To say that life is simple for Berry Punch, regular of the pubs and bars of Ponyville, would be understating her routine. Go to work; deal with mental anguish at the hooves of unrelenting mares, stallions, or whoever, who thought they could push around managers and service workers; then go to one of her favorite establishments to forget the day. The Hearth's Warming season is no different, and in fact, brings more reason to end each evening in a mental fog. Who can have an enjoyable time while they live alone and rarely meet with anyone during the holidays?

However, at some point, everypony needs a little help to get out of a rut, and after a particularly difficult day, she might finally have the pony to help nudge her on the right path. Somepony just as broken as her. Just with a little magic inside her.

This epic has been written for Winter_Solstice for Jinglemas 2023.

Once again, an infinite thanks to Everfree Pony for editing this. Cover art by slushpony.