I Don't Want Too Be Saved

Dr. Hoofington steps out of the room, walking up to the three friends. Lily, Flare, and Lotus exchange worried glances as Dr. Hoofington approaches them in the hallway outside the ICU. His expression is grim as he addresses them, his words measured and serious.

"We need to discuss Script's condition. Her recovery is... uncertain at this point."

Flare’s claws move around anxiously as she leans forward, her voice quivering. "What do you mean, uncertain? She's going to be okay, isn't she?"

Dr. Hoofington's face relaxes slightly, and he places a comforting hoof on Flare’s shoulder. "We've done everything we can, but the next 48 hours are crucial. Her body has been through a tremendous ordeal, and we need to give it time to heal and recover." He turns to Lily, his words becoming more measured. "Lily, I'm afraid I need to ask you to be the one to tell her family if she doesn't improve."

Lily's eyes widen in shock, her hooves trembling slightly. "Her family? You mean, they don't know yet?"

Dr. Hoofington shakes his head. "Unfortunately, no. We've been trying to reach them, but we haven't had any luck so far. We need to prepare for the worst, just in case."

Lotus’ voice is barely a whisper, "But..." She swallows hard, her words cracking as she speaks. "She's so young. She can't... she can't die like this, can she?"

Dr. Hoofington's expression softens, and he speaks gently. "We're doing everything we can to prevent that from happening, Lotus. But you need to be prepared for all possibilities." He turns to Lily, his face grave. "Lily, I need you to be strong. If the worst happens, we need to make sure her family is informed immediately. It's a difficult task, but it's crucial."

Lily nods, her jaw set. "I understand. I'll do whatever it takes."

Lotus looks at her, tears in her eyes. "We can't let that happen. We have to keep fighting for her."

Dr. Hoofington nods, his voice firm but tinged with compassion. "That's the right attitude to have. Your support is invaluable right now. Remember, every little thing you do can make a difference." He places a hoof on each of their shoulders, squeezing gently. "Now, I need you both to get some rest. You won't be able to help Script if you're exhausted yourselves. We'll keep you updated on any changes in her condition."

Lily, Flare, and Lotus nod solemnly, their hearts heavy with the weight of Dr. Hoofington's words. "We'll rest," Lily says, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lotus Moon adds, "But we'll be back as soon as we can. We're not leaving her alone."

Dr. Hoofington smiles softly, "That's all I ask. Now, why don't you two go get some food and rest." As the doctor departs, Lily, Flare, and Lotus huddle together, their faces etched with worry and grief.

"I can't believe this is happening," Lily whispers, her voice trembling. "Just yesterday, we were all laughing and joking together, and now..." She trails off, unable to finish the thought.

Lotus Moon wraps a hoof around Lily's shoulders, pulling her close. "I know. It feels like a nightmare we can't wake up from."

As they pull away from each other, a soft voice calls out from down the hallway.

"Girls?" They turn to see Rose Melody trotting towards them, her eyes filled with concern. "I received Lily’s letter. Is everything okay?"

Lily shakes her head, her voice barely audible. "No, Rosie. Script... she might not make it."

Rosie’s face falls, and she quickly trots to them. "Oh my, I... I'm so sorry to hear that." She hesitates for a moment before asking, "Is there anything I can do to help? Any spell or magic I could use to support her recovery?"

Lotus Moon's face becomes pained, and she shakes her head. "We've already asked. Dr. Hoofington said even magic can't fix this. Her body needs to heal on its own."

Rosie’s face darkens with emotion. "But there must be something I can do! I can't just stand here while my friend... while Script..." Her words crack, and she has to stop for a moment to collect herself. "We need to do something, anything."

Flare places a comforting claw on Rosie’s back. "Rosie, you're already doing so much just by being here for us." She turns to Lotus. "Maybe... maybe we should tell the others?"

Lotus Moon nods in agreement, her eyes filled with resolve. "Yes, we should. They need to know. They deserve to know."

Rosie nods, her voice determined. "I'll spread the word. We'll gather everyone at Sugarcube Corner. It's neutral ground, and it's close to the hospital."

Lily looks at her, gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you, Rosie."

Rosie nods, her face set in a firm line. "Of course. I'll take care of it right away." She turns to leave, then pauses, looking back at them. "Remember, girls - we're all in this together. We'll get through this, no matter what happens."

The three friends watch as Rosie trots down the hallway. As they stand there, the reality of the situation hits them fully.

Lily and Lotus Moon stand in the hallway, the weight of Rosie’s words hanging heavy in the air. The fluorescent lights flicker overhead, casting an eerie glow on their faces. Lily's mane sways slightly as she takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

"We should go tell Ellie," she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lotus Moon nods, her eyes filled with a mix of determination and sorrow. "Yes, she needs to know."

They walk down the hallway, their hooves echoing softly on the polished floor. As they approach the ICU, they see Ellie standing outside the door, her face a picture of anguish and exhaustion. Her usually bright feathers are now dull and disheveled, and her wings droop slightly at her sides.

She turns to face them as they approach, her eyes red-rimmed from crying. "Girls," she says, her voice hoarse. "Any news?"

Lily shakes her head sadly, her voice barely audible. "No, Ellie. No change yet. Dr. Hoofington said we need to prepare ourselves for... for the worst."

Ellie's face crumples, and she leans against the wall for support. Lotus Moon steps forward, placing a comforting hoof on Ellie's shoulder.

"We're here for you, Ellie. We're all in this together."

Ellie nods, wiping away a stray tear. "I know. I just..." She trails off, unable to find the words. Lily steps forward, wrapping her hooves around Ellie in a gentle embrace.

"We know, Ellie. We're all hurting right now. But we need to stay strong, for Script's sake."

Ellie leans into the hug, her body shaking with silent sobs. Lotus Moon watches them, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears. After a moment, Ellie pulls back, wiping her eyes with the back of her claw.

“I want to be here when Script wakes up, so I’ll be spending the next few nights or so here.” she says.

The friends nod their heads in understanding. “She deserves to have someone with her, she doesn’t deserve to be alone in this.” Lily replies.

“We should get going,” Flare added. “It’s getting late, and Dr. Hoffington said we should rest.”

They said their goodbyes reluctantly, as Ellie turned around to sit in a nearby chair next to Script.