus smiling broadly as she finally noticed the basket on Metaphor’s back.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“Oh uh…it’s a…a care package for Misty,” replied Metaphor a little awkwardly, “She’s been stuck inside all summer so I thought this might cheer her up.”

“Oh aren’t you just a little darling!”

She leaned down and planted a kiss on Metaphor’s cheek, the young colt cringing and pulling away.

“Eww,” he said quietly as he wiped his cheek.

His friends and the Pegasus just laughed. Heading inside they made their way upstairs to Misty’s bedroom. Her mother knocked gently and opened the door.

“Misty are you awake?” she said quietly.

“Just resting mom,” came a weak reply from under the covers as a white face appeared from under the blankets.

“Good, you have some visitors.”

Her mother stepped to one side to allow the three youngsters into the room. As she saw them Misty’s expression turned to absolute joy. If she’d had the strength she would have leapt from the bed to greet them but as it was this was impossible for her. Instead she just smiled broadly at them.

“Dusty! Paper! Metaphor! Oh it’s so good to see you!” she exclaimed as loudly as she could.

“You too Mist!” replied Dust as she stepped forward to hug her friend, “We thought we’d drop by and see how you were doing.”

“A little better, still feel very weak but my illness seems to have settled for now,” replied Misty as she returned the embrace weakly.

“Don’t worry you’ll be feeling better in no time at all! Hey look we brought you something, well Metaphor did anyway!”

Dust jumped backwards and slapped Metaphor across the flank with her wing causing him to jump forwards in alarm. He glanced back at Dust with a scowl but as Misty gasped he looked back towards her. She was staring at the basket on his back, her eyes almost glinting as she stared at the contents. Metaphor found himself unable to speak as he looked at her.

Misty was a Pegasus like her mother and like her mother shared her white coat colour. Her long red mane flowed down her back like a banner in the wind and her green eyes shone like emeralds. Metaphor had liked her ever since she had moved to Canterlot. When she had stood up to introduce herself in school Metaphor had gone into a trance that had only ended when the teacher had snapped at him to pay attention. Her time at school hadn’t lasted long though, barely a few weeks before she had been taken ill. It turned out she suffered from a congenital heart problem that often left her feeling weak and short of breath. It also made her much more susceptible to illnesses and it had been one of these that had forced her out of school. She had spent much of the term and nearly the entire summer holiday in bed resting and they hadn’t seen her very often at all. Metaphor always wished there was something he could do for her but so far there was not much he could do.

“Is…is this for me?” asked Misty weakly as she broke the silence.

“Uh…yeah, I brought it for you…you missed the whole summer so I thought I’d bring you something so you could still enjoy it,” he replied, copying his mother’s words without even realising it, “Hope it doesn’t make you upset or anything.”

He looked away slightly as he felt his earlier blush returning. What he felt next though caused him to go completely rigid in shock. Misty leaned over and planted a kiss on his cheek, the touch was brief and light but it sent shivers up his spine and all the way to the tip of his tail. He looked back sharply as Misty pulled away with a small embarrassed smile on her face.

“Thank you,” she said quietly.

“Oooooh!” cooed Dust, “Metaphor and Misty sitting in a tree! K, I, S, S, I, N…hey!”

Paper Weight didn’t even apologise as he removed his hoof from Dust’s side. Metaphor and Misty looked away, both thoroughly embarrassed by the events that had transpired but both feeling a warm glow inside them that not even the snickering chuckles of Dust could quash.

“Oh the innocence of youth,” smiled Misty’s mother from behind them, all of them forgetting that she had been stood there the whole time, “Makes me feel young again. Anyway I'll leave you all alone for a little while.”

“Mom?” asked Misty quietly, “Do you think…maybe…they could stay the night?”

“A sleepover?” replied her mother, “Are you sure you feel well enough for that, you know what can happen if you get too excited.”

“I know mother…it’s just…I get so lonely at times…”

Her mother sighed and gave a small nod, “Very well, but it depends if they can stay as well.”

Dust cringed, “I’d love to but I’m going to Cloudsdale tomorrow with my dad and I have to be up super early, really sorry Mist.”

“Yeah I can’t stay either,” added Paper with a sigh, “I have a music exam in the morning, my mum barely let me out of the house to visit you today.”

Misty’s face fell and she gave a small sigh.

“I…I might be able to stay,” said Metaphor quietly in a nervous tone.

“Really?!” exclaimed Misty excitedly.

“I’ll have to check with my mom but…yeah, probably.”

Dust snickered again quietly to herself and shot a sly glance at Paper Weight, the colt simply rolled his eyes at her.

“Well you can ask her later right?” interrupted Dust, “How about we have a little fun together first huh?”

“Oh, that would be wonderful,” replied Misty with a smile.

The afternoon seemed to come and go in an instant, especially for Metaphor. Misty spent most of her time in bed but the grin never left her face. Stories and jokes were shared and most of the content of Metaphor’s care package was eaten between them. By the time Metaphor arrived back at Misty’s home later that evening he felt as if he had been living there for weeks. It was an odd feeling really, he and the others had only known Misty for about six months but already he felt as close to her as he did everypony else he knew; perhaps even closer. Did she feel the same about him? He paused for a moment to rub his cheek where he had kissed her. He shook himself out of his own thoughts and knocked on the door. It was answered promptly, the same white mare answering the door with a smile.

“Oh hello again, do come in,” she said warmly, “Misty is just washing before bed, can I get you anything?”

“Uh, no thanks, I ate before I came over Mrs…um…oh…”

Metaphor could feel himself blush all over, he didn’t actually know what Misty’s mother was called! How could he not of picked up her name? That said when it came to names Metaphor was utterly useless; it had taken him nearly three months to learn Dust’s name!

“Wispy Cloud,” informed the Pegasus, “Although you can call me Wisp, most ponies do.”

“O-Ok.”

Metaphor wasn’t sure what else to say, he was normally a quiet pony to begin with but talking to adults who weren’t either his parents or teacher was incredibly difficult for him. Some ponies thought he was rude but in truth he just didn’t know where to start.

“You’re a quiet one aren’t you, no wonder Misty likes you! Come on, I’ll take you upstairs and we can sort you out with a sleeping bag,” chuckled Wisp as she ushered Metaphor towards the stairs.

Metaphor felt his heart skip a beat, Misty liked him? What did Wisp mean by that? Soon enough though he found himself in Misty’s room as her mother fished through a set of draws for a sleeping bag. Trying to distract himself he took a moment to look around the room properly. The ceiling was decorated with constellations that seemed to glimmer slightly in the light. Each one was marked with a small name plate to help identify them. The starry scene faded down the walls which were covered in all manner of posters; most of them featuring famous ponies including the Wonderbolts and Princess Celestia. Furniture was sparse; a bed, a set of drawers and a small desk with a light. Metaphor guessed she didn’t need much else as she spent most of her time in bed. Presently Wisp pulled a sleeping bag from the draws and unrolled it onto the floor.

“There you go, now then I just want to make sure you’re clear on a few things,” said Wisp, her voice becoming a little more stern as she spoke, “I know you’re her friend and probably want to have fun but Misty needs her sleep. She has little energy to begin with so it’s vital she rests well. When she says she has to sleep she means it and I don’t want you keeping her awake until dawn.”

“Y-Yes, of course!” stammered Metaphor as he nodded quickly.

Wisp gave a small sigh, “Sorry to be so strict, I just worry about her a lot. So long as you understand that’s fine. If there are any problems in the night don’t worry about waking me up alright?”

Metaphor gave another nod, calming slightly as Wisp’s tone returned to normal.

“Good, now let me go and check on Misty.”

With that she left the room leaving Metaphor on his own. He didn’t have to wait long though as Misty trotted slowly into the room. As she did Metaphor once again felt his heart skip a beat, she looked even prettier than she had earlier. Numerous hair clips were scattered across her mane in order to hold it up and her tail had been braided. Her small wings were folded neatly at her side and a large smile was plastered across her face. She crossed over to him quickly and wrapped a hoof around his neck.

“Thanks for staying over,” she said happily, “I get so lonely here sometimes.”

“It’s…uh…nothing really…” replied Metaphor, the colt unsure on whether he should return the hug or not.

“Oh it’s not nothing! I’m not allowed out very often and usually it’s just to visit the doctor. I don’t get to see ponies my age very often, it gets a bit boring.”

Metaphor nodded slowly in agreement, he couldn’t imagine what it must be like to be locked up in a room on your own for days on end. Presently Misty trotted past him and hoisted herself into bed. Even the small amount of exertion it took to do so caused her to pant a few times once she was settled. She yawned broadly and gave a small stretch. Metaphor meanwhile was taking off the bands of red fabric that decorated his tail and mane. Placing them off to one side he wiggled his way into his sleeping bag and looked back at Misty. He was about to speak when Wisp returned to the room.

“All settled in?” she asked warmly.

“Yes mom,” replied Misty as she continued to task of removing the hair clips from her mane.

“Good, now I don’t mind if you two want to sit up and talk a little but don’t be up too late, you know you need your rest.”

“I know mom, thanks.”

Wisp walked into the room and gave Misty a firm embrace. Metaphor watched them, easily able to sense the love that existed between the two of them; they both cared for each other so much. As the embrace ended Wisp planted a small kiss on Misty’s forehead and cast a brief glance at Metaphor, smiling at him as she did.

“Alright, good night you two, sleep tight.”

“We will mom,” replied Misty.

Wisp smiled once more and flicked the lights off, closing the door behind her as she went. As the room faded to black the constellations in the ceiling above them began to glow, filling the room with a soft light that almost seemed like moonlight.

“Woah…” cooed Metaphor as he looked at the scene above him.

“It’s nice isn’t it?” asked Misty with a small sigh, “I don’t get to go outside much so my parents brought the night’s sky inside for me. I’d still like to see it properly for myself, maybe go on a camping trip in the forest and watch the stars come out.”

Misty’s voice was quiet but Metaphor could sense the sadness in it. He felt his heart heave as if it was trying to leave his body and console her. Despite knowing her for over six months he hadn’t actually been able to talk to her properly before, at least not one to one.

“Are you ok?” he asked slowly.

“…No,” replied Misty after a moment, “I’m not…”

Metaphor wasn’t sure what to say, he’d never had to console somepony before and even if he knew how it wouldn’t really have helped him right then.

“Can I ask you a question?” said Misty after a moment, “If you could have one wish in the world what would it be?”

“Uh…well…”

Once again Metaphor found himself unable to answer. Not because he didn’t want to, rather he wasn’t sure how to answer. He had often wished he had had certain things but none of it had been very important…all except one.

“I wish my dad was home more often,” he replied finally, “He’s always working and I never get to see him…what about you?”

“I want to fly…even if it’s just once…”

“But…you’re a Pegasus, can’t you fly already?”

“Not with my condition…the doctors have forbid it. They say that if I try to fly I’ll stress myself out too much and that could lead to complications. I just want to know what it feels like…to have the wind beneath my wings. I sometimes watch the other children from my window and…I feel so angry. I don’t want to but…I do.”

Metaphor clenched his teeth, now he wanted to help more than ever but what could he do? He rolled onto his back and looked up at the glowing constellations above him. There had to be a way to make Misty feel better, something…anything?! As his gaze fell on the North Star in the ceiling he gasped… that was it. He quickly wiggled out of his sleeping bag and stood up.

“Misty! I’ve just had an idea!” he announced confidently.

“Huh? What do you mean?” she asked as she rolled over in bed to face him.

“Come on, get up and I’ll show you.”

“I’m not supposed to get out of bed after lights out.”

“I won’t tell if you don’t, come on I promise everything will be fine.”

“Well…alright then.”

Slowly Misty wriggled out of bed and stepped down next to Metaphor. The blue colt gently took one of her hooves and guided her over to the window. Once there he drew the curtains back and pointed up at the night’s sky.

“We’ll send a wish to the stars! I heard that when you wish on the night sky, if you wish really really hard it will come true.”

“Are you sure?”

“Let’s try it, you never know right? I’ll wish for you too.”

“O-Ok then…”

Misty seemed a little unsure but Metaphor’s insistence seemed to be catchy. Together the two ponies propped themselves up on the window sill and looked up at the night sky. Placing their hooves together they closed their eyes and began to make their wish. Their brows both furrowed as they stood there and it was hard to tell who was wishing harder than the other. After a few moments though Misty opened her eyes and gently reached across to nudge Metaphor who still had his eyes closed. As he opened them he looked across at Misty to find her smiling at him. It was a gentle smile, a smile that warmed his heart.

“Thank you,” she said as she leaned over and hugged him, “Even if this doesn’t work I feel a little better.”

Metaphor was hesitant for a moment but then relaxed and returned the embrace. He found himself snuggling into Misty’s shoulder as if she was a great big pillow.

“No problem Misty, glad you feel better.”

For a moment they remained stationary, simply enjoying the hug before they finally separated. With another smile Misty climbed into bed once more and curled up in a ball, her breathing light and carefree. Metaphor also returned to his sleeping bag, curling up content with the knowledge that he had helped…even if it was just a little. He soon fell into a comfortable sleep.