2:30. The clock hands sluggishly marched around the circle. Each second trudgingly passed into the next. The bar buzzed with activity. Ponies milled about with their friends and family. Not as much alcohol flowed today. Sour Whiskey insisted on less when celebrations rolled around. He preferred to make sales on food and non-alcoholic drinks during special days. Berry Punch wasn't entirely sure what his reasoning was, but if she had to guess he preferred a family oriented atmosphere around this time of year.

She didn't mind either way. Most ponies still were cold around her, and only talked to her for services. She returned the favor and stayed professional. A few seemed more tentative and uncertain. Guess Minuette knows a lot of ponies. I hope she hasn't said anything too revealing. Some part of her still didn't trust the mare. Another part thought she should try to reach out. She decided to stay reserved. What about Roseluck?

Isn't that the question of the hour. Ever since her visit, Berry Punch had warmed up to her. Berry Punch's uncertainty only stemmed from whether she should have told her anything at all. She wasn't sure what Roseluck would do with the information. The sincere honesty with which Roseluck told Berry Punch about her sister left her doubts in limbo. It was unexpected and strange. Berry Punch couldn't find an angle the information could be used for. Sympathy maybe? Was it true? She shook the thought away. I don't think she was lying. I don't know.

"Hey, Berry Punch!" A lighthearted voice derailed her thoughts. "Still at work? The celebration starts in a couple hours."

"Minuette, I don't have the day off today."

The blue mare frowned. "Aw, what? Why didn't you ask for the day off? It'll be me, you, and Roseluck today."

Berry Punch opened her mouth to reply, but stopped herself. What's the point if I have no pony to enjoy the celebration with? The reply didn't seem right with Minuette there. She tried to think of some viable excuse, but nothing came to mind so she defaulted to work.

"I can't ask for the day off now."

"Why not?" Two voices said at once. One belonged to Minuette, and the other to Sour Whiskey.

She turned to the light brown coated stallion.

"Um, I'm already here?"

He rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, I know." He inclined to Minuette. "What I didn't know was you had friends. Why turn them down?"

Berry Punch was under the spotlight, and she bit her lip.

"I, uh..."

"Look, you've worked here a while. You've taken no holiday off since you got here. That ain't healthy." Before Berry Punch could protest he continued. "Now I see you do have friends, or you do now leastways."

"Don't you need help?"

He chuckled.

"Sometimes, yep. Now, not so much. Take the rest of the day off paid, and tomorrow too. I can handle it. Besides this Summer Sun Celebration is going to be special. Three princesses will be in attendance. Don't miss it in here."

Berry Punch felt conflicted. Sour was the only one who treated her normally. He didn't pry into her life or nitpick her work. She didn't like the work, but she did like her boss. That was the only reason it was tolerable in the end. He almost reminded her of her dad, except more forward and direct.

Berry Punch deposited the earnings for the day so far in the till, and waved goodbye as she followed Minuette out. Sour acknowledged her with a nod before he got to work.

"He seems nice."

"Sour's usually more grumpy," Berry Punch admitted.

The pair passed by the square where the celebrations were being set up. Sun and moon banners were being set up alongside all sorts of sun and moon iconography. Berry Punch increased her pace when she noticed Pinkie Pie.

"He didn't seem all that grumpy earlier."

"He's not usually like that." Berry Punch flicked her ear. "I'm not sure why."

"Seems like another friend." Minuette smiled.

"He's not my friend."

"Friendly acquaintance then?" Minuette suggested.

Berry Punch mulled over the term. I guess that fits. I don't know much about him, but he's amicable enough. The line of questioning pricked her paranoia. Fishing for information?

"Yeah, I guess. Why are you asking?"

"Oh, I don't know much about Sour Whiskey. He's kind of a mystery." Minette's face scrunched up. "That and his clock needs tuning. It'll start drifting soon if I don't tweak it. I've tried to ask him about it, but it's really difficult. He's good at getting around town without being seen. Catching up with him when I do see him doesn't work either. I think he's half deaf since he can't hear me shouting, 'Hey, I need to talk to you!'"

Berry Punch decided it best not to tell her Sour's hearing worked fine. She did crack a small smile at hearing Sour acted similarly outside work as he did during.

"Oh, hey! I made you smile!" Minuette did a celebratory hoof pump. "I was wondering how long it would take."

She was taken aback at the sudden topic shift. When was the last time I smiled genuinely? Berry Punch found she couldn't remember. Minuette seemed to have a habit of suddenly pointing something out. Berry Punch couldn't tell if she was deliberately shifting topics or if her brain just jumped from topic to topic normally.

"I... smile sometimes."

Minuette bumped her in a friendly manner. "Really? I haven't seen you smile until now."

Berry Punch didn't respond at first. The sudden physical contact caused her to flinch away.

"Don't do that!"

Minuette, surprised, bit her lip in uncertainty.

"What do you mean?"

"Don't get close to me like that," she clarified. Berry Punch eyed her movements carefully in case she tried to get closer. Minuette didn't move, and she looked concerned.

"I'm sorry." A pause. "I can keep my distance if that makes you comfortable."

The concession eased some of Berry Punch's nerves.

She nodded and the two continued the walk to Berry Punch's home. Minuette maintained a healthy distance, even if the suspicions in Berry Punch's mind caused her to look over every now and again.

"I don't think I've been to your house before. Roseluck said you're neighbors. What's it look like?" Minuette asked the question tentatively.

"Not great." Berry Punch opted for the honest route. She'll see it soon enough. "The yard's a mess."

"I've been there before. Roseluck helped me fix it up. I still have to ask for tips on maintenance every now and again." Berry Punch doubted it was as bad as her yard. "Sometimes I still forget to fix it up, and, well, I have to ask for help again." She looked away sheepishly. "I don't think it'll be that..."

Berry Punch's house came into view, and by extension her yard.

Bushes, which were supposed to mark the edges of the house had consumed much beyond it. The lawn was a veritable jungle, tall grass grew alongside various plants and some flowers. Circular stones set as a path to the porch served as islands in the grassy sea. Moss grew over the gray surfaces.

"Oh." Minuette looked over the lawn. "I mean, this is fixable."

Berry Punch quirked an eyebrow at her optimism.

"Maybe." It would take time and energy I don't have. "I'm going to get ready." Since I don't have work today anymore.

"Do you mind if I hang out in the living room?"

Berry Punch flicked her tail.

"I do. You can wait at Roseluck's house."

Minuette deflated.

"Is this about earlier?"

"No." Partly, yes. Partly because my house inside isn't much better. "I need some time to myself to get ready. I'll meet you at Roseluck's house."

Minuette perked up before she headed on her way.

"See you then!"

Berry Punch waved goodbye in response before she headed inside.

She made her way through the mess into her bathroom. Time to more effort into how I look, I guess.

Warm water washed over her as she scrubbed out the grime in her coat. Shampoo cascaded onto her mane and tail. Once she worked on it enough she cleaned it out before using conditioner. She went over her coat again before she turned the shower off.

No towel. She groaned in frustration. Why didn't I check? Still soaked she made her way to her washing room. She checked the dryer. Empty. Of course I forgot to put the next load in. She popped open the dryer's heating compartment. Heating crystal's fine for a few more months. She snapped the compartment closed.

She moved the towels from the washer to the dryer, and started the drying process.

The rhythmic sounds of the dryer tumbles were the only sound in the room. She stared through the glass as the towels went round and round.

Ending at the same point over and over again. She wondered if now was any different. Did she learn anything from last time? Was it the same? Minuette's sudden physical contact earlier had knocked her thoughts off kilter. It brought up bad memories.

The room felt like it was compressing down in space. Would there be enough room for me? Was it always this hard to breath? She almost expected to be chided and put down by Her. It would hurt, but it would be normal. Her normal. She had her tail wrapped around her hooves as she sat down.

I'm that bucked up, huh? Back to Her would be normal. She expected Minuette and Roseluck to do the same. It made sense. What they actually did didn't make sense. Kindness is a tool, right? Just a way to get somepony to trust you. Then you can hurt them.

In a way Berry Punch felt she was still back at that apartment. Still in college. Still trapped in a place, but not her home. Still cornered by Her. She tried to wrench herself back to the present, but her mind spiraled down into the past.

“Alcohol, again? Can’t you function normally?”

Berry Punch spun around to face the doorway, but nopony was there. The echo of the voice crawled into her ear and forced her eyes to search frantically for somepony who wasn't there. She squeezed her eyes shut. I'm not there. I'm not there. I'm not there. I'm—

A distinct ring grounded her. The towels were dry.

She yanked one out of the dryer and dried herself off. Once done she tossed the towel to the dirty pile before she left the room.

"You made it! You look nice." Minuette smiled and made room for Berry Punch to enter.

"Thanks. I try."

"Glad you got here! The celebration starts soon." Roseluck looked Berry Punch up and down. "You look good."

Berry Punch's ear twitched. "Thank you."

As the trio walked out to the street, she noticed Roseluck and Minuette gave her space. Did she tell Roseluck? Normally she would mind, but this once she felt appreciative. It was a strange feeling to have.

Roseluck lead them away from the crowded square and to the less populated park. Minuette pulled a blanket out of her saddlebags and rolled it out onto the grass. Roseluck set up some snacks at the center, toasted bread, hay, and some flowers. Both of them looked Berry Punch.

"What?"

"Are you going to sit down?" Roseluck asked.

"I am, but aren't you going to first?"

"Minuette told me what happened earlier in the day." There it is. "So, I thought I'd let you sit first. Then we can give you your space."

Accommodation was not what she was expecting. Then again the past two months had been nothing but broken expectations. She chose the right side of the blanket, close to the edge. Roseluck sat down in the middle and Minuette to the left of her.

Berry Punch waited for some form of questioning about why she acted that way, but nothing was forthcoming.

"Have you ever seen the Summer Sun Celebration?"

"Like this? No. What's it like?"

Roseluck smiled and winked. "It'll be a treat for you then. Nothing like the one a couple years ago." She shivered.

Minuette shared the sentiment with a nod.

Berry Punch tried to remember what she was referring to, but came up blank.

"What do you mean?"

Both looked at her in surprise.

"Nightmare Moon?"

"The legend? Sure."

"No, the pony. She... interrupted the last celebration five years ago."

Now Berry Punch knew why she didn't know. Five years ago I was still in college. Still... She let the thought wither and die.

"I wasn't here at the time."

"How did you not hear about it?" Minuette tilted her head.

"I was preoccupied." Berry Punch didn't like where this line of questioning was leading to. Roseluck caught the tone, and motioned to Minuette to stop. Minuette nodded. Berry Punch was about to thank her for the save, but a voice cut through.

"It's starting!"

All three mares turned as the spectacle in the sky began.

The sun and moon moved through the sky side by side. When the lined up a purple figure flew out beneath them. Twilight. A flash of purple briefly highlighted the two celestial bodies, and lit up the sky before it faded. The moon glowed blue as it moved lower in the sky. The sun rose higher as the figure of Princess Celestia rose alongside it. The night turned to morning.

Berry Punch had heard about the celebration before, but never expected to see it for herself. A small spark of inspiration struck, and Berry Punch decided to keep it alive. Before she could say anything the moon rose again as the sun sank into the ground. This time Luna flew up as the moon was raised.

Fireworks greeted the event. Bursts of blue, purple, and yellow.

She looked over at Roseluck for some explanation. It was the Summer Sun Celebration. Roseluck was distracted by the spectacle in the sky. Light from the fireworks lit her face in multicolored hues, and reflections of the explosions could be seen in her emerald eyes.

Berry Punch forgot what she wanted to say. Somehow it didn't matter anymore. Why didn't it matter? She couldn't find an answer.

Just as soon as it started the moon sank again and daytime returned. Berry Punch was left with the afterimage of what she saw.

"Berry Punch, are you alright?"

She shook herself out of her trance.

"I'm fine." I need something else to talk about. Anything. "Why did the moon come back up?"

"Since Luna came back she took part in the celebration. I assume Princess Celestia is happy her sister is home."

Berry Punch didn't mind what the answer was either way. Anything to distract her from her thoughts.

"Picture time!" Minuette brought out a camera with a small stand.

"Picture?"

"Yeah! Every year I take a picture to see how the year progressed." Minuette pointed at Berry Punch. "I made a new friend, so I'd like to commemorate that. I make a copy for Roseluck, and you if you want one."

Berry Punch's eyes flicked to Roseluck and back to Minuette.

"I'd like a copy."

"Not a problem!" Minuette fiddled with the camera. "It's on a ten seconds timer. Now!"

Minuette wrapped her hoof around Roseluck and made a goofy face. Berry Punch shuffled closer with a small gap between her and Roseluck. Berry Punch managed a small smile. The camera clicked and flashed.

Minuette tapped a button and three copies of the same picture came out.

"Here you go, Roseluck and Berry Punch."

Berry Punch eyed the picture. She kept the image of Roseluck with the fireworks earlier in her head. This should work as a reference.

The trio snacked of the pieces of food before they packed up and headed back the way they came. Minuette split off to her house once they were close to the square.

Berry Punch eyed the square as it came into view. No Pinkie Pie. She could notice an argument happening behind the music stage. It wasn't verbal. They were signing to each other quickly, and by the look of their expressions it wasn't a happy conversation. She knew one of the ponies as Vinyl, the name of the grey mare with black mane and tail escaped her.

Evidently something was said which went too far because the grey mare stormed away while Vinyl walked after her. Berry Punch looked away. She had enough on her mind without lumping other ponies problems into her own. Still a part of her could understand being in that situation. She hoped it got better.

Once they reached Berry Punch's house, she prepared to enter her house again.

"Did you enjoy the time out?" Roseluck unexpectedly asked.

"I did. It was nice to get out with... friends." The word still made her hesitate.

"That's good. I was worried Minuette pushed too far when she went to your job."

"I think it was good for me. Besides my boss, Sour, decided to let me off for the day anyway."

"Did he? That's nice of him."

"It was." Berry Punch tip-toed to the next thought. "I... have tomorrow off too. If you have time, could I come over? We can do whatever." She had to drag the words out of her mind. If she didn't they might never have expressed themselves. Now, she waited for Roseluck to reply. She worried she was too forward. Did I make a mistake? Should I apologize?

"Sounds good! What time are you thinking? It'd have to be early morning or after two in the afternoon."

The lack of conditions or outright refusal made her perk up.

"Two works for me."

Roseluck smiled and Berry Punch mirrored her. "Great! I'll see you then."

"See you then." Berry Punch waved goodbye as Roseluck walked away.

The door clicked open and shut behind her. The air of her house suffocated her. She dug through her art supplies until she found her old sketchbook. Going further rewarded her with a couple pencils. She left her house and sat down on her porch steps. Despite herself she brought a filled glass outside.

The air's cleaner out here. I feel like I can breath.

She set the picture Minuette took against one of the porch banisters. The sketch book was flipped to a clean page. She got to work with her pencil. The scratchy lines of her style flowed onto the page as she recreated the scene from what she saw during the fireworks. The reflections in her eyes, the way her mane flowed, and the general shape of her face. She put it all down to paper.

She took sips from the glass, but otherwise remained wholly focused on the page. The final grayscale image wasn't perfect for her, but it was good enough. She hugged the picture close to her chest. For the first time in a long time she felt a twinge of hope.

Author's Note

Going to be fully honest: When I said the whole story was written it's true, except for this chapter. I didn't know how to approach it yet, and stuck to the other chapters. Well, once Invitation was done, I finally got around to finishing this one. It is probably not as smooth as the others, but like always if you spot something point it out (either dm or comment).

Note: The next chapter will probably take longer since my current life situation is not stable. I'm not sure if I'll have a place to live in a week, so my focus is on that for now. I'll try and work on the next chapter when I have spare time though, so if things get better it shouldn't take as long.