A Hearth's Warming Truth

“Well,” she started reading again, “the party was-”

“Wait!” he shouted, interrupting Twilight. “Can we take a quick break? I need to refill my cocoa,” he says, showing her the empty mug.

Twilight was obviously agitated to stop the story. “Ugh,” she groaned. “Fine. But hurry up, we’re almost at the best part!” she called after him as he ran towards the kitchen.

I curled up into a ball on my chair, and if it weren’t for the fact that she was bored as well, I swore Twilight would’ve thought something was wrong. Which it was. Terribly wrong, actually. I closed my eyes, and almost fell asleep, but right then, Spike ran into the room, climbing back up on the couch. I sat up as he blew his cocoa and smiled at Twilight. “Okay, I’m ready,” he said. Twilight and I looked away, in annoyance, though my feelings were probably more true than hers.

“The party was in full swing,” she continued. And boy did the character’s names sound like her friends’ names. As she described Snowfall’s true intentions being revealed to the crowd, I thought about her past and knew that she had done a better job than me at handling things. I hung my head in despair. And that’s when I heard her singing again, and for some reason, it stood out to me. Maybe it’s the fact that this song was incredibly creepy and bone chilling. And I thought her first one was bad.

“‘I see a cold wind blowing through
I see days neither fun nor free
I see a future caused by you
I see a path not meant to be

The future should be filled with magic
Dreams and wishes, brought to life
But the days ahead are dark and tragic
No time for hope when all is strife

Whatever might have been,
All the dreams that ponies share,
Because of you Snowfall Frost,
Now the future is a cold nightmare!’ And just then, a wendigo whooshed past Snowfall.”

“Wendigos? They aren’t real!” I exclaim. “It’s just a little filly’s story!”

Twilight nodded. “That’s what Snowfall Frost thought. But the Spirit proved her wrong. ‘They are all too real, Snowfall. And your actions will allow them to return. The future of Equestria shall be bathed in a blanket of eternal snow!’ the Spirit chanted.”

My ears dropped. “No! She never meant for this to happen!”

Twilight nodded yet again. “Unfortunately, it’s all true. ‘I didn’t understand!' Snowfall shouted, cowering. 'I didn’t see how important Hearth’s Warming Eve was! Please, Spirit! I haven’t cast the spell yet! Is there still time? I’m sorry!’ she shouted to the cold air, tears forming.”

Twilight paused at that part and revealed her face from behind the book, and I noticed she was eyeing me, a content smile on her face. Then she put the book back up and continued. “Snowfall looked out her window and saw all the ponies celebrating, singing songs, ringing bells. ‘There’s still time!’ she exclaimed. She ran over to where the party was being held, carrying along with her a numerous amount of plainly wrapped gifts. When Marity and Flutterholly opened the door for her, they were really shocked. Especially Snow Dash, who spit out her eggnog. ‘Boss?’ she asked. Snowfall explained how she should listen to the ponies in her lives more often, and that she had finally learned how great friendship can be! And from then on, it was said that of all the Hearth’s Warming Eve celebrations, Snowfall’s was the Hearth’s Warming-est. The end,” she concludes.

But I’m lost in thought until Twilight closes the book, creating a thud that gets my attention back into Hearth’s Warming Present. “Well, that’s it! Thanks for letting me read you the story,” she says, hopping off her couch, eyeing me as she walks to put the book away. “Guess you can call it a night. Spike and I are heading downstairs, and if you wanted to, you’d be welcome to join us.”

And with that, she and Spike walk out of the door, probably headed downstairs. Should I do the same? I’m so confused, so confused I can barely stand up straight. I lay down on the couch, thinking of the answer. And though I know the right choice is the one I dread the most, I decide to roll with it anyways. I can pretend to be happy, it’s just for a few hours, right? Ugh, I’m so confused, so confused, so confused.

I open the door and walk to the edge of the balcony, placing my hooves on the railings. I hear the ponies cheering, and I eye Twilight, hoping she might not notice me? Unfortunately, she does. “Welcome to the party! Happy Hearth’s Warming, Starlight,” she invites me. And so I quickly turned my frown to a smile.

“Happy Hearth’s Warming, Twilight,” I beam, hopping down the stairs, deciding to sing a song to show everypony just how not fake this is.

“Hearth’s Warming Eve is filled with presents,
Some take you by surprise!
A story shared by your good friends, that makes your spirits rise!
Sometimes you just let go of the past,
Enjoy the present while it lasts.
And really, it’s not that much to ask,
With good friends by your side!”

And by now, everypony in the castle has started to sing along.

“Now it’s time to celebrate!”

“Hearth’s Warming Eve is here once again!”

“All together, feeling great!”

“Hearth’s Warming Eve is here once again!”

“Can hardly wait!
We’ll party ‘till late!
Our favorite date!”

“Hearth’s Warming Eve is here once again!
Happy, happy, Hearth’s Warming Eve,
Hearth’s Warming Eve is here once again!”

We all laugh at ourselves, jumping up and down, running around, and creating a ruckus with our bells. I laugh even harder as I get another thought. It's going to be impossible for me to fall asleep tonight.