Equestrian reformation

Looking at myself in the mirror, at my graying hair, I couldn't help but chuckle.

"You old bastard... Where did all those years go?"

It was my 50th birthday today. And it was too hard to admit that I was getting old.

"For 30 years now, I've been stuck here. I can't believe it..."

The monologue continued while I put a tie on my favorite shirt. Today my friends are throwing me a party as usual, which is what I'm preparing for now.

“Well, guess Im all set?”

Twilight is supposed to pick me up at the park in about 20 minutes, so there's a little more time.

(Well, at least I don't have to rush... That wouldn't be very good for my aged bones.)

It was early fall outside, with yellow leaves just starting to fall from the trees to the ground, creating an orange-yellow blanket. It's not cold yet, but it's not hot either. The fall is beautiful.

(Ah, if only every season could be fall...)

Walking to the park along such a familiar path is always a pleasure, especially with dry leaves crunching underfoot. Luckily, my favorite bench was free.

(There's still a little more time until Twilight arrives... Wonderful. I swear, I could sit here for hours.)

"Mind if I join you?"

"Coffeine, hi. Good to see you, sure, have a seat." I moved a bit, giving her more room.

"Thank you." the mare sat down next to him. "So, getting old, hmm?" she asked tauntingly.

"And that's right. I'm not the same as I used to be... Hey, don't get too excited, you're not getting any younger either."

"Ah, how rude to say such a thing to a mare!" Coffeine acted offended.

I pulled her closer to me and hugged her from the side.

"You and I are two roughnecks, what a match..."

"You don't say..." Coffeine rested her head on my shoulder.

After a short silence, I spoke.

"How are you doing now? Miss your mother?"

"Yes, I still miss her a lot... I can't believe it's been so long..." Caffeine became visibly sad. "Thanks for asking."

"If you need to talk, you know where my house is."

"I know, you have always been there for me and I appreciate it." The coffee pony nodded and smiled at me.

"Remember, your mother wanted you to be happy. Try to finally move on."

"I know, I know. It's just... it's hard to move on when you've lost someone you love... even though it's been so long already." she nodded again, then sighed.

"Time heals. Just remember that moving on doesn't mean betrayal."

Coffeine looked down at the ground, pondering my words.

"I suppose you're right... Sometimes I forget that moving on doesn't mean I'm betraying her memory. I just... I don't know if I'm ready to let go."

"You'll be ready, sooner or later. I'll be there for you." the sigh escaped me. "I moved on long ago."

Tears welled up in Coffeine's eyes and she smiled weakly at me.

"Thank you, I don't know what I'd do without you. I appreciated your support more than words could express."

"It's okay..." I patted her head. "Are you sure you can't go to my birthday party?"

"Sorry, I still have to stop by the coffee shop, make a list of my expenses for the month... And a bunch of other things."

"Ah I see, well, another year then."

"Yes, unfortunately. Sorry I'm missing another celebration, but I just have a lot to do today." The coffee pony got up off the bench. "It was nice to see you. Bye."

"I'll see you around. Just don't forget my words."

Coffeine left, taking the sadness that had pained her for so long.

(One day, she'll feel better. One day...)

Soon, Twilight finally arrived, landing nearby.

"Ah, there she is! The princess has decided to spend some time with her old friend, I'm honored." I said sarcastically.

Twilight shook her head a little and couldn't help but grin.

"Oh don't even start." She said, walking a little closer. "Don't you start complaining about your age again. You're aging like a fine wine, not like a cheese, as you always claim."

"More like a milk, but whatever."

"Oh shush, old man. You're still in good shape, you're just getting a few grey hairs, is all."

"Ah well don't make me blush." I used sarcasm again.

"Oh be careful, you might give yourself a heart attack with all of those complaints. You know, if you keep acting so old, you might just will yourself into being even older?" Twilight said, teasing me. "All right, hop on, they're waiting for us."

"Hey, where's the saddle?"

Twilight laughed, rolling her eyes at me. She reached out and grabbed me with her wing, pinning me to her side.

"Oh no, there's no saddle, today you have to ride bareback, if that's not too uncomfortable for your ancient bones."

"And you still got that grip! Ugh..."

"Of course I still do. I have to be ready for you and your sarcastic comments at all times, don’t I?"

"Well, I guess you are..." I inhaled easier when Twilight let go of me.

Twilight just laughed and nodded at me, waiting for me to climb onto her back.

"Good, then we're both ready! Now hop on, or else we'll be late for your own party. The girls had this whole thing planned out and I'd rather not have to face Pinkie if we're late."

It's like a cold wind blew me over.

"Right, we better hurry..."

Twilight laughed softly, lowering herself a little as I climbed onto her back.

"Of course we do. Now hold on tight, we’ll get there before you know it." She fluttered her wings a couple times, getting used to the weight on her back before taking off into the air.

Twilight soared through the air, high above Ponyville. She glanced over her shoulder, making sure I was doing all right. Once she was sure I was okay, she continued flying at a steady speed.

"Hey, how are Luna and Celestia doing? Enjoying the retirement?"

"They're doing really good. Although they do talk to me sometimes about how quiet it can be at times, without any paperwork to fill out or meetings to attend."

"Some habits seem to be permanent." I smirked.

"Exactly. Old habits do often die hard, even after all these years."

Twilight then chuckled a little, a slightly mischievous tone in her voice.

"But tell me, are you getting soft in your age, hm? Are you planning on retiring soon, just like they did?"

"No Twilight, don't even start, I'm not moving to Canterlot Castle. My home is here."

"I figured you'd say that, you stubborn old man." Twilight laughed and nodded, not too surprised at my answer. She knew she wouldn't be able to convince me.

"Everybody has their own principles."

"True, very true. You always were a stubborn man. But, it's part of your charm, dont you ever change."

"I won't, don't worry."

"We'll see, maybe once you reach a hundred, that stubbornness will start to fade a little bit."

"Ah, how generous of you to think I'll live to be one hundred."

Twilight just rolled her eyes and laughed slightly. She was used to my sarcastic responses at this point, they were all part of our little exchanges like this.

It didn't take us long to cover the rest of the way, and here we are. I was glad to get off Twilight's back.

"I swear, Pinkie throws parties further and further away every year."

"Oh, you know Pinkie. At this point, I think she's secretly trying to get you to exercise in your age." Twilight teased me.

"Hey, there's the birthday boy! Hooray!" Pinkie Pie jumped up to me and clung tightly.

"Hey." Mac walked over to me while Pinkie was still hanging on to me.

"Mac, it's so good to see you." I looked at everyone else. "So glad to see you all here today!"

"You better be ready big fella, it's going to be fun today!" Applejack gave me a pat on the shoulder.

I felt warm inside. The warmth that you only feel when you are truly happy. Looking at the friends I've made over the years here, I'm at ease. Where would I be if it weren't for them? The friendship is indeed a magic.