This wasn’t happening. No matter how much she blinked this waking nightmare didn’t seem to end. She was here. How she knew or whether it was all a coincidence was the part she was debating.
Breathe.

She tried to keep her confidence, her happiness, but it all drained down the gutter with her smile. She was alone again. Trapped with her again.
Breathe.

She pushed Paint Spots hoof off of her.

“Don’t do that.”

Paint Spots only smiled more.

“Sorry. Should’ve guessed you don’t care as much as you used to.” She frowned. “You left after all. Not me. That hurt you know.”

“You hurt me first.”

Paint Spots leaned close.

“Love is pain. If I hurt you it was out of love.” The genuineness she said the words clashed with the content of them. “You know, I saw you walking around with another mare. Roseluck, right?”
Berry Punch didn’t like how she knew her name.

“Just clinging to the next mare you find, hm?”

“No, she’s different.”

“Nopony’s different. She’ll leave. It’s only a matter of time.” Paint Spots tapped the glass in front of Berry Punch. “Especially with your little problem.” Her eyes softened. “No one cares for you more than I do. Others won’t understand. We leave what we don’t understand.” She inclined to the door. “We can leave right now. Things can return to how they were supposed to be. Me and you. Just us.”

Berry Punch knew the words were a lie.

“No.”

Paint Spots actually looked taken aback.

“What?”

“I said no. I’m fine where I am.”

Paint Spots look turned confused.

“Well, I see. So, she already knows then?”

Berry Punch didn’t know where she was going with this, and she didn’t like it either.

Paint Spots lowered her voice to a whisper.

“Me and you both know you have difficulty finding a way to go on.”

The implication broke through her defenses and struck at her most private secret.

Paint Spots noticed the change in Berry Punch’s expression.

“So you have tried then? Or at least have a plan? Is it that old rope?” Paint Spots shook her head. “Didn’t you already try that before? Back in our old apartment? I helped you after your… attempt, then you turned around and left. Are you going to do the same to her? Leave her wandering in the dust of running from your problems?”

The words coming out of Paint Spots’ mouth hurt. They cut right to her deepest secret, one she didn’t know how to tell.

Paint Spots moved her hoof towards Berry Punch’s withers. Berry Punch flinched away. She shrugged and leaned back.

“Maybe you should leave her too. Would hurt her less then her watching you spiral. It’s only a matter of time with you.”

“You don’t know anything about her.”

“She works at a flower shop down in Ponyville. Works alongside her parents. Her dad’s a cripple. A nurse attends to him day and night.” Paint Spots smirked. “I know a lot more than you. I care about you more than you think. It’s why I’m in this city. I wanted to give you the opportunity.”

“To what?”

“To apologize. To me. Then I apologize to you.”

Berry Punch had no words for her. What could she say? When she lived with Paint Spots she always knew she was possessive to some extent, but now she was starting to worry she underestimated the mare.

Whether the sincerity in her eyes was real or not she couldn’t tell.

“I don’t forgive you.”

She sighed.

“I thought so. You always make things difficult. She doesn’t care as much about you, so much as her sister. You’re her retry. A broken little toy she can fix to feel better about herself.”

“How did you know about her--?”

“I told you, I care more than you know.” Paint Spots took on the air of parent speaking to a foal. “You aren’t her friend. She doesn’t love you. She’s using you to feel better about her dead sister. That’s all you are to her.”
Dead? Roseluck always phrased it like she left? A distinctly uncomfortable feeling wormed around her chest. How did Paint Spots know so much? How did she find me here? Nothing had a good answer.

“Minuette’s a nice pony. We had some chats. I know what I know from her.”

“What?” She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

“I know. She’s supposed to be your friend, right?” Paint Spots tapped her hoof on the counter. “Guess trust is a hard thing to come across.”
She… told her all that? Willingly? She didn’t feel good. Nothing felt right. It was getting hard to breathe. She got off the bar stool, and staggered her way to the exit. Paint Spots didn’t call after her.
Berry Punch walked slowly down the street. I know where to go. Somewhere peaceful.

Roseluck yawned as she pushed herself up in the cot. She looked down at her pillow. A smear of drool on the pillow caused her to flip it over in embarrassment. I hope she didn’t see that. Roseluck looked over at the other cot.

The covers were sloppily pushed to the side, but no pony remained on the cot. Guess she’s already awake.

She made her way out to the bathroom, then she tidied up her mane and tail before she entered the living room. Juniper was reading a book, a steaming cup of coffee next to her on the table. No Berry Punch. Hm.

“Juniper, do you know where Berry Punch is?”

She looked up slightly concerned.

“She’s not back yet?”

“No. Back from where?” Roseluck had a bad feeling in her stomach.

“She went out to get some coffee from a cafe she saw on the way here. That was an hour ago.” Juniper pursed her lips. “I don’t want to worry about her, but could you take a look and make sure she’s alright? I can tell you where to go.”

“Of course, she’s my friend.” Roseluck listened intently to the directions. Once she was sure she got them down, she said goodbye and headed out the door.

The city was starting to wake up from it’s sleep. The morning rush was well and truly underway. As Roseluck approached the cafe she looked at the outside seating, but couldn’t see her. Maybe she’s inside?

The air of the cafe was filled with cinnamon, vanilla, and other sweeteners. Roseluck looked around the cafe. It didn’t take long. She’s not here. She sat down on the ground. This isn’t like Lily. She took a breathe. This isn’t the same.

“Excuse me, miss?”

Roseluck looked up to see a freckled mare smiling at her.

“Do you need something?”

“I’m looking for somepony.” Roseluck gave a description.

The mare thought for a moment.

“Nope, sorry, miss. I haven’t seen heads or tails of the pony you’re talking about.” She resumed her service smile. “Is there anything else I can help you with?”

Roseluck shook her head.

“Thank you, but no.” Roseluck left the cafe feeling despondent. She didn’t know where Berry Punch would be. She didn’t know why she wasn’t here in the first place. Did she lie? Was it too much for her? Did I push her too far?

She was so caught up in her own thoughts she bumped into a table from the cafe as she was leaving. The sound of a cup hitting the ground brought her back to reality.

“Oh, I’m so sorry! I’m just a little out of sorts right now.”

The peach mare smiled. Her gold eyes met hers warmly.

“Not a problem. I know what it’s like to be distracted. I had a… disagreement with a close friend recently.” The mare readjusted her headband on her yellow mane. “What about you?”

“I’m looking for my friend. She went out to get a coffee an hour ago, and hasn’t been back. I’m really worried about her.”

“Oh, that’s no good. Maybe I can help. What’s her name?”

“Berry Punch.”

“Berry Punch, Berry Punch...” The mare seemed to be in thought. “Oh! I remember her. We used to be friends when she still lived around Manehattan. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen her. Does she still...” the mare lowered her voice “...drink? It was pretty bad last I heard.”

Roseluck didn’t feel comfortable discussing the topic. She hadn’t fully broached it with Berry Punch yet, and didn’t want to gossip to a stranger about her friends unhealthy habits.

“I just want to find her and make sure she’s okay.”

The mare nodded.

“I understand. I can show you her favorite bar if you want. Best to be thorough, you know?”

“Right.” She pushed down her own discomfort. I need to find her. Something struck her, the mare never told her her name. “Before we go, what’s you’re name?”

“Oh, sorry, it’s Artifice.”

Roseluck nodded and let Artifice lead the way. The bar wasn’t a long trek away from the cafe, only a two block walk.

The establishment wasn’t very busy when the two arrived. Good, it’ll make finding her easier.Roseluck didn’t know how to confront her friend about her issue. She bit her lip and followed Artifice into the bar. Artifice let Roseluck take the lead as they approached the counter.

The mare behind the counter quirked an eye at Artifice, but turned to face Roseluck.

“There something you need?”

“Yes, have you seen a pony around here?” Roseluck gave Berry Punch’s description. “Have you seen her?”

The mare behind the counter nodded.

“Certainly, she was here around an hour or so ago.” She eyed Artifice again. “I’m surprised you don’t know already.”

Roseluck was confused at the statement.

“What do you mean?”

The mare nodded to Artifice.

“She was talking to her earlier. It didn’t look like a pleasant conversation.”

Roseluck turned to Artifice.

“You knew she was here? Why didn’t you say anything, Artifice?”

Artifice shrugged.

“Must’ve slipped my mind.”

The lackadaisical answer didn’t help Roseluck’s frustration. She knew, why didn’t she--?

“’Artifice’? Thought your name was Paint Spots?” The mare behind the counter spoke up.

Everything clicked with that name. Berry Punch never described how she looked, but here she was. Paint Spots. How long would she have led me around ‘helping’ if the bar mare hadn’t said anything?

“Guess that secret's out.” She smiled lightly. “Nice to meet Berry Punch’s new, ah, friend.”

Roseluck wasn’t sure, but she could detect some jealously in the way she said friend. Roseluck’s frustration swirled into anger, but she tried to hold herself back. Here she is. The one who hurt her. Standing right there.

“Honestly, I knew it wouldn’t hold long. Besides I wanted to talk to you anyway.”

“Why in Tartarus would I want to talk to you?”

“Just wanted to warn you to leave her alone. Friendly advice, she’ll let you down. Believe me, I know.”

“From what I know you’re the only one I should apply that advice too.”

Paint Spots snorted. “Sure, act high and mighty. I know why you became friends with her. She’s a replacement.”

“What?” Roseluck’s face scrunched up in confusion. What’s she talking about?

“For your sister. Somepony couldn’t move on from her. Just like she couldn’t stand to stay around alive anymore. Isn’t that right? She’s just like Lily--”

Roseluck didn’t let her finish. Between Berry Punch being missing, and her mentioning Lily something snapped.

“What the buck?” Paint Spots blinked from her spot on the floor. “You bucking hit me!” Blood streamed from her nose.

“Never say my sister’s name again.” She flicked her tail as she left the bar. Paint Spots whinged and whined after her, but Roseluck ignored her. She’s not worth it. I’ve wasted enough time as it is.

She walked aimlessly down the street, and thought of places where Berry Punch would go. The park? No. When her mind finally brought up the answer it felt obvious.

The trip took longer than expected, but Roseluck reached the section of the beach Berry Punch showed her yesterday. She found the entrance, and entered the cove.

“Berry Punch?” The relief she felt was immense. This isn’t like Lily, she’s still here.

The mare in question turned to look at her. Disbelief was clear on her tear streaked face.

“You’re here?” Berry Punch’s voice cracked. “Why’d you come?”

The response was not what Roseluck was expecting. “What do you mean? After I figured out what happened I came here. I mean, I had an unpleasant run in with Paint Spots, but otherwise I came straight here.”

“I thought you would’ve taken the opportunity, you know?” Berry Punch smiled emptily. “To leave.” Berry Punch looked down, and her ears drooped. “I shouldn’t have trusted somepony so soon. I knew she would find and hurt me again. She would find somepony to tell her everything then it would all fall apart. That’s what’s happening right now. The fragile structure I’ve built is falling apart. But it’s okay at least you can leave.”

Berry Punch let out a hollow laugh. “Right? That’s okay though, at least you won’t get hurt. I think it’s better this way. Why would it be any different?”

Roseluck couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She didn’t have any words to reply with, instead she walked forward and wrapped Berry Punch in a hug.

“She said a lot of awful things didn’t she?” Roseluck asked. I wish I was there. She felt Berry Punch fidget before she settled.

“Yes. It was like I was back in college again. I thought I could handle it, handle her, but I was wrong.” Berry Punch shook her head. “I can’t help but doubt you. I know how that sounds, but it’s difficult to trust anypony. Especially since you’re so nice.”

“I liked her, a lot. Love might be too strong, but it was close. She knew that. I spent so long thinking she cared the same way back. When she hit me I couldn’t stop thinking about what I did wrong, and if I could have done anything better. In the end I came to the conclusion she just didn’t care, or at least not in the same way I did. I felt used. I don’t want to feel like that again.”

Berry Punch got out of Roseluck’s hug and looked her in the eye. “I want to trust you, but I don’t know if I can.”

Despite herself Roseluck felt hurt at the statement, but she understood where Berry Punch was coming from. Somepony she cared about left her too, even if the circumstances were different. Roseluck thought carefully about what to say next.

“I care about you a lot.” Roseluck put a hoof on Berry Punch, and she didn’t flinch away. “I know you find it difficult to trust that, but it’s true.”

Berry Punch’s expression was torn between relief and unease.

“You don’t care about the alcohol?”

“I do, but I think we can work through it together.” Roseluck smiled. “If your okay with it, of course. How about—?”

Roseluck was surprised as Berry Punch darted forward and embraced her. She nearly fell over, but after recovering she returned the embrace.

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

After a couple minutes Berry Punch released her and sniffled.

“There’s one other thing, she mentioned Minuette told her a lot of the things she knew.” Berry Punch fidgeted. “You don’t think she would do that right?”

Roseluck expression turned to surprise. Minuette? I’ve known her my whole life. Why would she…? She pushed down her anger. I can’t lash out without knowing why. Paint Spots tricked me at first too.

“We can figure it out once we get back to Ponyville. I don’t know, but I have a feeling Minuette may not have known who she was talking to.”

“How?” Roseluck recognized the suspicion in Berry Punch’s eyes. After meeting Paint Spots for herself she didn’t blame her for it either. She’d have to handle this very carefully.

“When I ran into Paint Spots I didn’t realize it was her at first. She pretended to be somepony else, Artifice, and offered to help. She could have tried to trick me further, but she let herself be discovered. She wanted to talk.”

“It wasn’t long. After she mentioned my sister alongside some implications. I… I punched her.” Roseluck had complicated feelings about it. On one hoof she didn’t like violence on the other the reaction from Paint Spots was satisfying. She made a note to control herself better next time. I’m not like her.

Berry Punch looked at her in surprise.

“You punched her?”

Roseluck nodded. She could see Berry Punch took some satisfaction from it too as a small smile crossed her face.

“Thank you. I know it wasn’t for me, but thank you.”

“It was partly for you,” Roseluck admitted. “She tried to complain about it afterwords.”

Berry Punch laughed.

“That sounds like her.” Berry Punch expression turned more solemn. “Hey, she talked about your sister a lot. I—is she really?”

“Dead?” Roseluck took a deep breath. “Yes. She has been for six years. Sometimes it’s easier to pretend she’s still out there. That one day she’ll come home, and I don’t have to say goodbye forever. I’m sorry if you felt I lied to you. I’m still finding a way to move forward with it. Some days are easier than others. I’m sorry you learned that from her instead of me.” Makes it more important to figure out why Minuette told her that in the first place.

“Are you ready to head back?” Roseluck asked.

Berry Punch nodded.

When the two arrived, her parents were, as expected, relieved to see her. It was late afternoon by the time they made it back since Berry Punch wanted some time to decompress since her parents would have questions. Meeting Paint Spots again had dredged up a whole host of memories for her. She was glad she wouldn’t have to answer her parents questions alone.

Another thing that worried her was what exactly Paint Spots told Roseluck. Roseluck explained it sure, but she wanted to know the exact words. At the same time she didn’t want to pester Roseluck. The fact Roseluck knew she was an alcoholic didn’t help matters either. She internally groaned. I knew this trip wasn’t going to be simple, but why did she have to show up?

Her mind promptly brought up Minuette. That too. Why did Minuette tell her anything? Is like Roseluck says? She lied to her too? That burning suspicion she normally felt narrowed in on her friend. I’ll have to be more careful until we get an answer.

“Berry Punch, sweetie, are you okay?” Her father’s calm voice brought her back to the present.
Right. I have to explain this to them. And more. Roseluck was sitting next to her. That was a comfort. Her parents sat across from her on the other couch. That was another comfort.

“I met Paint Spots today. She got into my head again. It was like she never left. I should have left, but I didn’t. She said a lot of awful things I won’t repeat, but it hurt to hear.” She nervously tapped her hoof. “I hid at the cove, down by the beach. That’s where Roseluck found me and calmed me down. After that we took a walk through the park so I could gather my thoughts.”

As Berry Punch finished the short retelling, her parents digested the information.

“That awful mare, what an unlucky pony to run into.” Her mother smiled. “I’m glad Roseluck was able to help. How did you find her?”

Roseluck retold her part of the story, although, she hesitated before saying she punched her. Clearly, she had some misgivings about the way she handled the situation. Berry Punch secretly didn’t. She didn’t like violence either, but she couldn’t find it in herself to feel bad for Paint Spots.

Her mother nodded in understanding, while her father felt more amused by the situation.

“Sounds like she had it coming. I’m glad you could get our daughter back here fine.”

“I am happy too.” Juniper smiled. “You're a good friend. And Berry Punch, don’t beat yourself up about it, okay?”

Her mother looked her in the eye.

“It’s not your fault.”

Berry Punch sniffled and nodded.

Her mother sat back with a nod.

“While we’re on the topic of her, could you tell us what happened? You made your way to Ponyville, how?”

Berry Punch prepared herself for the rest of the story. She knew they might not take it well.

“She had a bad day. I was somepony she could take it out on. She pushed me, and I finally pushed back. Then she…hit…me.” She paused. The memory of the day was thoroughly unpleasant. “After that she stormed out of the apartment. Something just clicked, I needed to leave. So I packed the minimal amount of stuff I could, but I couldn’t find your carving. I must’ve torn the apartment apart looking for it.”

“I should’ve left without it, but I couldn’t. I was running out of time, and right when I finished the search the door opened and she came back.” Berry Punch looked away at the clock. The second hand ticked towards the next minute while she gathered herself. “She had taken it with her. I guess she thought I would leave her.” Berry Punch laughed emptily. “She was right, as usual.”

“I eventually managed to get your carving and leave one early morning a couple months after we graduated. I bought the cheapest ticket with what I had left and waited for the train to take me there. I didn’t have a plan. I didn’t even read the place where I was going. I knew I needed to get away. That was it.”

“When I arrived Sour Whiskey found me wandering through town. I was suspicious of him at first, but once he realized I didn’t have a place to go he offered a room upstairs in his bar. Work too if I wanted it.” Berry Punch smiled at the memory. Despite her grievances with her job, he was a nice pony at heart. The work wasn’t even hard for her either, just dull. She remembered Copper Tail. And frustrating some days. ”Once I was on my hooves I saved enough bits and bought a house in town. That’s how I got to Ponyville.”

Juniper had an intense look on her face.

“She hit you?”

Berry Punch nervously nodded.

“Hmm. Thank you Roseluck. She deserved it.”

Foster Cake was surprised at his wife’s response.

“You don’t usually—”

“Well, when it’s my own daughter I feel more strongly about it, dear.” Juniper gently smiled at Berry Punch. “I’m glad you found a place to stay. I’m thankful for the ponies who helped you when you needed it, and I hope you take your time to recover. Be easy on yourself, okay?”

“Okay.”

Foster Cake cracked a smile.

“I think what everypony here could use is a nice dinner, hm?”

Berry Punch perked up at the thought of a homemade dinner by her dad.

Juniper pecked him on the cheek.

“I think that sounds great, dear. Why don’t you and Berry Punch make dinner. I’d like to talk to Roseluck.” Berry Punch looked at her mother questioningly, but her mother’s poker face revealed nothing.

She followed her dad out of the room, and into the kitchen. She strained her ears to try and hear what they were talking about, but could only catch intelligible noise.

“Alright, we’re going to make a simple vegetable pasta.” He smiled at her. “Ready to start? It’ll be just like when you were younger.”

Berry Punch smiled back.

She followed her father’s instructions, bringing a large pot filled with water to the stove top. Her father carefully moved the knob allowing the fire crystal to heat up steadily. While he did that, she brought out a box of thin pasta. She also brought out the grape tomatoes, mushrooms, cooking oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Once all the ingredients were set out, her father showed her how to cut the mushrooms and grape tomatoes. While she cut them up, her father got out a skillet and poured a small amount onto it before heating it up as well.

“So, Paint Spots wasn’t the pony you thought she was...?” The lifting of his voice unintentionally turned the statement into a question. He shook his head and started again, “Sorry, I’m just trying to wrap my head around this. I know you’ve said your peace, but it’s hard to hear you were hurt so much and I didn’t know a thing.”

Berry Punch paused in her chopping before she resumed.

“No, she wasn’t. Maybe at first she was, but I guess I was too stupid to see through it.” She focused more in on cutting each mushroom right. “I was just happy she seemed to genuinely like me, and not chastise me about following my mark. It really did seem like she cared.” Berry Punch snorted. “She was good at that though. Lying should have been her special talent. Gullibility should have been mine.”

“While I can’t understand personally, I think you’re selling yourself short.” Foster Cake looked her in the eye. “You can’t take her act of manipulation and blame yourself for it.” Before Berry Punch could protest, Foster Cake continued, “Besides, I have a feeling she’s not really happy with herself. Ponies like that find it difficult to make genuine connections. Could just be my uneducated brain talking though. I haven’t been to college like you or your mother.” He chuckled at the self-deprecating comment.

“What I’m trying to say is: Try not to let that mare drag down the present.” Berry Punch looked down at the table. “Also, don’t forget about Roseluck. She cares a lot about you, you know? From what I know she went out to look for you once she knew you hadn’t come back. Not an ounce of hesitation. Don’t sell her short either.”

Berry Punch could see he was right, logically at least, but it was difficult to believe. Three years were spent believing somepony cared about her, all wasted in the end. Even if her heart felt different about Roseluck, even if she was growing more attached over the months that passed. She didn’t feel strong enough to overcome her own suspicion. Despite all the facts to the contrary. Then there was still the question of Minuette.

She couldn’t make up her mind now. Too much had happened in the past day. She was spent emotionally, and made up her mind to think about it later.

All she could come up with to say was, “I’ll try.”

Foster Cake nodded in satisfaction. “That’s enough, as long as it’s an honest effort.” Foster nodded to the chopped up mushrooms. “You can put those in the skillet now. They look great.”

Berry Punch found it in herself to smile.

“Thank you.”

“Here, chop these in half while I get the mushrooms ready.” A sizzling sound filled the room alongside the smell of cooking mushrooms. A couple minutes later the grape tomatoes, all sliced neatly in two, were added to the mix. The pasta had been added in the pot and had finished softening. The pasta was added to the skillet with a good amount of butter. She watched as her dad masterfully mixed the ingredients together. The smell coming from the skillet was causing her stomach to growl.

He finished with a flourish of spices. He held out a fork with a bit of pasta and mushroom on it.

“Give it a try.”

Berry Punch took a bite, then another. The taste was just like she remembered. The mix of tomato, mushroom and pasta slathered in butter hit just right.

“Good?”

“Mmph-hm!”

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Foster chuckled. Before calling the other two from the living room.

Foster and Berry Punch set the table while the other two walked in talking and laughing.

As everypony settled at the table Berry Punch felt slightly better. She and Roseluck talked about some of the happier memories Berry Punch had in Ponyville. The Summer Sun Celebration being one of them in particular.

The conversation helped distract her from the events of today if only for a little bit.

Berry Punch made her cot. She hadn’t been here since this morning. Despite the evening being a good distraction, once she was alone things were different. A lot of unpleasant memories had been dislodged from their spots in her mind. Now they floated around her, a constant reminder of what she tried so hard to forget.

“You feeling okay?”

Roseluck’s voice managed to ground her, but it would only last as long as she was around. What happens when I go home? Alone?They were leaving in the morning tomorrow. Until then she didn’t want to think about it.

“Better.” The answer wasn’t entirely a lie, but it wasn’t the truth either. “I’m not looking forward to talking with Minuette. What if she’s like her? What if she really told her all that on purpose? Just to mess with me and you.”

Roseluck put a hoof on Berry Punch’s shoulder. Berry Punch allowed the hoof to stay.

“I don’t know,” she admitted, “but I don’t think speculation helps. We’ll cross that bridge if it ever comes to that.” Roseluck gave a small smile. “I have a feeling it’s not as bad as you think.”

Berry Punch could see the uncertainty in Roseluck’s eyes. She decided to stay cautious, just in case. “Okay. I’ll try and not think too hard about it.”

Roseluck nodded.

“Is there anything else you want to talk about?”
So much, but my tongue's tied down. I don’t know if I’ll ever find the strength to say it all.

“No. Today was long.” Berry Punch thought for a moment. “I do want to say thank you. For finding me. For listening. It meant a lot.”

Roseluck smiled.

“Of course. Anytime. It’s what friends are for.”

There was a feeling she couldn’t articulate. Her chest felt warm and fuzzy. She tried to push it down, but the feeling only became more insistent. She mumbled a reply back to Roseluck.

“Sorry, I didn’t hear you?”

“I said thanks, again.” Berry Punch needed time to untangled the emotional mess in her heart. Now’s not the time.

The two settled in their individual cots. Berry Punch’s mind swirled with positive and negative emotions alike as she settled into an uncertain sleep.

The loud screech of metal cut through the chill fall air. The train had arrived. Berry Punch and Roseluck waited for the ponies to depart. Her parents waited alongside them, though they wouldn’t be going with them.

“Oh! Nearly forgot!” Foster Cake dug through his saddlebags and pulled out a wooden carving of Manehatten. The wood work was immaculate. Her dad had improved his craft while she was gone. The buildings were painted this time as well. A small recreation of her parents’ home was at the center of the piece.

Berry Punch carefully took the gift and placed it in her own saddlebags, before she gave her dad and mom a hug.

“Thank you, both of you.” She felt tears fall from her eyes. “I’m sorry I ignored you for so long. I promise I’ll send letters back this time.”

“Not a problem at all, you were just going through a tough time,” Foster Cake reassured. “You have Roseluck with you, remember that.”

“Exactly, we’re just glad you reached out after all this time. Don’t let that mare, Paint Spots, drag you down.”

The conductor shouted for ponies to start boarding, and Berry Punch released the two from her grasp. Giving both of them goodbyes, Berry Punch and Roseluck boarded the train.

The train ride home passed by quickly, mostly because Berry Punch had spent the better part of it napping.

“Hey, we’re here,” Roseluck said.

“What?” Berry Punch blearily responded. “A little more time then we can go.” This seat is so comfortable and warm, and… has a heartbeat? Berry Punch shot awake. “I’m so sorry. I fell asleep against you. I didn’t mean to, I was just so tired and—” Roseluck’s laughter brought Berry Punch out of her stammering.

“You’re alright, you didn’t do anything wrong,” Roseluck said. “Now, let’s get off this train.”

The two disembarked and made there way into town. Berry Punch let Roseluck lead the way. It was only about when Minuette’s house appeared that Berry Punch remembered what they needed to talk about. Berry Punch prepared herself for another difficult conversation. This time she didn’t know what to expect.

Author's Note

Don't worry, no cliffhanger this time! It won't be a long one, but the next chapter will be up today, I promise. This chapter took some time to put together, it needed a lot of work. If you see an inconsistencies or something feels off feel free to comment about it!