"So earlier, you said there were pros and cons to being a ghost." I pointed out as I trotted down the sidewalk, the spirit of the young colt floating by my side. "You mentioned a bunch of pros, so what are the cons?"

"Aw, I used to love all kinds of food and I can't eat." Clutzy replied with drooping ears. "My family and friends can't see or hear me so that kinda sucks...I had a girlfriend I really liked...umm, I just discovered this cool thing I liked doing."

"What's that?"

"Oh. Uhh, never mind that."

"Oookay, I'll just take your word for it."

"Just leave it as it is, trust me. So, things must have gotten pretty bad for you to wanna jump off a building. Talk to me. What happened after they put you away?"

To think about my time in jail was the last thing I ever wanted to do again but I owed it to him to at least tell him what he wanted to know. My ears drooped and my lips began to quiver as the horrible memories came pouring back. It's not his fault, he had no idea what went down when I was behind bars, though judging by the look on his face, he could tell that I was having a rough time with it.

"Y-you don't have to talk abou-" Clutzy began before I cut in.

"It's fine, I..." I began. "...I got reminded every single day why I was there. Guards and other inmates kicked my ass just about every day. I got thrown into solitary if I so much as farted wrong."

"Pfft, eheheh...I-I mean, that's horrible! I wasn't laughing at you, I swear!"

"Heheh, that's what I get for talking about farts with a ten year old."

"Hahahaha! Stop it, I can't help it, just the word!"

"Oh, you like the word fart, you little fartknocker?"

"Gahahahahaaah!"

I was an only foal so I never had a little brother or sister but I've always liked making youngsters laugh. It's so easy to do, just find a word or sound or whatever makes them tick and you're set. I often thought about the day I'd have my own and bring Mom and Dad a grandfoal but...well, I often wonder. I mean, who'd wanna have foals with a mare who killed one? Ahh, I digress, there's just something about making a kid laugh. It feels good...warm, I could even say.

"Heh, okay, stop it, you're gonna make me lose my shit here." Clutzy said as he tried to bring his laughter to a halt. "I wanted you to come out today so we could think of a way for you to talk to somepony without them treating you like garbage."

"Well, easier said than done, I think." I replied with a shrug as Clutzy and I trotted past a house. "Everypony knows about what happened and not one of them can see or hear y-"

"Excuse me, young lady!" An older mare on the porch of the nearby house called over as she trotted towards me.

With great anticipation, Clutzy and I waited for this mare to speak again and the look on her face didn't indicate any anger or malice of any kind, she looked more concerned than anything. Finally she stopped right in front of me and took a quick glance over to the left and another to the right before looking me right in the eye. I nervously waited for what she had to say next until finally, she spoke again.

"Um, Creampuff, right?" The mare who I recognized as the village clerk asked me.

"Yes?" I asked, before taking a nervous gulp.

"Who, uh...who were you just talking to?"

"Oh! Uh, I was just...going over a mental checklist of things I need to do today."

I was never any good at coming up with a quick lie on the spot but this time, I got lucky. There were only so many times I could use certain excuses and nopony was guaranteed to even believe any of them. Once I can end this conversation, implying that I actually want to, Clutzy and I will need to discuss something regarding everypony in town seeing me talk to somepony who they can't see. Still though, it looked like this mare might actually be somewhat nice to me.

"So...look, we're all neighbors here." The mare said with a sigh after looking around again. "The accident you were in last year isn't exactly a secret around here."

I began to look down at the ground and fidget with my hooves as it was now and would always be a sore subject.

"Surely, it was just as hard on you as anypony else, right?" The mare continued. "I just thought that somepony should...well, let you know that...if you ever need somepony to talk to, I'm always around."

I truly didn't know what to say. To keep myself from breaking down into a sobbing mess was one of the more difficult things I've had to do. For the first time since I was released from prison, somepony came up to me and showed me not only a half hearted shred of faux kindness but a genuine kind deed. I just stood there completely dumbfounded and judging by the look on this mare's face, she seemed to understand why, as the lashing out I had received from so many others in the community was no secret. I couldn't just stand there and gawk, I had express my gratitude to her somehow.

"I...I..." Were the only words, if you want to call them that, of which I could force from my quivering lips.

"We're all members of this community and we should stick together." The mare said, placing a hoof on my shoulder. "You just go on and keep your chin up, okay?"

"Thank you!" I beamed, unable to stifle the tears streaming down my face. "Thank you so much!"

With a nod and a genuine smile, the mare sent me on my way feeling better than I had in a very long time. As I trotted away down the sidewalk with an equally ecstatic Clutzy floating by my side however, I couldn't help but overhear a new conversation starting up behind us.

"I can't believe you'd associate with the likes of her." Another local mare said to the village clerk, the former's brow furrowed.

"That poor girl has been through enough." The older mare whom was the first member of the community to show me kindness. "Cut her some slack, I just saw her talking to herself like she had somepony right next to her. If ponies keep treating her like garbage, they'll drive her right into the nuthouse."

"I...I had no idea."

I didn't turn around to face them and I pretended that I didn't hear what they were saying but nevertheless, Clutzy and I needed to discuss something once we were in the clear and nopony was around. As I trotted on, I could tell that he knew exactly what the issue was and I'm sure he would agree. Finally, we were in a spot where there wasn't a single pony in sight and just for good measure, I pulled a small notepad that I carry with me and looked down at it as I held it upon my hoof. My idea was to pretend to be reading off a list in case somepony were to see me standing there talking to myself and I assume that he was going along with my idea, the little ghost colt floated down to my eye level.

"I think I speak for the both of us..." I began quietly, Clutzy listening intently. "...that we should probably be more careful. The last thing I need is for ponies to think I'm going nuts and talking to somepony who isn't there."

"You tried to kill yourself last night." Clutzy said flatly with a bemused expression. "You do have some issues, and you know it...buuut, I do agree that we should at least make sure nopony is around or pretend that you're reading something like that before we have a conversation."

"I guess I can't argue with that. Anypony who tries to jump off a building definitely has problems."

"Which is why I'm here. Now come on, let's head into town and enjoy the sunshine."

We did just that. We didn't have anything else we had to do, so we headed to the busier side of town where obviously more ponies would be and much to my worry, a higher chance of being harassed. With my eyes forward, I trotted onwards, I just wanted to see what I've been missing in my town and hopefully find another pony who is willing to talk to me. As I trotted towards the village park, I remembered that the local fire department was still holding a barbeque and raising money for a new fire truck. I still have some bits that I had saved in my room since last year, this would be a perfect chance to give something back to the community.

"Hey, Clutzy?" I asked after a brief glance around to make sure the coast was clear.

"Hm?" He asked, stopping in front of me and floating at eye level.

"So, I was thinking I'd just go over and make a donation to the TFD and see if I can't mingle with the crowd a bit. But I'm a bit nervous. Can I count on you to be by my side?"

"You bet!"

"Awesome! You know, it feels kinda weird going from having tried to commit suicide just last night to all of a sudden having some sort of hope. If more ponies will talk to me, I think I could get my life back on track."

"Uh, Creampuff?"

"You know, there are some bigger things that I've been wanting to do but never felt motivated enou-"

"Ah, ah, ah, abort! Abort!"

"Huh?"

With his eyes wide and his teeth clenched, Clutzy pointed a hoof behind me and when I turned around to see what he was trying to show me, sure enough, we were about to have a problem. I blushed after turning to face a small crowd of about ten ponies that started gathering behind me, their expressions a mix between curiosity and concern. With my muzzle scrunched up and my ears folding back out of embarrassment, I recognized a few of the faces from before. The worst part was that some of the ponies I recognized were high profile names that had a lot of influence in this town.

Standing in the front of the group closest to me was the police chief that arrested me last year though he was not in uniform and appeared to be off duty. Standing right next to him was an older stallion with a well trimmed gray beard, none other than the Mayor of the town. Behind them were some more ponies I knew from passing and even the mare who told me I should kill myself was among them biting her lower lip as her eyes nervously darted about. If word gets around that I keep getting spotted talking to myself, life is about to get a lot more difficult.

Now that we all were aware of each other's presence, Mayor Max and Chief Blue Streak stepped aside from the rest of the group to whisper amongst themselves. The two town officials occasionally glanced back at me in between exchanges and out of instinct, I slowly began to back away as if trying to avoid the inevitable. I'm not gonna lie, to say it was awkward was a grave understatement. Finally, the two authority figures stepped forward towards me, the looks on their faces, nothing like what I've seen before. It was like a combination of concern with a little guilt mixed in, I'm not sure.

"Creampuff, it's been quite a while." The Mayor said, his tone soft and quite friendly. "Are you...adjusting to being back home alright?"

"I, uh...it's been a little rough at first, but I think I'm coming along." I lied through my teeth, my stupid grin a dead giveaway.

"We were just wondering..." The police chief began. "...because we thought we heard you say something about...suicide? Did we hear you right?"

"W-what!? No, of course not! I was just mentioning how...uh, when the county fair goes on, I wanna ride down the super slide!"

The Mayor then turned his head towards the group of concerned townsponies and glared daggers at the guilty looking mare who made the suggestion to me as she backed herself up, her ears folded back and sweat running down her brow. Everypony else in the group was looking at her as well, with expressions of disapproval and disappointment. A couple of the other ponies among them were some of those who shouted at me the other day as well, every one of them with drooping ears and glossy eyes.

"Well, what we're trying to say is..." The police chief spoke up. "...some of us are just a bit...concerned, if you get what I mean. See, a couple of my officers told me that you were trotting around last night, talking to somepony who...wasn't there."

"I told them I was singing!" I snapped before immediately letting out a gasp and covering my mouth. I would never have dreamed of snapping at anypony in town like that, let alone the chief of police. Nevertheless, he seemed more slightly hurt than upset with me for it. Though he was off duty, he was still the sole protector of this town.

"We're just making sure you're going to be okay."

"I'm fine. I-I mean, I really appreciate the concern from all of you but it's not necessary, really."

"We uh, we like to think we're a pretty tight knit community." A stallion within the group spoke up. "If you ever need anypony to talk to, just say the word, okay?"

As thrilled as I was to hear all these ponies trying to help me, I was incredibly uncomfortable with being caught talking to "myself" again and I just wanted to be anywhere but here. I started backing away a little more quickly and it appeared that everypony was taking the hint. I felt terrible for trying to get away from them now that some ponies were finally being kind to me but I was internally panicking. I just wish that they didn't think that there was something wrong with me. No, scratch that. They don't think, they know.

"Thank you all for your concern, everypony." I said sheepishly, still sweating like crazy. "I'll keep that in mind. So um...see you later!"

Oh Celestia, why did I do that? One of the rare occasions somepony is kind to me, and I trot away like that. I might as well have told them to go fuck themselves. Clutzy and I would need to wait until we were trapped in a box or something if we wanted to talk without ponies seeing me. At this point though, the damage is done and at least a dozen ponies have their eyes on me and probably will be keeping them on me from now on. Not only that but word gets around fast in a small town like this so I really have a bad feeling about this.

"Yes, we've been angry with her but I honestly can't believe you'd say something so wicked!" They Mayor said behind me as he scolded who I assume was the mare who told me to off myself. "How would you all feel if she actually went and did it!?"

"Maybe you should actually tell somepony about these problems you've been having." Clutzy suggested as he floated next to me. "I worry that there's only so much I can do to keep you safe from yourself."

"But I don't wanna die anymore..." I mumbled under my breath through my teeth as to avoid more ponies seeing me go insane.

"Okay, well, I'm still not going anywhere until I know for a fact that you'll be alright."

What's wrong with me? I should be tickled pink that ponies actually treat me like an equine being now, why do I feel worse all of a sudden. Ah, probably just the awkward encounter with neighbors back there, that's all. I just need to get something to eat, I haven't eaten yet at all today and it's almost three in the afternoon now.

I trotted to the park the rest of the way and bought an eggplant burger from the fire department and threw a few extra bits in the can they were collecting in. Now that I had some food in my stomach, which Clutzy also enjoyed vicariously, I could think a little more clearly and have my wits about me. As the day went on, I managed to mingle a little bit and chat with a few more ponies. Most of them weren't quite ready to accept me yet but at least none of them treated me like complete garbage.

Now that the day was winding down, and ponies were starting to go home, it was a bit easier for Clutzy and I to talk. On our way back home, he asked me a lot about my prior hopes and aspirations I once had. He really wanted to know about them so I told him that I was supposed to be a vet tech once I got my diploma and license. In Equestria, you can get a license in your field right upon graduation, provided that you achieve highest honors...Like I did.

I asked him a bunch of questions earlier so it was only fair that he got the chance to ask me to his heart's content. At a first glance, it would seem that he's simply asking just to initiate conversation but I think he has a real reason behind it. I think our first priority should be to work on some sort of communication system between us where we can still somehow talk to each other and not leave me looking like a nutjob.

Over all, this day was better than any other I've had in a very long time and if I can keep my head down, I think they can only get better. As I approached the house, I could see that my parents were home and I was really looking forward to seeing them as always. I'll bet they'll be happy to know that today was much better. I know that just me being happy, in turn, makes them happy and vice versa. It's a nice, wonderful cycle.

I can't communicate telepathically, and I don't know anypony who can but Clutzy and I could both just tell that we agreed on one thing as my parents and I sat at the dinner table while he floated around the room. I was to completely ignore him and anything he did or said, several ponies in town think I'm going insane, the last thing I need is to make my parents worry about me even more. Oh, who am I kidding? I just tried to jump off a fucking building last night, of course I'm insane. Though it pained me to chat with my mom and dad knowing that they had no idea what I tried to do, they can't know about it. It would destroy them. There are already plenty of things I'm ashamed of, and now I can add that to the growing list.

Still, I at least proved to be good at not showing that I was hurting over something. I was pretty tired though so I figured I'd turn in early but allow some one on one time for Clutzy and I to chat without anypony seeing me trotting around, babbling to myself. With my door closed and locked, my tv turned on as to drown out at least some of my voice, Clutzy and I finally had a moment to get some things off our chests.

"Your parents are really nice." Clutzy complimented as he flipped through the pages of one of my comic books.

"They're my whole world, little buddy." I replied with a content sigh. "I don't even wanna think of where I'd be without them."

"Mine too. Heh, I'll never forget that time they tried to have "the talk" with me. Turned out, I knew more than they did. Oh mane, the look on their faces!"

"You are one weird little dude, you know that? I don't have to worry about you when I'm sleeping, do I?"

"Hey now, I may be a perv but I'm no sleazeball...wait, what time is it?"

"Uh, quarter to ten now."

"Oh shit! I'm gonna be late!"

Without warning, Clutzy bolted over to my closed window and dashed out without having to open it. I sprang over to see him disappear off in the distance over some of the neighbors' houses. I was confused. What kind of schedule would a ghost need to follow? As far as I know, I'm the only one he can talk to, so he's not likely late for a meeting with somepony else. What could it be?

The only thing I could do now was wait for him to come back so in the meantime, I'm just gonna go get myself a glass of water. I was about to learn more on just how careful I need to be when talking to my new friend however when I opened my door to find my parents with their ears perked up and placed against my door until I opened it. Busted.

"Mom! Dad!" I gasped, not expecting them to be listening in on my what they would perceive to be a one sided conversation. I can't even play dumb, they'll just see right through it. "What um...what's up?"

"Sweetie...who were you just talking to in there?" My Dad asked.

"Huh? You were probably just hearing my tv."

"Baby, we know our own daughter's voice." My Mom countered, knowing that I was lying. "Are you feeling alright?"

"What? Of course I am, guys! I'm doing just fine and I think things can only get better from here!"

They're not buying it and they look genuinely worried. I never had a habit of talking to myself as a foal and now to see me as a grown mare who has been through a lot of shit now talking to somepony who isn't there, I can't blame them for being alarmed. I also can't lie to anypony worth shit let alone to my parents, so I'm pretty much screwed right now.

"Creampuff, you're scaring us." My Dad said, nearly to the verge of tears.

"Talk to us. What's going on?" My mom asked, not faring much better.

"Guys, I..." I began. "You won't believe me. I can't tell you. You just have to trust me."

"What do you mean you can't tell us?" Mom asked. "Sweetie, we're your parents, you can tell us anything!"

"You'll think I'm crazy!"

"Try us." Dad challenged.

They're not budging. I really wish Clutzy was here right now and that they could actually see him. Shit. I have no choice but to put my trust in them and just tell them. They won't let it go until I do. Okay, I'm just gonna go for broke and do it. Best case scenario, they believe me and everything's all hunky dory. Worst case, they think I'm crazy and...well, send me to have my head checked out or something. Here it goes.

"Mom? Dad?" I begin as my parents look me square in the eye with anticipation. "I uh...met somepony I never thought I'd see."

"Okay?" Dad said.

"And I've sort of...made friends with him."

"Go on." Mom said.

"Okay so...Clutzy...that kid I ran over last year..."

"One of his relatives?" Dad asked.

"Clutzy himself. He's been following me around for the past couple days and...he's trying to make me feel better about the whole thing."

"Uhh, I'm not following."

"I can see him and nopony else can. His...spirit. We met the other night and I noticed him. I'm the only one he can talk to so he's trying to help me. I know, it sounds crazy and that's why I didn't want to tell you."

As expected, they looked at me like I had cockatrices crawling out of my nostrils. Oh no, I shouldn't have told them! I have to back track somehow and fix this! Think, Creampuff, think! Oh Celestia in Canterlot, what am I gonna do!?

"It was a dream!" I blurted out. "I mean, that didn't actually happen! Of course I don't think it did!"

After much pretending I had a proper grasp on reality, I think I was able to convince my parents that I was fine...for now. It was getting late, so we all retired to bed for the night...well, my parents did anyway. I just stayed up in my room watching some tv while I waited for Clutzy to come back. Princess Celestia was on tv doing a press conference. And to think I almost got to meet her last year. But I digress. When the hell is Clutzy coming back? He and I need to figure some stuff out.

Author's Note

I've been asked if more dislikes poured in on this story, would I cancel it. I understand that some people have expressed that they hope I do but despite this being one of my not so good stories, I'll continue it for those of you who do enjoy it, and there are plenty of you out there. Celestia bless.