Tears in the Cold

Scootaloo practically collapsed on the wooden chair, exhausted yet satisfied with her progress. Sweetie Belle was setting up around the fireplace, Apple Bloom was out in town running a few errands, and all the while Big Mac and Applejack hung the rest of decorations. Scootaloo’s job was to assist with dinner preparations. For a girl who rarely cooked, much less assisted, it was brutal but satisfying.

The table was lined with a variety of dishes: Sweet yet savory corn on the cob, salted baked potatoes, fresh apple fritters, a tin of brownies fresh from the oven, chocolate chip cookies, hot cocoa, and, the piece de resistance: Gingerbread Houses, modeled after the family home, with a platter of cinnamon rolls, slices of apple pie, and root beer floats with a scoop of ice cream atop each. The table was just big enough to fit all these dishes, soon enough the remainder of the guests were bound to show up with more dishes.

As Scootaloo examined the table, she wasn’t one to admit it, but this year dinner at the table would be larger than years past. With all her friends coming over, it was clear the bond Scootaloo had with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, folks could swear they were like sisters. Despite all their flaws, Scootaloo enjoyed their company especially during this time of the year. As the old saying goes, ‘The more, the merrier’. For every time a new member joins their circle, the flower of joy, which resided in her heart, would blossom stronger than ever. It was a weird feeling, this happiness, but an enjoyable weird all the same.

And yet… And yet Scootaloo felt sadness flowing and she knew the reason very well. Positioned besides the Gingerbread Model was a figure of a tall, old man. The figure wore overalls, spring clothes, and an impressively clean face. A tiny doll was perched in his right hand, with a little person grasping his left hand beside him. He wore a gentle smile, a rare sight for those who knew him. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle always thought it bizarre, but who could blame them.

Once or twice, during Scootaloo’s childhood, she recalled the times she’d tease him for resembling Santa Claus. But he would never get mad, he’d take it with a hearty laugh. There was even on time, on Halloween, he’d be yelling, ‘Merry Christmas!’ the irony being it wasn’t just the wrong holiday but he that year he was dressed as a ‘Skeleton’. Regardless, that man always gave Scootaloo the best gifts, all of them handmade and crafted with care. Of all the holidays, this was the most entertaining.

A chuckle escaped Scootaloo’s lips, as she reflected of those days gone by. Yet as the hours pass, she couldn’t help but wonder:

“How is he? How long had it been since they saw each other? Did he miss me? Has he forgotten me?”

The more Scootaloo’s thoughts raced, the more depressed she became on a day that’s supposed to be a time of joy and peace on Earth. So… Why did the holidays make her sad? The moment was abruptly interrupted by a familiar yell.

“Rarity! Rainbow Dash! You made it!”

Scootaloo stood up from her seat, joining Sweetie Belle at the door to greet the guests. Strangely though, nobody freaked out at the sight of Rarity’s costume. But then again, it’s Rarity… Every costume she wore is weird.

“Looks like everyone’s here,” Sweetie Belle assumed, looking around. “Where’s Apple Bloom?”

“You know how Apple Bloom is?” Scootaloo points out. “She’s always late.”

“Yeah, you’re right…” Sweetie Belle nodded. “I guess it’d be okay if we start eating. I’m sure she’ll make it by then. What do you say, Scootaloo?”

“Works for me.”

Scootaloo left the conversation there; after all, waiting for Apple Bloom is always a hassle. The two girls lead their guests at the table, and it wasn’t long before everyone was eating, talking, laughing, just passing the time.

“Would anyone care to share a few stories that come to mind?” Rarity suggested.

Everyone turned to Rarity, a puzzled look on their faces.

“Wut do ya mean?” Applejack asked.

“Well, after all we’ve been going through some stress lately. I figured why not tell stories by conjuring a little something in our imagination. All things considered I do believe it can help resolve any issues we’ve had to deal with.”

Everyone turned to each other, coming to terms with Rarity’s proposal. They eventually reached an agreement, now it was a matter of who would be willing to share first.

“Now, I understand coming up with a good story is a tall task,” Rarity spoke. “Let’s start with an easy one, hmm… What about you, dear?”

It was Applejack who was acknowledged first, everyone at the table knows she’s all about honesty, practically an open book. But possibly for the first time, she was stumped.

“Honestly, I ain’t got the slightest idea,” Applejack shrugged. “Just speaking matters like this during the summer feels strange. How about you, Big Mac?”

Her older brother simply shook his head and gave his usual ‘Nope’, before turning over to Granny.

“Hmm… Don’t recall anythin’ good. Sorry, young’ins.”

“Okay, hold on a second,” Rainbow Dash jumped in. “I’d like to make a suggestion: Scootaloo, she makes the best stories in an instant!”

Everyone turned toward her, Scootaloo could feel her eyes widen in shock.

“Me?” Scootaloo asked, uncertain. “Well, I-I…”

“Come on, Scoots,” Rainbow encouraged. “All we need is one story; what have you got to lose?”

If there was any chance for Scootaloo to change the subject, much less evade it, that was immediately out the window. For once Rainbow Dash insisted on someone to do something, in this case being her honorary sister, there was no turning back. Scootaloo took a deep breath, knowing it was coming eventually.

“Alright,” Scootaloo sighed. “I do know ‘one’ story.”

But that was just the thing: What story could Scootaloo actually use? Actually, that was an easy answer. She remembered… The night, how it affected her. Something no girl in the world can truly forget, though at the same time… She wanted to, right now. Scootaloo closed her eyes, envisioning the story in her head.

“Once upon a time…” Scootaloo began. “There were two people living in the fields: The father, known as ‘The Old Man’ and the other his daughter, known as ‘Smiles’. They lived off the grid, far from society, and for a while they enjoyed their days of solitude.”

“Then one day, Smiles and the Old Man had an argument. She asked him, ‘Daddy, why can’t I go outside and meet people?’ The old man simply replied, ‘The outside world is a dangerous place for small children. You’ll get hurt or worse’. Of course, Smiles never understood what he meant arguing, ‘Dangerous? But it can’t be that bad! You always- ‘”

Suddenly, an uncontrollable cough, as if someone were hacking and trying to breathe interrupted the tale. Everyone turned to the source: Rarity, awkwardly trying to clear her throat.

“Sorry, dear. Please continue.”

After a few seconds of dead silence, Scootaloo nods and continues:

“Overtime, Smiles got angrier and frustrated trying to understand the meaning behind the Old Man’s warning. ‘I’m not a little kid!’ She’d say. ‘I can handle whatever the world has to offer! I’ll… I’ll prove you wrong!’ Sure enough, that’s just what she did.”

“One fateful night, Smiles escaped from the place she called home, and, on her journey, she found her way onto the streets. The wide street, a glimmer in the dark, was the most amazing sight Smiles had ever seen. A completely different world filled with everything: Stands to try new food, sights unlike any she ever saw at home, and all the beautiful clothes to marvel. And yet, for all the glamour and wonder, Smiles was sad… Because the Old Man wasn’t there to see it…”

Scootaloo had to pause for a few seconds, noticing the strange look on Applejack’s face.

“You okay, sugar cube?” She asked, concerned. “Yer shakin’ worse than a rattlesnake in an owl’s nest.”

If Scootaloo were honest, she was so focused on the story she didn’t notice. But now she aware she trembled like crazy, and she felt something build up in her eyes… Tears? This was an emotion Scootaloo hadn’t felt in so long, but she didn’t want to sour the mood any futher.

“Yea, sure I’m fine,” Scootaloo answered, quickly. “Just a powerful story, really gets to me. That’s all it is.”

The skeptical look never left Applejack’s face, especially if she knew there was more. But before she could question any further, Rainbow Dash jumped in.

“Scoots… Can you tell us what happened next?”

Scootaloo was meaning to answer when a loud knock pounded on the door. Sweetie Belle rushed to open the door and shrieked. Curious, Scootaloo approached the door and saw Apple Bloom arrive, but how she arrived left her shocked. While her left arm was filled with shopping bags full of gifts, her right arm was fitted into a cast. She didn’t show a trace of sadness, but Scootaloo can tell from her body language that she wasn’t as ‘okay’ as she was making herself out to be.

When Applejack got up from the table, to see what was going on, she was the most shocked.

“Apple Bloom!” Applejack shouted, helping her sister. “Wut happened to ya?”

Soon everyone got up from their seats, helping Apple Bloom inside. While everyone else tended to the young Apple, Scootaloo noticed Granny Smith hard at work, stirring a pot with a wooden spoon as if preparing a remedy. Rarity and Applejack worked together to help Apple Bloom upstairs to her room. While all they handled Apple Bloom, Scootaloo had gotten up from her seat, climbed the stairs, and helped make the bed as comfortable as possible. They all sat close to Apple Bloom, sitting quietly as she explained her situation while enjoying a plate of food prepared for her.

“You’ll never guess what happened today!” Apple Bloom began, between bites. “I’m walking home from the mall when I saw these three goons chasing somebody, a man. They started harassing the poor guy and I couldn’t stand idly by. So, what’d I do? I step in and try to stop them. I did manage to buy the guy some time to hide, but this one robber stabs me in the arm. I thought I was a goner, but fortunately the man called the police and an ambulance to get me to the hospital.”

“He was such a sweet guy, even paid my hospital bills and dropped me off right here. I’ll never forget that.”

Emotions got the best of Applejack, as she bent down and hugged her sister, careful not to hug too close to her already broken arm.

“You are a hero for saving that man’s life and I’m mighty proud of you,” Applejack said. “But I’m also mad you ran in without thinkin’ first. Suppose that robber almost stabbed you and didn’t hit yer arm? Next time, it could be yer stomach… Yer chest… Anywhere else and you could’ve died!”

Applejack had every right to be upset, pointing at every possible spot on Apple Bloom’s body where a stab wound is fatal. But it was also because Apple Bloom is Applejack’s youngest sister and she is always overprotective, especially concerning her safety.

“I’m sorry, big sis,” Apple Bloom said, turning away. “Guess I really didn’t think of that…”

Applejack glared, massaging her temples with her fingers. Eventually, a sigh escaped her mouth as it was pointless to be mad.

“I’m just glad you weren’t seriously hurt. Just promise me you’ll be more careful next time, alright? And don’t ever do that again, even if yer intentions are good. Ya hear me?”

“Yer right, Applejack,” Apple Bloom nodded. “I’m so sorry. It’s just, those thugs were really big and angry looking. I couldn’t just stand and watch, they’d have killed him! It’s what pop would’ve done…”

“I know…” Applejack nodded, sadly. “I know he would…”

As the two talked, Scootaloo decided to give them some space and head out. It was a beautiful night outside and she took a seat by the front porch, a mug of hot cocoa was in her grasp to keep her warm. She wasn’t alone for long when Rainbow Dash followed closely. Scootaloo turned to Rainbow Dash and silently invited her to take a seat, the rainbow-haired teen taking her seat.

A cold breeze in the air sent a chill down Scootaloo’s spine, as she turned to Rainbow Dash, who for whatever reason wasn’t freezing at all. Scootaloo took a sip out of her hot chocolate as Rainbow Dash watched the starry sky. A shooting star passed by, as Rainbow Dash smiled. It felt like home… But not completely. Scootaloo turned to the banner above their head, which read,

“Congrats on passing middle school!”

It didn’t take long for Scootaloo to notice her right hand was raised, as if desperately wanting to grab the banner. As if there was this desire to bring back the past, to take her away… To a time where she was happy, to find love, to be where… She had a father… That memory stuck with her all through the night, the hot chocolates they shared and the games they played.

Back before everything went south, where the feelings started returning. Only this time, it was stronger and difficult to ignore. Scootaloo was thinking how to react when a warm hand touched her cheek. She turns toward Rainbow Dash, smiling at her.

“Can I ask a question?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Whatever happen to little Smiles? When she went into the world?”

The story… Yes, Scootaloo had forgotten about it, considering Apple Bloom got hurt. All she could do was give a small smile, remembering events that would unfold and continue.

“The Old Man panicked, searching for his daughter till he remembered what he told her before,” Scootaloo continued. “’Was it possible?’ he thought. ‘That she- That she may be outside?’”

“The Old Man went to the city to search for her and he saw m— ‘Smiles’ caught by some very bad people.”

Scootaloo had to swallow, as if she were hiding something she feared to reveal. Whatever she could to hide it, the truth began to crawl within her. It horrified her of what she would say next, a rush of fear coursing through her veins though she knew Rainbow would keep asking until she continues.

“The Old Man followed them to some secluded area, where they thought nobody would find them,” Scootaloo proceeded. “The Old Man was sneaky, spying on them, thinking what they were planning. One man got m— ‘Smiles’, holding a knife to her face. The Old Man revealed himself, taking on the men himself. However, he overlooked the one man with the knife and when he launched himself onto him—”

Scootaloo paused, realizing what came next, remembering how the story ends. It was something the poor girl could never shake off, no matter how hard she tried…

“What…?” Rainbow asked. “What happened?”

Scootaloo had to clear her throat, but she was ready.

“The Old Man realized that I— ‘Smiles’ escaped and ran near him. He beat the man, taking him down with the ole’ one-two punch, and it was over. I— ‘Smiles’ apologized for disobeying his request and they all returned home, happily together… The end.”

Rainbow’s face brightened up, at the conclusion of Scootaloo’s story.

“I was right,” Rainbow Dash said. “You really do tell beautiful stories, Scoots!”

The tender moment was interrupted by angry shouts, as they saw Apple Bloom running around with Applejack chasing after her, yelling for her to return to bed though she wanted to open gifts. Scootaloo could only chuckle, for a moment forgetting what made her sad moments ago.

“Well, time to open up presents, huh?” Scootaloo asked, changing the subject.

Rainbow Dash turned to her and nodded silently. Scootaloo had just gotten up from the bench, when she felt a hand grab hers and she turned around. That’s when Scootaloo realized she wasn’t going anywhere that easily.

“That’s not what really happened, is it?” She asked, suddenly.

“Huh?”

“The story… That’s not the ending, is it?”

Scootaloo was surprised by her sudden curiosity, assuming she just wanted ‘a’ story. She tried to think of a way to avoid the question all together, but the look in Rainbow’s eyes said it all. She wanted to learn the truth and no words in the world could deter her. Reluctantly, Scootaloo sat right back on the bench and sighed.

“No… It’s not.”

Scootaloo paused for a moment, trying to collect her thoughts before deciding what to say next. A few deep breaths later, the little tike was ready.

“But before he knew it, the man’s knife nearly hit m— ‘Smiles’, but before it pierced her… The Old Man had jumped in front of it. Before Smiles’ horror, the knife plunged near his heart, but he had just enough strength to punch the bad man into unconsciousness.”

“I— ‘Smiles’ saw The Old Man was dying and all she could do was cry, unable to save him. He laid there, his breath fading like an old dog on the last hour of it’s life before its final rest. But The Old Man wasn’t angry, he just smiled at her as he said, ‘I don’t blame you, Sco— ‘Smiles’. You wanted to explore the world and I held you back. I’m… I’m sorry… And I love you…’ Those were the last words he said, before the Old Man died in m— her arms, tears running down her face…”

The moment Scootaloo spoke those words, her cheeks felt wet, as her tears fell like a waterfall constantly pouring down her eyes. She couldn’t hold her emotions any longer, even as she turned away in shame, angry at herself for showing weakness in front of someone, especially Rainbow Dash of all people. Before Scootaloo could run away, Rainbow Dash caught her in a warm hug, one the young girl hadn’t felt in years.

“Scoots, I’m sorry for your loss,” Rainbow Dash spoke. “I hadn’t realized how much you suffered all these years. The pain of losing a loved one, blaming yourself, masking your insecurities… All because you needed someone to fall on. I know that can be very hard to find, I understand… I may never replace the man you once called ‘father’, but if you’d let me, I would do my best to take away that burden. Please Scootaloo, give me a chance to help you heal… And I will be there for you.”

Moments passed without words and the air was thick with sorrow. All Scootaloo could do is cry, no longer concerned what anyone would think. Rainbow’s words were comforting and rang true, but Scootaloo couldn’t bring herself to look her in the eye. It was too painful, her emotions like a pack of rabid dogs surrounding her… Biting her… Gnawing her like a bone.

“I know what I’m about to say is selfish,” Scootaloo said, trying not to cry. “But, before this moment, I thought about abandoning my life, my friends, everything… Just to see him again. To go back to easier times when he was with me, to days that were peaceful. The pain in my heart had become too much to bare, but… I know he’s not here no matter what I’d do.”

At this point, Scootaloo expected Rainbow Dash to be mad, perhaps hating her for thinking of something so selfish. But instead, all she did was hold her, something she would never expect someone like Rainbow Dash to do.

“I can never agree with what you said,” Rainbow said, straight-forward. “But… I do understand. And yet, look at where you are now: You’re brave, independent, strong, and so much more. You are not along; you have me. And you have your friends, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, and many friends who have been in your place before. Do you truly believe your father would ever want you to leave your friends and family behind, just to see him?”

That question made Scootaloo feel worse, broken even. For all the plans, Scootaloo never thought in all the time she should spend simply living. Would he approve if he abandoned this beautiful world to be with him in spirit? Would he be happy? All those questions, which she never thought to ask, it suddenly dawned on her she didn’t think things through.

“No…” Scootaloo sighed. “No, I don’t believe he would.”

Scootaloo turned to her left, trying to prevent herself from thinking the ‘what-if’ scenarios. Wasn’t she obligated as a person to just move on, to be happy where he is now? If so, why couldn’t she shake this feeling of despair and sadness which seemed to linger no matter how hard she tried? When she turned back to Rainbow Dash, all she did was look at her oddly while Scootaloo’s tears poured as quickly as a creek.

“Do you not believe when I say you’re like a sister to me?” Rainbow asked. “Are you crying because you’re afraid to lose me and everybody else?”

Scootaloo wasn’t supposed to feel this way, but she was unable to control it. Her heart ached and shook for what felt like an eternity. The truth is: She was afraid. That she was suffering and any second everything would fall apart, that soon her greatest nightmare would come true. Still, Rainbow rocked her, allowing Scootaloo this time to ignore the worst.

“I promise, it will be okay,” Rainbow whispered. “I’m not going anywhere, and neither should you. I will be around to make sure nothing bad happens to us. Nothing will break us apart and you have no reason to cry.”

Scootaloo clutched to Rainbow, not wanting to break free, reminiscing of The Old Man who changed her world. She remembered his voice, so gravelly yet soothing, the leathery yet soft skin, and everything associated with him. The longing and yearning for him grew the more she thought of him. She couldn’t even remember the last time she’d seen her mother, who was always absent from her life. Soon, Scootaloo heard a deep sigh come out of Rainbow Dash, drawing the young girl to her.

“Can I tell you a story?” Rainbow asked.

Scootaloo silently nodded, like granting her permission.

“You won’t believe when I tell you,” Rainbow began. “But one day, I found myself in a situation just like this… I was little and I got in a fight with my parents. I ran away from home in search of my path. I too found my way to the city and I loved it… But one day later, I was confronted by thugs, I survived… But it was the scariest moment of my life. I was almost afraid to go back home, just to hear them say, ‘We told you so’, and I felt no one could understand me. But, in the end, I realized… It’s nothing worth being out in the cold, all alone… And no one to turn to.”

To say Scootaloo was surprised was an understatement. Never in life did she imagine Rainbow Dash, her idol and honorary sister doing that sort of thing. She couldn’t imagine what her parents had gone through, how scared they were having almost lost a daughter. It must’ve been too much for them to bear, but it seemed it eventually worked out as they were back together. The look on Rainbow’s eyes made that clear, that everything would be fine, as her hand touched Scootaloo’s shoulder, smiling.

“Come on, Scoots,” Rainbow urged. “After all, tonight wouldn’t be complete without you.”

A moment passed, Scootaloo was happy as she looked from Rainbow’s hand to her own. Scootaloo’s father may be dead and not around to enjoy the holidays, but at least she is around to tell their stories while keeping her mind on the present. Here, Scootaloo still has a family consisting of not just relatives, but everyone who is happy and thankful to have each other. The magic may not last forever, but it’s not about the quantity of time together… But the quality over everything else.

Scootaloo nods and follows Rainbow Dash inside, helping everyone clean up after all the fun. Scootaloo thanked everyone for having a good time, as one by one the guests went home. And yet, as Scootaloo looked on, she couldn’t help but feel guilty venting a sob story to everyone on a night when everyone should be having fun. She was about to head for home when Rainbow Dash stopped her once more.

“Scoots, I know it’s painful now,” Rainbow Dash said. “But don’t ever think you’re alone. Whenever you need me, I’ll always be here. If you ever feel down or just need someone to speak to, I’ll be here to listen. Besides, tears are too overrated to keep, am I right?”

For the rest of the night, for the first time in years, Scootaloo cried, not of sadness… But happiness. It felt like going back in time, hearing him say those same words to her. Acknowledging what she said, Scootaloo nodded and hugged Rainbow again.

“Thank you, Rainbow Dash,” Scootaloo thanked her. “I promise I’ll talk to you, no matter what problem I have. You’re not just one of my friends, you will always be a sister to me.”

With that said, Scootaloo finally felt whole again, like within her rekindled. From this moment forward, Scootaloo vowed to keep her chin up and to never doubt herself again. To believe in herself to succeed in the present, to never reflect on the bad times of her past. This promise she made to her father… The one person who meant everything to her. And… To Rainbow Dash, an honorary sister who had been there for her in her hour of need. The sister she always wanted…