For as long as Rarity's operated Carousel Boutique, Pinkie Pie has come popping in at random intervals for random reasons. And that's fine: she's Pinkie Pie, after all.

Lately, however, Pinkie's visits seem to have become quieter, less frenetic, even relaxing to a certain extent. Rarity begins to wonder if something's going on.

The original version of this story eked out a 1st place finish in the 111th Writeoff contest, "Through Fire," and the cover image is by pinkcupcake17.