Berry Punch stared at the ceiling in an attempt to find a reason to get up. Her bleary eyes tried to focus on the uneven surface and find patterns across it. The sun had, annoyingly, risen some hours ago and kept finding a way to shine in her eyes. I thought I put up the curtain last night? It was difficult to be sure, since her actions had been less than sober last night. She snorted and pulled herself away from the embrace of her bed and made her way to the window.

To say the room was a mess would be putting it lightly, bottles, broken glass, trash, and articles of clothing littered the floor. She pushed her way through a mound of clothing and garbage on her way to the window. Not high enough to block the light. She thought, irritated. It’s my day off for Celestia’s sake! Can’t a mare wallow in peace? As she finally finished wading through the mess she roughly pulled the curtain over the window.

The consequence was a sudden lack of a light source. Berry Punch stumbled and staggered her way through the dark room to her bed.

“Dammit!” A piece of glass had found purchase in her hoof. She wrenched the object out and tossed it away.

“Today already sucks,” she muttered as she crawled back into her bed. Berry Punch didn’t bother to attend to the wound. Not like I’m going to see anypony today anyway. She moved her injured hoof over the edge of the bed so it could drip onto the floor instead of the sheets. I’ll clean it up later… probably.

Pain shot up from her hoof, but she did her best to ignore it. I’m not worth the trouble. If it gets infected, great. This can all just end. She looked towards the closet. Not like I could do it myself. Coward.

She slipped in and out of a fitful sleep as the morning turned to afternoon. A sudden knock at the door brought her back into reality. Who…? She shook her head. Doesn’t matter, they’ll go away soon. Probably just another letter from my parents. A flash of guilt. They don’t need to be burdened by me.

The knocking did not let up, though there were some pauses before it resumed. Eventually snatches of a voice made it up the stairs from her front door.

“...Berry Punch...you home?”

Not this again. Why doesn’t she leave me alone? Berry Punch couldn’t help but feel a little guilty at the thought. At least she tries. Celestia knows why. Everypony else is content with seeing me at my job or not at all. With a heavy sigh Berry Punch got out of bed. She tried to ignore her headache and the stings of pain from her hoof as she walked down to the front door. The trip was marked by navigation around the tornado mess that was the rest of her house. She opened the door and was greeted by Roseluck.

“Oh good! Sorry if I woke you up. I’m not really sure when you’re awake or not,” Roseluck said. Berry Punch put up her most convincing smile. Here goes the act. Hopefully it'll be enough.

“No, I’ve been awake for awhile now. Do you need anything?” Please just be a quick hello-how-do-you-do so I can get away.

Roseluck opened her mouth to speak, but gasped and pointed down at Berry Punch’s hoof. “Are you okay? That looks pretty bad.” Berry Punch looked down and saw her right hoof caked with dried blood. That’s right, forgot about that. She mentally facehoofed. Great. Nopony was supposed to see this.

“I’m fine.”

Roseluck had an incredulous look on her face.

“That should be cleaned and wrapped. Do you not have anything for that?”

“Maybe...?” Berry Punch couldn’t remember exactly what was in her bathroom. There might be something if she dug around enough. “It’s okay, I can handle it later. What do you want?” Roseluck didn’t register the question.

“That has to be taken care of. What if you get an infection?” Roseluck said. “I can help you wrap it up. I know a little bit about medical stuff. You can show me where your wrap is, and we can clean and wrap it all up.” How did I get myself in this situation? I don’t want anypony inside my house. She adjusted the door to the smallest possible angle, so Roseluck couldn’t see inside.

“I’m good, seriously. I’ll take care of it soon,” Berry Punch said. “Now what did you want?”

Roseluck was off put at her attitude, but answered her question. “You’ve been living here awhile, and I wanted to get to know you better. You know, show you some spots around town.. I don’t see you walking around much. Now I’m concerned about your injury and want to help with that.”

An uncomfortable feeling wormed around inside her. ‘Get to know me better’? Why? Does she want something? Berry Punch couldn’t help but feel suspicion. I’m a shut-in. What’s interesting about me to learn? She didn’t know what to say. A part of her wanted Roseluck to leave, and another wanted to take a chance. She mulled over her options.

“Stay here for a moment.” Berry Punch closed the door and made her way to the bathroom.

She searched through the cabinets until she found suitable gauze. Then she found a clean-ish rag which she washed off with some water. Digging around through the drawers rewarded her with some medical tape. She looked through the bottles on the sink until she dug out some alcohol of the non-drinking variety. Once she had gathered everything she looked up and saw her own reflection in the mirror. The sight was not pretty.

Her mane was messy and tangled, and her tail looked much the same. She had dark bags underneath her eyes. Her coat was scruffy and not brushed. She almost didn’t recognize the pony in the mirror. I really let myself go, huh? Might as well try to put myself together today. She grabbed a brush and got to work on her mane and tail. After the worst of the stray hairs was dealt she smoothed out her coat. She took another look into the mirror. Better than nothing.

She put the items in a bag and grabbed the bag with her mouth before heading to the front door.

Roseluck had waited. Surprising. Thought she would take the chance to leave.

Roseluck’s confused look morphed into understanding once she saw the items in the bag.

“Here let me help with that.”

Berry Punch reluctantly hoofed the items over before laying out front hoof.

The alcohol stung as it washed over the wound. Berry Punch grimaced, but didn’t complain. Roseluck moved to clean off the wound with the rag, but stopped. She examined it critically.

“This isn’t clean. I’ll be right back.”

Roseluck walked down the path away from Berry Punch’s home before taking a left to her house. As she entered Berry Punch could only idly think, huh, she lives next door. That explains why she has the time to annoy me so much. She bit her lip. Then again she is fixing up this wound for me. I’m letting her. Why am I letting her? Did she leave me out here so I look stupid when she doesn’t come back?

Berry Punch looked around the hedges lining her house. Does she have friends waiting to point and laugh. That’d be typical. Something She would do. Berry Punch pushed away the memories before she was overwhelmed. No need to bring it up. Just sit here and wait for her to make fun of you. Then things can go back to normal.

A distant door opened and closed, then Roseluck made her way back. Berry Punch’s stomach coiled in anticipation for any biting comment or mocking tone. Roseluck didn’t seem vindictive as she made her way back to Berry Punch’s porch. If anything as she got closer her expression was closer to apologetic.

“Sorry that took a moment, I decided to run the rag under some warm water. Can I see that hoof again?”

Berry Punch wordlessly held her hoof out. This isn’t how things are supposed to go. She suppressed a hiss of pain while Roseluck cleaned out the wound. A moment passed while Roseluck focused and Berry Punch didn’t know what to say.

“How did you get this?”

“I stepped on something.”

“Is whatever you stepped on gone?”

Berry Punch looked away. “Yeah. Threw it away first chance I got.

If Roseluck spotted the lie she didn’t point it out. The porch lapsed into silence again. Berry Punch felt uniquely uncomfortable. None of her projections about what should have happened did happen. This is too normal. I don’t like it. Is she just biding her time by pretending to be nice?

“There! All done.” Roseluck examined her work. “Redheart could probably find a problem with it, but I think it’ll do for now.” Roseluck looked up at Berry Punch, but her expression was blank as she stared at the wrapping around her hoof.

“Why?” Berry Punch struggled to get any suspicion out of her tone.

“You were hurt, and I wanted to help.” She shrugged. “Not much else to it.” Sure. For now.

“Okay.” Berry Punch shuffled a little further from Roseluck. “Didn’t you have a question to ask me?”

“I wanted to show you a couple spots around town.” She looked down at Berry Punch’s hoof. “Now, with your hoof the way it is I could show you two at most. If you’re up for it?”

Berry Punch looked off the porch towards the town. I don’t think they’d appreciate me waltzing around town to a place that’s not my job. On the other hoof, Roseluck’s the only one who’s been nice to me since my welcome party. Even if I can’t figure out why yet. She teetered back and forth in her mind before she came to a decision. Don’t make me regret this.

“Sure, sounds fine to me.”

Roseluck perked up at the answer.

“Great! I’ll take it slow so you don’t hurt your hoof any worse, okay?”

Berry Punch nodded, and the two got on their way.

Some ponies paid her no mind as she passed by with Roseluck, and a few quirked their eyebrows. More still frowned at her presence. If Roseluck really is nice, this is probably going to hurt her reputation. Figures. Only pony that’s nice to me suffers the consequences of being around me. She tried her best to ignore them, and focus on her worsening headache. Really should have just stayed inside today. I could have said no. But she did help me. Another spike of pain from her brain reminded her why pain medication existed. Distracted by her own thoughts and pain, she nearly bumped into Roseluck.

“Here we are!” Roseluck gestured to the building in front of her. Sugar Cube Corner. The building was decorated like a pastry. White frosting-like fixtures outlined a roof of cookie shaped tiles. Through tinted pink windows guests enjoyed various delicacies served by them. Not here. Anywhere but here. Before Berry Punch could voice her thought Roseluck and entered the building. Can this day get any worse? She resigned herself as she entered after Roseluck.

Freshly baked treats and pastries filled the air, alongside the conversations of patrons scattered around the various tables. Berry Punch recognized a few from her job, but their names escaped her. The real issue for Berry Punch was the pink mare behind the counter chatting away with Roseluck. She tried her best not to be noticed, but Pinkie Pie was surprisingly observant. Pinkie’s voice went from bubbly to more reserved as she addressed Berry Punch.

“Hi, Berry Punch.” Pinkie’s voice had a note of uncertainty. “Haven’t seen you in awhile. Well, I mean, I’ve see you around, but every time you notice me you sorta walk away.”

“Yeah, just busy.” In an effort to shift the conversation Berry Punch gestured to Roseluck. “She brought me here.” I don’t want to talk about this now or ever really. Pinkie seemed to catch the undertone of Berry Punch’s words because her smile fell.

Roseluck looked back and forth between the two in confusion. Before she could ask anything Pinkie Pie moved the conversation forwards.

“Is there anything you want, Roseluck?” Pinkie turned to Roseluck with wider smile which felt forced. Roseluck ordered two muffins and paid for the food.

The two had settled at one of the tables outside at Berry Punch’s insistence.

“I normally don’t pry, but what was that about?”

Berry Punch hadn’t touched her muffin. “Something dumb I did when I first arrived here.” I was hoping to avoid anything like this today. Guess I can’t catch a break.

“Oh, your welcome party.” Roseluck averted her eyes. Berry Punch’s mood soured at her words.

“Look, I don’t want to talk about it. Can you drop it?”

“Okay, okay.” Roseluck raised her hooves in a placating gesture. After a beat a light smile crossed Roseluck’s face. “Isn’t the air nice out today? Winter crisp with a taste of spring. Personally I like the spring, but the transition between the two has its own charm, don’t you think?”

Berry Punch tried to spot anything to indicate Roseluck would pry more, but couldn’t see a thing. She’s good at hiding it. She decided to keep the conversation going while she mulled over if her stomach would allow her to eat the muffin.

“It can be, but…” Berry Punch trailed off. I think winter is better, even if it’s a bitter reminder sometimes. I don’t want to think about it. I’ve already started to ruin the day with that Pinkie Pie stuff. “Winter is the one I prefer. I like snuggling up in a blanket on a freezing day. Some hot coco and a warm fire brings it all together. Walking around the snow is also relaxing and peaceful.”

“I can see it.” Roseluck giggled. “Sorry, just imagined you in a scarf. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you walk around during winter since you arrived here.”

“Don’t have the time to I guess.” Berry Punch resolved her internal muffin debate with, buck it. I haven’t eaten anything today. She gave the muffin a small nibble only to met with chocolate, blueberries, and a hint of cinnamon. The mixture was surprisingly tasty and Berry Punch wolfed the muffin down in a couple bites. I think that was the best muffin I’ve ever had.

“Somepony hasn’t had one of Pinkie’s muffins before,” Roseluck said teasingly.

“I haven’t had any muffins in a while. But…” Berry Punch examined the wrapper. “That was a good muffin.”

“Are you up for a walk? It won’t be a long one, with your hoof the way it is.” Roseluck asked. “But, it’s a nice day, it’d be a shame to waste it.”

Roseluck brought Berry Punch to a park at the edge of town. A small lake sat in the middle with scattered individual trees around the pathways. The view was nice and peaceful. Few other ponies walked around the pathways which left them pretty much alone. Berry Punch felt the smallest spark of inspiration at the view, but she suppressed it. Not like painting will make the day much better.

“I know it’s not winter, but it’s pretty, huh?” Roseluck took in the surrounding area.

“Yeah, it is.” Berry Punch absentmindedly took in the scenery. Her normal suspicion started to ebb, and she became more talkative.

“So, where did you live before coming here?” Roseluck asked.

“Canterlot, and Manehattan with my parents before that.” Berry Punch looked over at Roseluck. “What about you?”

“I spent most of my life here with my sisters and parents. One of them moved away a while back.” Roseluck’s smile fell. “My other sister… moved away too, sort of.” She lapsed into silence for a moment. “Sorry about that! Some memories flowed back is all. How’s your family?” I feel nauseous.

“Okay.” Probably, I haven’t sent a letter in years. “They run a wine and confections shop in downtown Manehatten. My mom makes the drinks, and my dad specializes in the cakes and stuff.” Berry Punch felt a pang of guilt, but tried to ignore it. I hope they’re doing okay. She let a small smile onto her face. “They really like what they do. More than I did.” Did the sky always spin like that?

“You don’t like your talent?”

“No. I prefer…” she hesitated, “...something else. Making and serving drinks not so much, even if it’s my ‘special’ talent,” Berry Punch said. “My parents are fine with it, and encouraged me to explore what I liked.” Making it all the worse that I haven’t bothered to talk to them. Berry Punch had slowed down her pace, her headache had caught up with her and she started to get dizzy. She was having trouble standing, and moved off the path to a tree.

“Hey, do mind if we stop here?” Berry Punch didn’t wait for a response before she sat down leaned against the tree. “Sorry, I get dizzy easily.” More like the hangover is making itself known. A stinging sensation from her hoof didn’t help matters.

Roseluck put her hoof to her head.

“You’re burning up! You should be resting.” Roseluck was worried. “I’m sorry, Berry Punch. I shouldn’t have pushed you to come out here.” Roseluck helped her stand and pushed against Berry Punch as support.

Berry Punch flinched away at the psychical contact. Then shook her head as she realized Roseluck noticed.

“Sorry, could you warn me next time?”

Roseluck nodded wordlessly. She let Berry Punch lean against her for support.

“We’ll take it slow, okay?”

Berry Punch nodded dully in response.

The walk back home felt longer then it took. Berry Punch tried to pretend the looks she was getting didn’t exist. I hate it when other ponies see me like this. I probably look awful. Berry Punch tried to increase their pace, but Roseluck always slowed her down again. After a painful ten or so minutes Berry Punch found herself at her doorstep.

“Finally.” Berry Punch breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you. You didn’t have to do that.”

“No problem! It’s what friends are for after all.” Roseluck smiled, but then looked at Berry Punch in concern. “Are you going to be okay? I can help you up to room if you want.”

“No, I can make it up there myself.” Berry Punch thought to the mess that awaited her inside and hoped Roseluck wouldn’t push the matter. I’d hate for her to see how I live. She’d be disgusted.

Roseluck nodded. “I’ll be here tomorrow morning to check up on you if that’s okay.”

“Okay. See you tomorrow.” With that Berry Punch shut the door and headed up to her room. She was drained from the day. Between the unexpected encounter with Pinkie Pie and the socialization she didn’t have much energy left.

As she entered her room she spotted a smashed picture frame on the floor. Carefully she brushed the glass off to the side and extracted the picture. Depicted was Berry Punch and a yellow mare. A penned caption on the picture read, ‘Friends for life!’. A mess of emotions were evoked by the image, anger, sadness, and fear dominated. Berry Punch dropped the picture and trudged back to bed to sleep.

Author's Note

This is my first chapter story I've managed to write since 2018—wow, how time flies huh?—and I hope you like it. I tried my best to catch mistakes, but I'm not perfect: constructive critiques and corrections are welcome! Thank you for reading the first chapter.

Also: The story is already fully written, but I need to polish up each chapter before submitting them. So no worries about being incomplete!
I will note that chapters will be posted inconsistently. Life is a bit of a mess at the moment alongside my shaky mental health, and some chapters require more editing work than others. So please be patient!