The Unsettling Suicide of Nurse Tenderheart

Chapters

The Letter
The Numbness
The Meeting

The Letter

I took a drink of my coffee and sighed as I sat the empty cup back down before crossing my arms on the table in front of me. I really wish I had gotten more sleep…

I glanced around the room, my eyes finally landing on the clock that hung on the far wall, behind the coffee shop's counter. “Hurry up already...” I grumbled, dropping my forehead onto my arms. I wonder what Redheart’s been up to lately. Is her job so busy that she can't send me a letter once in awhile?

“Hey there, Tenderheart.” came a voice accompanied by the scratching of a chair being pulled out.

I looked up to see Cheerilee and Roseluck, standing in front of me. Berry Punch had already taken a seat. “Finally, I've been here for an hour,” I grumbled as the other two sat down.

Cheerilee’s eyes closed and she crossed her hooves across her chest. “No need to be so harsh about it.”

“Yeah, but we are sorry we’re late. You can blame Berry Punch,” Roseluck said giving Berry Punch a playful dirty look.

Berry Punch just smiled in response. “Hey! I’m sorry I forgot to set an alarm and slept through you two pounding on my front door.”

Cheerilee laughed. “Shouldn't stay out all night partying, then.”

Berry’s nose scrunched up. “Fine, you win. Just be glad I hadn’t gone home with Filthy Rich last night.”

“Wait, what?” asked Roseluck with eagerness shining in her eyes.

“Yeah, he and I met last night at a bar and we talked quite a bit. We chatted about everything from raising a foal to how to make money. I had fun, and I could tell he was hoping I’d want to go to his place.”

“Do you like him?” I asked curiously.

Berry gave me a shrug. “I don’t know. We were both drinking and while I did enjoy having a conversation with him, I’d give it more time first.”

I nodded and looked into my empty cup. “Would you girls like some coffee? I’ll pay.”

All three of them nodded and we waved down a waiter who took our orders and returned with a fresh pot of coffee and enough creamers for everyone. As he left Berry Punch watched him carefully. “He’s got a nice ass, doesn't he?”

“Only you would think that about a stallion barely old enough to be considered a stallion,” Cheerilee said with a sly smirk plastered across her face.

Berry quickly focused her gaze on Cheerilee. “I think anypony old enough to be legal is fair game.” Her steady gaze and stern voice drove home her point.

I laughed and looked at Roseluck who just shrugged in response. “So… Rose, haven't you been working with the other flower girls on some big project?”

Roseluck immediately perked up as if finally having a chance to shine in a spotlight. “Actually yes! We’ve all been working so hard on getting new flowers planted in the Ponyville Park ever since Tirek blasted the place to smithereens.”

I smiled and blew on my coffee. Why can't you cool off faster! “I’m glad to hear that. Are you girls also going to be planting new trees? I heard the construction crew was working on fixing the paths that pass through there.” I paused for a moment. “I’m just happy I finally got a chance to not be working for once.”

Roseluck nodded enthusiastically but a questionable look spread across Cheerilee’s face as she also blew on her drink. “When was your last actual day off?”

I shrugged. “I don't really remember. At least three weeks or so.”

“Three weeks!?” Roseluck shrieked. “No. I will not stand for this!”

Cheerilee slapped her forehead with a hoof.“Rose. You’re sitting…”

Roseluck blew her a raspberry before standing up. “There. Now I’m standing.”

Cheerilee chuckled. “Rose, will you just sit down?” She blew on her coffee before she attempted to drink it. When she was successful with her coffee, I tested my own, finding that it had cooled just enough not to scald my mouth.

Roseluck sat back down with a huff but didn't argue. Berry Punch, on the other hoof, gave Cheerilee a dirty look, then looked over at me instead. “So Tenderheart, how’s your sister been? I haven't heard from her since she moved…”

“Me either. Last I heard, she walked out of the Ponyville Clinic mid-shift,” Cheerilee added hesitantly.

I sighed and stared aimlessly into my coffee cup.

“Damnit, this is why we can’t have nice things. We finally get a chance to spend some time with her and you guys gotta go and bring this up. Good job.” Berry just crossed her legs and drank her coffee as if to punctuate her distaste for the topic.

My eyes burned a little and my chest tightened. I looked up at my friends. “To be truthful, I haven't heard anything from her since she moved. I’d be lying if I said I wasn't a bit worried about her.”

Berry Punch sat her coffee down. “I would be too if she were my little sister.”

Cheerilee took a drink of her coffee. Setting the cup down gently, she gave me a sorrow filled look. “I’m sorry that we brought it up. Redheart didn't say a word to any of us before leaving town. We figured if she had spoken to anyone recently, it’d be you. We are all just worried about her.”

Roseluck gave a slow nod while Berry Punch just played with her cup. “I didn't know her that well, outside of the clinic…” Her voice trailed off as if unable to find the words she needed.

In a futile attempt to stop myself from crying, I looked away from my friends and took a few deep breaths. I wiped my eyes clear before looking back at them. “Look… can we change the topic? At least for now?”

Roseluck smiled. “Well, I have an idea then.” She gave me a wink.

After a moment of silence settled over the table, I propped my chin on my hooves. “Go on…”

“Let’s go to the spa!” she blurted out with excitement. “I’ll pay,” she added, quickly taking a drink.

Cheerilee immediately pounced on the idea. “Oh my Goddess, That’s a fantastic idea! Tenderheart, when was the last time you went and got pampered?”

I shifted in my seat. “Uh…” I honestly don't remember, I thought as I drank the last of my coffee.

Berry Punch laughed, “No worries. I’ve never been, just don't have the bits for it.”

“Well, if we want to spend the day at the Spa, we need to get there as soon as we can. It’ll take the Spa Girls awhile to take good care of us all,” Cheerilee explained, finishing off her cup of coffee with a satisfied sigh.

Berry Punch fidgeted with her near-empty cup of coffee. I looked over at her. “You okay, Berry?”

She glanced up at me before returning to her coffee, finally picking up the cup and finishing off its contents. “You know me. I don't like having ponies touching me. Unless I'm touching them first, that is.”

Roseluck and I both got a good laugh out of that. Cheerilee instead opted to finish off her coffee with a big gulp. “Well, I’m ready when you girls are.”

Roseluck and I quickly finished off our coffee and waved down a waiter for the bill before leaving.

***

When we finally got to the Spa and got our appointments scheduled, we sat down in the chairs that lined the walls of the main lobby. “So what all did you get us, Cheerilee?” I asked curiously.

Cheerilee leaned forward and looked at me passed Berry Punch and Roseluck. “I got you and I a full coat, mane, and tail wash, a massage, and a day in the sauna!” She leaned back into her chair before leaning forwards again, “Oh! I also got us each a hoof cleaning! I’m so excited, it's been too long since I was last here.”

Roseluck laughed and nudged Berry with her elbow. Berry Punch just shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “I got us the same treatment. Don't worry so much! You’ll be fine.”

Berry Pinch stopped fidgeting and looked at Roseluck. “I know that, Rose. I just don’t know if I’m looking forward to this or not.”

I looked at her with an eyebrow raised. “What’s got you so worked up, Berry?”

“I’m not going to explain it to you!” she barked before breaking into a blush.

Cheerilee laughed. “Okay, I understand now. Well, try not to think about it that way and you’ll be fine. Just relax and try to think about something else while enjoying the attention.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you blush like this, Berry. Normally you’re always rattling on about some stallion or something. Always full of all sorts of confidence,” I said, trying to sound comforting without laughing.

Berry growled at me. “Normally, I would have had a different kind of creamer in my coffee.” After a very loud sigh and a moment of awkward silence, she added, “I’m sorry, I’m just… over-thinking all this.”

Roseluck was about to say something but was interrupted by the mare at the desk calling them forward. “Here we go…” Berry grumbled as we all stood and walked up to the desk.

The mare behind the desk directed us to our masseuse’s rooms. “I hope Rose and Berry enjoy their stay here,” I said, following Cheerilee into the room.

Lotus, one of the Spa Girls, met us at the door. “Come in, Come in. We’re going to start you two off with a brushing!” She led them both to the massage tables and had us lie down. She began brushing my coat while her assistant took care of Cheerilee.

I closed my eyes and enjoyed the comforting feeling of the brush running through my fur. “Hey, Cheerilee. Why was Berry so antsy earlier in the lobby?”

Cheerilee made a muffled noise before sighing. “Honestly, I’m not too sure. Though I’m pretty sure it has to do with being touched by a mare. She’s always chased after stallions like they’re toys. Though, I think she has a different perspective when it comes to mares. Get what I mean?”

“I think so…” I mumbled. I felt my limbs start to tingle with tiredness as Lotus continued to brush my coat.

Cheerilee’s quiet voice broke the silence. “Hey, Tenderheart. I want to ask you something, but I really don't want to upset you. Is that okay?”

I cracked an eye open and glanced over at her. She also had one eye cracked open and its gaze met mine. I closed my eye and took a deep breath, preparing myself. “Okay, what would you like to know?”

A moment of silence passed between us before she spoke again. “Why did your little sister leave Ponyville in such a hurry? I know she had a job opportunity in Fillydelphia, but I didn't think she would just up and leave like that.”

“Yeah, neither did I.” I bit my tongue, hearing the bitterness in my voice. “It was my fault she left in such a hurry.”

“Really? How so?”

Feeling an uncomfortable sweat grip my body, I took a deep breath and let it go slowly. “The day she stormed out of the clinic, she already wasn't having a good day, pulling a double shift as well as running on no sleep from a night of being sick. Normally even on a bad day, she can handle most every patient that comes through. Unfortunately, she got an elderly pegasus stallion who wanted nothing to do with her because she isn't a pegasus. He wouldn't listen to her and wouldn’t stop yelling. Eventually, she gave up on trying to help him.” I paused for a moment as a lump formed in my throat. Swallowing it back, I continued. “Naturally, she came to me, hoping I could take care of the stallion. I told her I couldn’t. I already had patients of my own to deal with. She asked two or three other nurses to help her and they all responded the same way I did.”

“Doesn't sound like it's your fault,” Cheerilee cooed.

“When no one would help her she found me again. She practically begged me to take care of the stallion for her. I just had a mare flatline and I really wasn't wanting to deal with it, so I told her no. That's when she stormed out of the clinic. She was really upset, specifically with me for not helping her. She yelled about how I never helped her like a big sister should.” I bit my tongue trying and hoping not to break down again.

Cheerilee didn't respond, allowing an eerie silence to blanket the room. Lotus and her assistant had finished our backs, necks, and sides. They had both switched brushes and were now working on our tails and manes.

I could feel tears dripping slowly down my cheeks as I silently wept. My breathing was normal, but my eyes burned.

Finally, Cheerilee’s voice broke the silence, it was soft but stern. “You know, blaming yourself for something like this only makes it harder to move forward. Try not to dwell on the past, because you can’t change it. Why not control your future by making some changes to the present?”

“So should I just go visit her? I’ve tried writing letters, she didn't reply to any of them.”

Cheerilee groaned. “Well, it's an idea, but do you have the time for a trip like that anytime soon?”

I sighed, “Unfortunately not. For the past five or six months, since Redheart left, every nurse at the clinic has been working more shifts to fill the void she left. Finding medical ponies isn't easy. Especially in Ponyville.”

“Yeah, I can understand that. Well, all I can suggest is to wait and see if she sends you a letter. Because frankly, if you were to go to Fillydelphia, would you even know where to find her? That place is pretty big.”

“I suppose you have a point,” I whispered, more to myself than to Cheerilee.

“Okay, ladies! Would you like your massages now, or after we have done your hooves?” Lotus asked out of the blue.

Opening my eyes and wiping them clear, I met Cheerilee’s gaze. “You paid, you choose.”

Cheerilee nodded and looked at Lotus. “Hooves, please. After the massage, I’d like to spend some time in the sauna.”

I gave her the best smile I could muster up. “That sounds nice.”

“Alright, please step over here and take a seat. We will begin momentarily. I just have to step out real quick.” Lotus gave us both a sweet smile before quickly leaving the room.

Cheerilee and I took seats and the assistant prepared the equipment. “Being on my hooves all day long every day… I really needed today. Thank you, Cheerilee.”

“Not a problem, Tenderheart.” Her eyes were already closed as she relaxed into the chair.

Why am I still so tense? Calm down, Tenderheart, just relax. I shifted in my seat, trying to find the most comfortable position. “How stressful is it being a teacher?”

Cheerilee shrugged. “Not really all that stressful, to be honest. The only time it does get stressful is around the holidays when work conflicts with my holiday plans. Though normally that's only because I have to grade all their projects before I can go on my holiday vacation. All in all, though, the students really aren't that unruly or disturbing so it isn't that bad.”

“Okay, that's good to hear.” A devious grin spread across my face and I watched her closely. “So how about you and Big Macintosh? Are the two of you going to try for a foal soon?”

Cheerilee instantly tensed and scowled as she turned so red that she redefined the color spectrum. After a moment, she looked away and with a defeated huff she finally answered. “We’ve been trying ever since the wedding, but we haven't had any luck… it… it's starting to really worry me.”

Well, Shit.

She looked up at me, her eyes glittering as if about to cry. “Is there something that would hinder me from becoming a mother?” Her voice beginning to shake.

I thought about the possibilities, “You two only got married, what? Ten months ago? Look, Cheerilee, I doubt there is anything wrong with either of you. The foal will come when it's the right time. Until then, don't worry about it. Okay?”

Cheerilee took a deep breath to help calm herself. “Yeah… I guess… but-”

Just then the door opened and both of us watched as Lotus walked in, followed by a dark blue pegasus. He wore a brown coat and had his mane cut short. Around his neck was a small letter courier bag. He walked past Lotus, who waited near the door. “Ms. Tenderheart?” he asked in a calm voice.

I smiled kindly. “Yes sir, that's my name.”

He nodded. “I have an important message for you from Fillydelphia,” he said, pulling a scroll with a black ribbon tied tightly around it.

“What’s this?” I asked calmly, as I took it from him. I looked at him, then at the letter. What could a Royal Courier possibly have for me?

“May we have the room to ourselves?” Cheerilee asked politely.

“My condolences,” he said before leaving the room left without another word. Lotus followed him out.

Condolences? I wondered, looking down at the letter in my hooves. “What could it be about?” I asked her curiously, my eyes not straying from the letter.

“From what I’ve always heard, the Royal Couriers are a specialized group of pegasi tasked with important document transportation.” Pausing briefly, she placed a hoof to her chin. “They normally transport urgent messages between city guards and amongst the Princesses. That's the first time I’ve ever seen one.”

My heart skipped a beat. “Wait, did he say this was from Fillydelphia?” I looked up at her, feeling anxious. I couldn't think of what to say.

Cheerilee spoke in a hushed and soothing tone. “W-Would you like me to read it first?”

I absently nodded and passed her the letter. She opened it and my heart stopped as I held my breath, watching her expression. My heart dropped like a rock into my stomach as she took on a horrified look. Tears flooded her eyes, and her jaw clenched tight.

Cheerilee rolled the letter closed and tried to look at me, but as soon as our eyes met she looked away. “I’m sorry… I…” she said quietly, losing her will to speak. Instead, she placed the scroll on the cart with the hoof tools, before stepped towards me. Cheerilee wrapped her hooves tight around my neck. I could feel the sorrow pulsing off of her with every sharp breath she took as she cried. I weakly wrapped my hooves around her sides. Oh Goddess… What’s happening... I could feel my body shiver with fear at the thought of what that letter contained.

“I’m here for you, Tenderheart,” she whispered into my ear before letting me go. Cheerilee retrieved the letter and held it out to me. I took it from her and opened it, feeling my heart stop as soon as I started reading.

From: 7/21/1228
Penny Saved,
Senior Nursing Staff Administrator,
Fillydelphia General Hospital,

Hello, Ms. Tenderheart.

I am writing to you because at seven forty-five this morning, Nurse Redheart was found dead in an alleyway with multiple stab wounds to the chest and abdomen. She was found by a passing pedestrian who upon finding her immediately hailed a cab and asked for help. The unicorn and the cab driver brought her straight back to the hospital and we sent notice to the city guard. She had been dead for quite a few hours and upon inspecting our logs we have concluded that she had been killed on her way home from work.

I am deeply troubled by this turn of events and send my condolences. Nurse Redheart was a hard working mare, dedicated to saving the lives of so many ponies. She will be remembered by everyone here at the General Hospital of Fillydelphia as a hero to the staff and to those she has saved. The staff here is holding a vigil tonight in her honor. I am sincerely sorry. This should never have happened to anypony.

I have also sent a letter to Mayor Mare of Ponyville, notifying her of this tragedy. She will be expecting you to meet with her about your younger sister's will. She will also be able to answer any questions you have. Again, I am very sorry for your loss and I hope you can pull through this dark time.

I couldn’t believe what I was reading. It felt unreal, as if it were a prank. My eyes scanned the letter again and again and again, but my heart just didn’t want to accept it. Tears poured from my eyes as I felt the urge to just scream until my voice gave out. “W-Why…” I whispered, feeling a cold chill harden inside of me.

Author's Note

I very much hope you are enjoying this story. There will be more to come! :)

The Numbness

I felt Cheerilee’s hooves wrap around my shivering shoulders. She brushed my mane gently but didn't say anything. Just hummed ever so softly... I couldn't help but bury my face into the nape of her neck, hearing her voice shake with tears. I couldn’t help but squeeze her like a body pillow as the horrific news sank in.

As we lingered in that moment, the shock subsided a little and Cheerilee pulled away from me. She had tears still running down her cheeks. “I can walk with you to meet with the Mayor,” she offered in a broken whisper.

I took a deep breath, feeling as if I were on the edge of another breakdown. “Could we just go relax in the sauna?”

Cheerilee gave a small weary smile and a nod. “Sure.” As she stood and started for the door, she paused and looked back at me. “Tenderheart? Would you like me to let the others know where to find us when they’ve finished?”

I stood, collected my letter, and followed her out the door. “Mhm, let's try to forget about the letter for now, okay? No reason to spoil everyone's day.”

Cheerilee nodded as she held the door open for me. I walked past her and she let the door close behind us.

I made my way down the hall to the front desk, my hoof steps echoes throughout the empty halls. As I rounded the corner the mare sitting behind the counter smiled as I approached, “Already done, ma’am?” she asked in the sweetest voice.

I shook my head to answer her question before I laid my letter on the counter. “Could you hold on to this for now?”

“Of course, dear.” She smiled and took the letter, placing it in an empty bin behind her counter. “Anything else I can do for you?”

“Thank you, I'm fine.” I said before turning back down the hall. I felt tears come to my eyes and my bottom lip began to quiver. Just forget about it. Forget about the letter for now.

Spotting the towel rack, I snagged one and tossed it over my shoulder before opening the door. A plume of moist air rushed out to greet me as I stepped inside. Cheerilee was already setting on the bench with a towel over her face.

She pushed it up over her head, letting it fall onto her shoulders. “Oh, hey Tenderheart.”

“Hey,” I said as I sat down next to her and put the towel over my face. I just have to relax, let the warmth soothe my aches and pains…

Silence filled the room for almost twenty minutes until I heard the door open once again. Roseluck’s laughter broke the silence as she entered, followed by Berry Punch.

“I don't think I’ve ever seen you squirm so much, Berry,” Roseluck stated as she sat down across from me.

“Oh, Hardy-har-har. Laugh it up, Rose. You know how I get in places like this,” Berry Punch rebutted with a smirk. “At least I’m not as ticklish as you are. You squirmed every single time they tried to polish your hooves!”

Roseluck’s nose scrunched before she stuck her tongue out at Berry. Berry lunged forward and tried to bite it.

Rose withdrew it just in time. With a smile, she swiftly kissed Berry on the nose and laughed. “Too slow!”

Berry sighed and rubbed her nose against her foreleg. “Whatever.”

A chuckle rang from my throat. “Are you blushing, Berry?”

Berry’s right ear swiveled towards me, but her eyes stayed trained on Roseluck, who was now looking at Cheerilee and I.

I couldn't help but notice the smallest smile break Berry’s lips just before she turned to face Cheerilee and I.

“So How’d your treatments go!” Roseluck blurted out of nowhere.

My lips quivered but I caught it in my teeth and tried to smile.

Before I could say anything, Cheerilee stole my attention by pulling me into a hug. “We had a good time. Our hoof cleaning got interrupted but it doesn't matter. Does it?”

“Not at all,” I answered, feeling myself let go of the breath I’d been holding. A devious smirk crossed my lips. “So why do you get so antsy in this kind of place, Berry?”

Berry’s cheeks flushed once more, but before she could find a suitable excuse. Roseluck interrupted, “Mares make her uncomfortable and-”

Berry Punch scoffed, pushing a hoof against her friends muzzle. “Not true. Now drop it.”

The room fell quiet once more, but Roseluck broke the silence with a snicker. Holding up her hoof as if to whisper to us, she said, “She’s just cranky because she hasn't had a stiff drink all day.”

Berry Punch shot her a look but Roseluck just shot her a cheeky grin.

Berry rolled her eyes and smiled back before turning to the rest of us. “You know, she’s right, I could use a drink about now.”

Cheerilee gasped in feigned surprise. “You do realize it's only one o’clock, right?”

I watched as Berry Punch laughed and turned the steam valve to flood the room with a refreshing cloud of warmth. “It’s gotta be five o’clock somewhere, right?”

I nodded, but assumed not even Cheerilee could see me through the haze. “I could use a drink, to be honest.”

I could hear Rose chuckle somewhere. “Count me in!”

Cheerilee's voice followed with a quick huff. “Great, another field trip. I suppose I'll chaperone.”

I felt an honest smile spread across my features with relief washing over my poisoned mind. “Great. Where should we start?” I asked, hoping to hear Berry’s suggestion.

Sure enough, Berry Punch was the first voice I heard, closely followed by Roseluck, who quickly cut herself off. “We could start at the Everfree Bar and Grill. Get us a good meal before our adventures get carried away.”

Roseluck gasped, “Oh my Celestia! That’s way better than what I was going to suggest.”

As the steam finally thinned out enough to where I could see the rest of my friends, I noticed that Cheerilee was entertaining a thought with her hoof against her lips.
finally

“I've never heard of the place,” I finally said looking across at Berry. “What kind of food do they serve?”

“Everything's grilled over applewood. They have thee best corn cobs around! I swear it!”

Cheerilee finally spoke her mind. “How are we supposed to pay for this? None of us make enough for such a parade.”

My ears drooped a little as I realized how empty my bit purse was. Forty-five bits, I remembered. “How expensive would the meal be? I’d be fine with just that.”

“If we each paid for our own meals, it would be like ten bits each… but… I don't have my saddlebags. Remember?” She gave a piercing gaze to Roseluck.

“What’d I d- ooh… right, the wake up call.” She smiled back, seeming unfazed by the gaze. “That's alright, I'll pay for you.”

“I have enough with me for a meal,” Cheerilee grumbled in discontent.

“I'll pay for your drinks,” I offered her as I stood and hung my towel over my shoulders, “You deserve at least one.”

Cheerilee stood with her eyes closed and stretched out each of her hind legs before stretching out her forehooves, leaving her tail and flanks in the air for a moment.

Damn, if only you weren't married. I blushed, catching the stray thought and quickly averting my gaze to Berry Punch, who appeared to be distracted by the teacher’s demonstration.

She was only returned to reality when Roseluck trotted past her, playfully smacking Berry’s cheek with her tail. “Wake up call~!” She sang, letting herself out of the sauna.

Cheerilee blinked with a look of confusion, but Berry just stood and followed Rose out. Cheerilee looked at me for an answer. “Did… I… miss something?”

“Nope,” I said, feeling my face heat up even more. I quickly followed Berry Punch out and Cheerilee wondered out behind me. We each dropped our wet towels in the basket that sat next to the door and grabbed fresh towels to dry off with.

“Another!” I bellowed as I slammed my empty mug onto the table that now had an empty bread tray and several mugs on it.

Cheerilee rolled her eyes but didn't dare deny me this. She simply sipped her Crystal Tequila.

“How many does that make?” asked Roseluck after she finished off the last of her mug of cider.

Berry Punch just laughed. “That was her eleventh beer so far. And we still got another stop after this place.”

I looked across the table at Berry Punch. “Isn't that your eighth drink? Girl, you needa catch up!”

“I'm on my thirteenth,” she answered cheerfully.

Cheerilee laughed, “Fifth.”

Roseluck grimace. “Seventh. Can't we just stay here for the rest of the night?”

Berry Punch shrugged. “I don't really care either way. I'm fine with whatever, so long as I can drink.”

Roseluck nodded, and Cheerilee shared her agreement with the idea.

I shrugged before holding my mug in the air again. “Another!” I demanded just as a bartender appeared next to the table, an annoyed look on his face. “Please and thank you, sir.”

Both Berry Punch and Roseluck both asked for new drinks as well. After the pony left us I turned to Berry Punch and summoned every bit of liquid courage I could. “Hey Berry, can I ask something without you getting mad?” I asked, testing her reaction.

She passively waved a hoof to me as she slid her hoof into the satchel - she had grabbed from home on our way here - and drew out a pack of cards. “Sure,” she said, waving a hoof in the air before shuffling them. “Hold ‘em sounds like fun, we can bet drinks.”

Cheerilee butted in first, “Wait, we coulda been playing cards this whole time? Why are you just now pulling ‘em out?” She sat up straight and proper, new excitement glowing in her eyes.

I opened my mouth but paused as Berry spoke again.

“Of course, but I was saving them for the last stop, but since we're staying here, may as well play here,” she answered before turning her attention to me.

I stifled a chuckle with a nervous cough. “Why were you so nervous around the spa ponies earlier today?”

She quick shuffled her cards before setting the cards in the middle of the table. “Cut them,” she ordered me in an annoyed voice.

Roseluck quickly whispered something into her ear and Berry sighed. “I'll… I'll try to explain, but first ya gotta cut the deck so I can deal em out.”

I did as she asked and picked up a chunk of the deck, laying it next to the bottom half. Berry picked up the bottom half and sat it on top. As she dished out two rounds of cards to each of us, she mumbled under her breath. Finally setting the deck down.

I looked at my cards; Ace of spades over eight of hearts. Just high cards… laying them flat I noticed the bartender had finally returned with our drinks.

“So the reason the spa puts me on edge is simple. Like I said earlier, I don't like being touched unless it's in the ways I want. And generally that's only when I'm drunk… and preferably by a stallion.”

Everyone looked at Roseluck, who smiled and answered the unspoken question. “Check.”

“Check,” I answered.

Cheerilee responded the same, and with Berry’s answer she trashed a card before laying the next three out ever so slowly.

Jack of hearts.

Queen of spades.

Ten of clubs.

Damn it! I thought, but looked up at Berry. “I don't know if it's the liquor or me being stupid, but I get the feeling that there is more to it than just that… you sure that's it? We're your friends… you can talk to us.”

Berry’s brow furrowed, but she closed her eyes and took a soothing breath. After a few moments and another check from Roseluck, her eyes opened and focused on me. “You're right.”

I knocked twice on the table to indicate my ‘check’. “So what's up?”

Cheerilee gave a small smirk as her eyes darted from her hand to the cards on the table. “I'll raise two drinks.”

“Called,” Berry said, as she looked expectedly at Roseluck, who also called.

“I’ll fold,” I said, pushing my cards forward.

Silence engulfed the table as anticipation hung over our game. Cheerilee checked and Berry placed a card in the trash pile, with my cards, before laying one card down.

Ace of hearts.

Great… why’d I go and fold.

A snicker erupted from Cheerilee’s side of the table as she stifled it and tried desperately to hold a poker face. “Two more drinks.”

“Call.”

A total of twelve drinks now sat for the losers of this hand. Berry Pinch had the hint of a smile as she burned a card and flipped the last one.

Ten of Spades.

“Check.”

Cheerilee was the first to reveal her hand, with a Queen of diamonds and an Ace of clubs. “Two pair! Beat that!”

Roseluck just flicked her cards forward. Seven and Jack of Hearts. “I lose. One pair.”

I laughed. “Now I’m glad I folded. Only had a pair of aces.”

“Drink up, you two,” Cheerilee said whimsically.

“Nah, you can have mine, Cheerilee,” Berry said, finally flipping her cards over to reveal the Queen of diamonds and the ten of hearts. “Full house. You lose, honey.”

Everyone at the table broke into laughter as Cheerilee’s jaw dropped and she looked at her half empty glass.

“Drunk up,” Roseluck said, just before tipping her new drink back and downing the entire thing in one fell swoop.

I caught Berry Punch glancing over at Roseluck with a small sweet smile on her lips, it looked as though it didn't fit her at all… but there it was. An affectionate look glimmering like a little fire in her glazed eyes.

It only lasted for a split second because as she glanced over to Cheerilee, her eyes connected with mine and her entire demeanor changed. “Hey, I'm gonna step out for a cigarette for a minute, wanna keep me company and get a little fresh air? It’d give these two a chance to get those drinks down.”

I nodded and stood up to follow her out of the dimly lit bar. The sun had been set and the moon was hanging low in the sky. It was big and full, casting long shadows off the across the street.

The brisk fall air caught me off guard and caused a rush of feathers through my mind as the alcohol took full effect. As I found my balance and a certain numbness enveloped my body, I found myself sitting comfortably against the wall as Berry Punch had lit her cigarette and was offering me one.

Never have before… why does it matter anymore… I shook away the dark thought and accepted the offer. She lit it for me and I immediately began coughing.

“Never smoked before?” She asked, curiously looking over at me.

“Yeah…” I put the cigarette back to my lips and tried to take a slow drag. I watched as the tip of the cigarette began to glow. A warm feeling clouded my mind, but my lungs felt like they were burning and I coughed again. “Okay, not for me. What do you want me to do with this?” I asked, holding it out to her.

She knocked it out of my hoof and just stepped on it before kicking it out into the street. “All done, anyways…”

I rolled my eyes and just blurted out the first thought I had. “You sleep with a lot of stallions, right?”

“Yes. Usually after getting them nice and drunk,” she answered with a small smirk, but it quickly faded as if it were forced.

“So what was that look you were giving Roseluck? If you don't like mares so much as touching y- Oh… you… Oooh...”

She rolled her eyes and took a long drag off her cigarette. “Yesh,” she slurred, “I like Roseluck.” She turned and faced me, her cigarette dangling from the corner of her mouth. “And if you say one word, I’ll… I’ll…”

“So you have affections for one mare and any other mare that gets close to you just-”

“Yes,” she said, biting down on her cigarette before taking another long drag and spitting it into the street before sparking another one. “Look, I have a thing for her… but she’d never wanna be with somepony like me. I've been with far too many stallions and if you haven't realized yet, I have quite a few unattractive qualities that a girl like her would find repulsive. I don't even know why she still hangs out with me.”

She had sat against the wall and I stepped around to stand in front of her. “Well, fix it then. You want her, right? All ya gotta do is talk to her. I’m sure she’d understand.”

“I don't wanna ruin what we already have.” Her voice had begun to quiver a bit and she hastily took a drag off her cigarette. “If she says no then things will only get weird and awkward between us. We would drift apart and we’d have nothing but an awkwardly distant friendship.”

“You can stop, I understand. Look, you do you, but in the end only you can make things change in your life. Come on, we got drinks to be drank!” I offered her a hoof and pulled her up with a smile.

“Thanks,” she said as she finished her cigarette.

As we walked back to the table Cheerilee was looking down, watching her hoof make circles on the table top, while a crying Roseluck jumped at me with her hooves, locking around my neck.

I glanced over my shoulder to see rage boiling behind Berry Punch’s eyes. She swiftly turned and stormed from the bar without looking back. “What’s going on?” I quickly asked as I pushed Roseluck off me.

“I asked Cheerilee about what had been making you so upset earlier and she said that you got a letter-”
Oh no… and now Berry thinks… Oh Goddess no!
“-about your sister… I’m so sorry! Why didn't you tell us you-” She stopped and backed away. “Sorry… I kinda forced it outta her,” she said, looking over at Cheerilee, who was still making circles with her hoof.

I didn't say anything, just turned and chased after her, almost running into a pony as tears began to blind me. These weren't for my sister; I was too numb and Berry’s recent revelation was fresh in my mind.

As I got into the street, I saw her walking down the sidewalk with her tail limply dragging behind her, her head low and her shoulders melodically shifting back and forth.

I quickly caught up to her to match her speed next to her. “Wait, let me explain.”

She cut me off, jumping to the side and staring up at me, her hooves in a wide stance and tears streaming down her cheeks. “You have nothing to explain to me! I know what I saw and the only thing I have to ask you is... when? When did you and her…” She spun away and pulled out her cigarettes as she began walking away. “You know what? Whatever,” she mumbled as she lit it and drew in a long breath.

I caught up to her and cut her off by blocking her path. She growled as she stepped around me. “Leave me alone!”

I sighed and sat down, tears pouring down my cheeks. “My sister just died!” I shouted, and watched her stop dead in her tracks. When she turned around to face me, pure shock filled her eyes. “Cheerilee told her and she hugged me out of concern. Nothing more.”

I closed my eyes and tried to stop the tears by rubbing my eyes against the back of my forehoof. I felt a pair of hooves wrap around my shoulders, just as a warmth engulfed me with the distinct smell of alcohol, sweat, and cigarette smoke that clung to Berry’s pelt as she pulled me into a tight hug. “I’m sorry, Tenderheart. I… I didn't know.”

I sat there, stunned for a moment longer and realized I couldn't stop crying for the umpteenth time today.

When Berry finally released the embrace she took a step back, wiping tears from her eyes. They both turned at the sound of hooves echoes in the street. Cheerilee and Roseluck came to a stop on either side of us, both of them sharing the same look of concern.

“What happened?” Cheerilee finally asked, her attention on Berry Punch. “Oh, and here's your cards,” she added, passing them to her.

Berry took them and tucked them into her satchel, then faced Cheerilee. “Well, I-”

“We’re okay, just had to talk about something,” I said, cutting Berry off. She gave me a thankful smile. “Come on, I guess we should head back inside now.” My legs wobbled but the ground held firm as I turned back towards the bar. Goddess, I need a drink.

“Wait.” It was Roseluck. “Are you okay?”

“Can we not talk about this here and now? Please… I really just wanna enjoy the night.”

Both Cheerilee and Roseluck shared looks of concern but Berry Punch stepped between them. “I'll pay for the rest of your drinks for tonight. You deserve to be numb.”

“Thank you, Berry,” I said, turning away from the other two, who just shared a worried glance before following us.

The Meeting

“Augh…” I groaned as I flipped the pillow over my head. What time is it? Better yet, when did I get home?

I took a deep breath and immediately noticed something was off. What’s that smell?

I sniffed the pillow curiously. Jasmine? Or maybe lavender. Huh. This isn't my pillow.

Sitting up, I found myself laying on a bed in a dark room, the shades drawn closed and a sliver of dawn light gleaming through the crack that separated them. Where am I?

Slowly, I crawled out from under the warm blankets and opened the door to find myself gazing out over a living room. Alcohol bottles and half-drank drinks were scattered across the coffee table and the island countertop in the open kitchen on the opposite side of living room. The overflowing trash can was brimming with more empty bottles.

“Whatever, I want coffee,” I mumbled as I shuffled through the room. Along my way I glanced over and saw Cheerilee passed out on the couch. She was laying on her stomach with one hoof hanging limp to the floor. She had, at some point, kicked the blanket off herself and a small puddle of drool had soaked into the pillow her head laid on.

I sighed, feeling a bit of a weight lift off my shoulders. Whatever else had happened last night, at least Cheerilee is still here. I walked into the kitchen and smiled. Thank goddess! This place has a coffee pot!

I quickly set about finding everything I needed and ten minutes later I was dropping small cubes of sugar into my medium roast coffee. Just as I turned around with my cup and sat it on the marble countered island, I heard a door open and close softly somewhere upstairs. A moment later a young filly came down the stairs rubbing the sleepiness out of her eyes.

She looked up as I took a seat on one of the cushioned stools near the island table. She ignored me as she set about collecting the things she needed for a bowl of wheat puffs and finding a seat next to me. “You’re Ms. Tenderheart, right? Mom said you were having a bad day when you all came in last night. She wouldn't tell me why, though.”

I felt a bit guilty I looked over at her. “I’m sorry if we kept you awake last night.”

“No, no. I slept fine. How did you sleep?” the young filly asked, taking a bite of her cereal.

“Well, decent I guess. I don't even remember even coming over here. Wherever ‘here’ is.” I took a careful drink of my coffee.

“Well,” the filly said as she turned towards me, putting her elbow on the counter, “Let me enlighten you. I’m Berry Pinch, Berry Punch’s daughter. Mom and Roseluck are asleep in the guest room upstairs.”

“Oh? So what room was I in?” I asked curiously, pushing the more tantalizing questions aside. I'll ask Berry later.

Berry Pinch went back to eating her cereal, making sure every piece touched the soy milk. “My mom's room. Oh, look who’s waking up,” she said, pointing at the couch with her spoon.

A moment later Cheerilee sat up slowly with a yawn and a stretch. She stood and looked over at us. “Coffee?” she mumbled, just loud enough for us to hear.

I nodded and she smiled, walking into the kitchen. Her mane was sticking up in some areas and matted with sweat elsewhere.

“Good Morning,” she mumbled as she passed us, reaching for a cup out of the cabinet. After getting her coffee and dropping three sugar cubes into it, she sat next to me and began stirring her coffee.

Silence blanketed the room except for the occasional clink of metal on glass and the ticking of a clock somewhere in the house.

After Cheerilee finally took her first sip of her coffee I looked at her and, as if she predicted my question, she held up a hoof. “Shh... Coffee first,” she mumbled, before taking another drink.

I nodded and quietly drank my coffee, enjoying the silence. Eventually Berry Pinch stood with her empty bowl and rinsed it out before setting it in the sink and quietly returning to her room.

As I finished off the last of my coffee and I turned and refilled my cup, leaving enough for one more cup. After prepping it I took my seat once more, just as Cheerilee smiled and showed me that her cup was empty.

She stood and refilled her cup. “I hope you’re feeling better this morning,” she said quietly, but clearly.

“Feeling just fine, why?” I asked, blowing on my coffee gently.

“Well… don't you remember?”

I tried again to remember something, but nothing came to mind. “The last thing I remember was losing a few hands at drunken poker at the bar.”

“Wow.” she seemed genuinely surprised and decided now was a good time to drink from her fresh cup of coffee. “Okay, so after you lost those hands you proceeded to get extremely hammered. As did we all.”

“I only assumed,” I said passively. “So how did we end up here, and what in Celestia’s flank happened? What did I do that has everypony worried?”

“Well, we came back here after you threw up in the little fillies room. It was quite a mess… but you did clean up after yourself.” She paused as I took a drink of coffee, then continued. “We decided that we could move the party to one of our own homes - incase someone passed out.”

“Me, got it. Too drunk. Understood,” I mumbled.

“On our way here, you had a breakdown and bawled your eyes out in the middle of the road… you cried for your sister… then threw up in a trash can. Roseluck and I helped keep you steady on our way here. Berry tried to help but she could barely keep herself afloat, much less help you stay upright.”

“So did the whole night carry on with me throwing up and crying?” I asked curiously, and with a bitterness, I threw in, “‘kuz if so, I think I'm done with this forgotten night.”

“Well… not exactly. Actually, you didn't throw up again the rest of the night, but you did talk Berry Punch into talking to Roseluck about something. Whatever it was, the two really seemed to grow closer. So that's something… it happened shortly after Berry Punch tucked you into her bed.”

The realization hit me like a sack of bits. “Wait, they hooked up?” A devious smile crawled across my face, hidden behind my coffee cup.

“Dunno, I passed out while talking to them shortly after you passed out,” she said, before sipping at her coffee.

Just then the sound of running water came from upstairs. Sounds like a shower, I thought.

“Wanna bet Berry Punch is the first to come down?”

“Sure. Two bits,” Said Cheerilee. “I’m willing to bet she comes down with a hangover.” She tilted her head towards me. “You got one?”

“Nope!” I answered with a smirk, “You?”

She grimaced as her face sank into her hooves. “Perhaps…”

“Was it worth it?” I snickered.

She raised her head long enough to drink from her coffee. “Sure, why not…”

I frowned “What's up?”

“Well, remember when I told you about the fact that Big Mac and I have been trying to have a foal for almost a year now?”

Uh oh… not this. “Yes,” I said, tentatively.

“I had a nightmare that we did manage to get pregnant… but I miscarried and Macintosh left me because I couldn't provide an heir to the Apple Family legacy… it was horrifying.” She looked as though she could start crying any second.

I slipped my hooves around her shoulders and hugged her gently, then held her shoulders in my hooves. “I'll tell you this: I've known him for a long time and he would never leave you for such a petty reason. And like I said before, the foal will come when the time is right. I promise.”

She managed a small smile that wavered for a moment. “I'll even have the honor of delivering him to you when that time comes.”

Her smile grew with genuine hope. Just then, a pair of hooves heavily made their way down the stairs and turned the corner towards us. It was Berry Punch.

Rats. There goes two bits.

Cheerilee glanced my way, knowing she had won the little wager. “Got a hangover?” she asked curiously.

“Nope, just exhausted,” She answered.

I giggled. “Can't imagine why. Sorry for taking your room.”

“You’re fine. I put you to bed in there because I didn't wanna drag you all the way up the stairs.” She laughed as she rounded the island to find an empty coffee pot, then growled as she turned to glare at us. “Couldn't even start a new pot?”

“Didn't know when you'd make your way down here. Sorry,” Cheerilee answered sarcastically.

Cheerilee shot me a devilish eye before looking back to Berry as she prepared everything. “So was that you or Roseluck that woke me up last night? Shortly after I fell asleep on the couch.”

Berry Punch stopped everything, her hoof slipping as she accidentally turned the cold water all the way on and blasting the dishes at full power. She quickly turned it back down to a manageable level and continued preparing the coffee pot.

She ignored the question and began humming to herself, which quickly lost its rhythm as Cheerilee and I giggled.

I finished off my coffee just as Berry took a seat and began blowing on her coffee. I stood and rinsed out the cup before taking my seat again. “Hey, Berry… what happened last night? I only remember us all at the bar.”

She chuckled and sipped her coffee. Her mane was matted with dry sweat and she looked sleepy, but her eyes sparkled. “You threw up a bunch so we came here. Cheerilee decided to try and teach you and Roseluck how to create potions through the use of chemistry. All that lead to were some very tasty mixed drinks. Roseluck and I had a conversation after putting you to bed. You wouldn't shut your mouth. Oh, and Cheerilee passed out on the couch. Nothing too crazy.”

The shower stopped over head. “So what was I saying?” I asked, tilting my head to her.

“You were going on and on trying to tell me to talk to her. Needless to say, she had a few questions.” She shot me a look as a snicker escaped Cheerilee’s throat. “Coffee now.”

Cheerilee stood and rinsed out her cup just as a damp Roseluck appeared around the corner. As soon as she saw us her cheeks grew a soft pink hue, and a smile opened across her lips. A moment later she sniffed the air. “Do I smell coffee?”

As she padded into the kitchen area, Cheerilee tapped my shoulder and I looked up. Cheerilee tipped her head to the living room. “Let’s clean this mess up.”

Roseluck stopped as I stood up, a cup and spoon sitting in front of the coffee pot. “How are you two feeling this morning?” Her eyes were set on me, as if the question was specifically for me.

“I’m fine,” I huffed. “No hangover.”

Cheerilee grimaced. “A bit hung over… The coffee helped a bit, but I don't wanna see the sun today.” She turned and went about pulling the overfilled trash bag out and tying it closed. “Where’s the trash go?” She asked Berry.

Berry nodded towards the door leading to the back porch. “Thank you.”

Cheerilee nodded and took it out while I put a fresh bag into the can before setting about cleaning the rest of the house. Cheerilee joined me a moment later. “Hey, Tenderheart…"

I paused and glanced at her before I continued cleaning. I could hear Roseluck and Berry Punch quietly talking over their coffee.

“Would you like me to come with you to Mayor Mare’s office today? Or are you waiting until Monday, er… Wait, is today Saturday or Sunday?” she asked with a hint of confusion.

“Today’s Sunday. I was going to go over there after stopping at Hope to freshen up, kinda collect my thoughts and what not.” I shuttered as a cold chill danced along my spine. “I don't really want to go at all.”

“Well, I got nothing going on this afternoon. I do need to go out to Sweet Apple Acres, I told Macintosh that I’d join his family for lunch today.” She continued cleaning as she spoke. The mess from the previous night was pretty much gone.

Suddenly the sound of a pony rushing down the stairs caught our attention; Berry Pinch had a satchel thrown over her shoulder and she was galloping for the door. As soon as she opened it her mother cleared her throat and the door slowly closed. The filly turned to see Berry Punch glaring. “Not even going to ask?”

“Mom, when do I ever have to ask to hang out with Dinky and Button Mash? We're just going to hang out at his house and play video games. Plus Button’s Mom said she’d let me help her make cookies.” Berry Pinch waited for a moment and slowly opened the door again.

Punch smiled and rolled her eyes. “Have fun, Sweetheart.” She turned her attention to Cheerilee and I. “Looking great, girls. You know you didn't have to clean up, right?”

I shrugged. “I hate it when somepony trashes my place and doesn't clean it up.” Looking around I couldn't help but feel like I was forgetting something. “Where’s my letter?” I asked, and Cheerilee shrugged.

Roseluck piped up. “On the table next to Berry Punch’s bed. The room you slept in.”

I stepped back into the bedroom and felt of a rush of relief to spot the scroll. I grabbed it and went back into the living room. “I'm gonna head home now. I’ve got some business to prepare for…” I felt like I was ready to cry, but no tears would come. “Cheerilee, wanna meet me in front of Town Hall at 2:00pm?”

Everyone simply wished me safe travels and good luck as I left after Cheerilee nodded.

As the Town Hall came into view I could see Cheerilee standing outside in a simple dark red dress. I myself had chosen a dark purple dress, simple and elegant. I had a small satchel slung over my shoulder with the letter and a few other things in it. I hadn't opened the letter once since reading it yesterday.

Cheerilee trotted over to meet me, worry filled her eyes. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”

I sighed, feeling a failure numbness cloud my senses. “Unfortunately yes, I'm as ready as I’ll ever be. Let’s go.”

Cheerilee nodded and followed me through the doors. The receptionist looked up briefly and went back to work as we approached. “How may I help you this afternoon?” She asked without looking up at us.

“I’m here to speak with Mayor Mare,” I answered simply.

“Name? Mayor Mare doesn't have any meeting at this time.”

“Tenderheart. I'm here about my sister's will and funeral arrangements,” I said keeping my voice stern, feeling rather irritated with this mare so far.

Her quill stopped moving and she laid it down. “I’m sorry for your loss. Mayor Mare told me to immediately put you through when you showed up. I'm sorry for the inconvenience, Ms. Tenderheart.” She waved a hoof at the door off to the right. “Through there, last door on the left.”

I nodded. “Thank you.”

I knocked at the door and heard someone's sweet voice shout out, “Come in!”

I opened the door to see sunlight pouring in through a large window behind her. Countless little nicnacs were neatly organized on the window seal and her desk, which also had countless papers and folders covering it.

She glanced up and saw us, and she immediately went about cleaning her desk and reorganizing everything. After a few moments she pulled a thin folder out of a drawer and laid it on the wooden desktop. “Please, take a seat. It's nice to see you here, Ms. Tenderheart, Mrs. Cheerilee. I'm sorry we couldn't meet under better circumstances.”

I couldn't find any words to use, it felt as though my tongue had turned into cotton. Thankfully Cheerilee spoke for me upon noticing the anxiety in my eyes, and I looked over at her. Hesitantly she began, “I agreed to come with Tenderheart to help her through this. Perhaps we should start with Redheart's will and wishes."

The Mayor simply nodded, flipping the folder open and retrieving a brown envelope from the bottom. She opened it and pulled out a few papers. Clearing her throat, she began by turning them towards me. “As you can see, all of Ms. Redheart's possessions and property were left to you, her only surviving relative.” Noticing tears forming in my eyes at the mere mention of her name, Mayor Mare gave me a sad and empathetic look. “She had two bank accounts open.There was one in Fillydelphia, however, all funds within it were transferred to her bank account in Canterlot upon her death.”

She stopped to give me a moment to breath and calm myself, I gave her a small nod for her to continue. “Her last month of rent had been withdrawn prior to… the event. Fortunately, I have taken it upon myself to prepare a pegasus wagon for you, readied to give you a ride to her apartment at your leisure, so you may gather her belongings which were also left to you. Everything there except the furniture now belongs to you.” With a moment of silence, she flipped the second page so I may see it.

“Redheart was also paying off a large condominium on the outskirts of Upper Canterlot. Apparently, she had purchased it shortly after earning her Doctorate in medicine. It says here that she had intended it to be her retirement home. This is also left to you, however, it was still being paid off at a rate of seventy-five bits monthly. It has eight months remaining on its thirty-six month ownership plan.” She stopped and stared at me.

I couldn't help but be shocked by everything I was hearing. My sister, the same sister that lived in a tiny apartment in Ponyville with barely enough money to pay her own rent and worked from dawn till dusk every single day… the same sister that… that always put her patients before herself. The same sister I had always looked up to and wanted to be like. The same Redheart that had dedicated her entire life helping others so that no foals would suffer through the loss of one of their parents, grandparents, or their best friends like how we had suffered.

I could feel tears streaming down my cheeks. She was planning to have a settle down in Canterlot. She was going to have a family… a home where she could have raised her own foals… She always said that she was planning ahead… but… this wasn't what I imagined… this....

My train of thought fell apart and I leaned on the mayor's desk, hiding my face in my forehooves as I tried to collect myself. I felt Cheerilee gently put a hoof on my shoulder. “Take a slow breath,” she said in a hushed tone.

I did. Slowly drawing in a rattled breath, I held it for a moment and then slowly released it, feeling a little bit of my composure returning before I sat up straight again and drying my eyes. “Let’s continue.”

Mayor Mare nodded. “You can cancel the payments on the condo. Doing this won't refund the past investment, or you can finish paying it off and either move into it or sell it for full price—that being roughly 3,000 bits.” She stopped and smiled as Cheerilee’s jaw hung open for a moment. Her smile quickly vanished. “This can be all be handled at a later date and I will be here to help you if you require it. As for the bank account in Canterlot Central Bank, they hold the keys on the deposit box, but here is a letter from them to you.” She passed me a sealed envelope from the file. “It’s simply a request for you to come and claim it.”

She flipped the last paper of the will over. “There is one request your sister had left in her will, it's addressed to you. She asks to be buried next to your father.”

I held back tears as I nodded. “Let’s discuss her burial ceremony then. Will I be required to pay for it?”

“Yes,” she said with a saddened look. “I wish I were allowed to take care of the costs but the responsibility falls to the deceased's family.”

Crap, as if I weren't poor enough… “So how much am I looking at?”

“Well, depending on several variables. A well crafted coffin of any material will cost about eighty bits. The ceremony, with open casket visitation will be roughly sixty bits, as well as manual labor would be another twenty to forty bits… all in all, you’re looking at about 150 to 200 bits.”

I sighed, feeling a familiar numbness cloak my body as the realization hit. Great. Lost my sister and now I'll have to sell everything I own to cover burying her… “Okay. I'll pay for it. Set a date after speaking with the pegasi. I would prefer a light shower after the ceremony if possible…” I just don't want to cry alone once everybody else has left.

She simply nodded. “I will see what I can do. What kind of coffin should I order? Oak wood is the cheapest material."

Redheart always loved reading by the old maple tree on that hill outside town.

“Can we use maplewood?”

Mayor Mare simply nodded. “That can be taken care of. Normal ceremony?”

I nodded and looked at Cheerilee. She took a breath and spoke. “Make it open to whomever would like to pay their respects. Nurse Redheart helped a lot of ponies…”

“Alright,” the Mayor said as she scooped up the papers and put them back in the folder. Then withdrew a seperated folder. “Do you have any questions regarding your sister's death?”

It felt like my heart had turned to stone and sank into my stomach. What do I already know… she died from a mugging, multiple stab wounds and she bled out… slow and painful… and... My heart twisted in my gut. Alone.

I began bawling my eyes out again, unable to fathom even a shred of why such a horrific event ever had to take place… much less to my only sibling.

Cheerilee drew me into a hug and whispered an apology to the Mayor. I don't know how she answered—if at all, but my mind was void of thoughts, but full of memories.

Memories of Redheart and I as fillies on vacations filled my mind. Not a worry in the world, except what would be for dessert. “You always were one step ahead of me… weren't you, sis…” I whispered as I sat up straight again. My stomach still hurting and my heart still falling apart at its seams.

“What was that?” Mayor Mare asked in a gentle voice.

“Nothing, nothing. Can you tell me if they ever captured her murderer?”

“Unfortunately, not yet. They’re searching every inch of the city and have been extra vigilant in the early hours of the morning, when the crime had taken place. Unfortunately, all they have to go off of is the knife the criminal had dropped. Any other information had left with Redheart. There were no witnesses… I’m sorry, Tenderheart.”

My heart had turned from stone to ice. The bastard was still breathing… and free. Anger bloomed in my stomach warming and steadying my shaken stature. “I don't want to hear anymore about that right now. Anything else we should discuss at this time?"

Mayor Mare tapped her chin then shook her head. “The pegasus ride will be ready for you within twenty minutes of notifying me. They can also give you a ride to Canterlot when need be.”

I nodded and stood. “Thank you, ma’am. I will be ready within a few days. Be sure to let me know when the funeral will take place,” I said, tucking the bank’s letter into my bag before turning to leave. Cheerilee followed close behind.