C'est La Vie

“C’est la vie means such is life. It’s the philosophy that keeps me going.”

“Huh?” said Twilight, food still in her mouth.

“Quite simply, my dear, it means that whatever will happen will happen. My interpretation is simple. No matter what happens, that’s the way life intended it. If I find a good bit of food, that’s what was meant to happen. If I break a leg, that’s what was meant to happen. There’s no point in arguing or complaining. Life has a path set out before us, and our only real option is to follow it and let it surprise us as it will.”

“…Wow. You’re rather... Eloquent.” Twilight said after a moment.

“Well, I wasn’t always the free spirited tramp you see before you. I used to be a bit of a bookworm in my youth.”

“But how can you be okay with how you’re living?” Fluttershy spoke up.

“Hmm? Oh, sorry dear. You’ve been so quiet over there, I almost forgot you could speak.”

Fluttershy resumed her scarlet hue, and looked away.

“Don’t be so shy, I’m not going to bite. To answer your question, I’ve found there’s no reason to fight with life. That just makes things harder. I try to find solutions rather than places to point blame.”

“But surely you can’t enjoy living out here alone?” Twilight said, looking concerned.

“Can’t I? I’m not sure how it is out here in the country, but the way they treated my kind in the city wasn’t all too great. I got used to living on my own, and found the freedom to my liking. I never have to worry about money, or what to do with my day. I just go about my business, and nobody bothers me.”

“But don’t you get lonely?” Fluttershy asked quietly.

“Finally coming out of your shell, eh? At least you didn’t turn red this time.” Padlock chuckled. “Yeah, it gets lonely at times. I’ve taken to talking to myself, as talking to walls tends to get rather boring. But I don’t mind. At least I’m good company.” He said, smiling.

“If you don’t mind my asking, how did you end up living like this?” Twilight said.

“That, little missy, is a story for another meal.” Padlock replied, rising from his seat and gathering up his supplies. “And now, I’m off to find some work. And then to find someplace to sleep. Don’t want to get caught out in a storm, now do I?”

“Alright, then. It was good to meet you, Mr. Padlock.” Twilight said, getting up and moving to leave.

“Just Padlock is fine. Mr just seems too formal for me.”