Chains to Freedom

After we left the hospital, we stopped by a cozy café for breakfast. The warm smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods filled the air, making me feel at ease. Zack picked a small table near the window, where sunlight streamed in, casting a soft glow on everything. I ordered French toast, and the first bite tasted like freedom—warm, sweet, and comforting. Zack smiled as I ate, clearly relieved to see me enjoying something simple again after all I’d been through.

We didn’t rush. We sat there for a while, soaking in the peaceful morning, just the two of us. I didn’t care about the noise around us, the clinking of dishes or the soft chatter of other patrons—it all faded into the background. It was just me, Zack, and this moment of calm after everything that had happened.

Once breakfast was over, we headed toward the train station. Zack bought us tickets, and we made our way to the platform. As we boarded the train, I noticed something different—Zack was walking in the opposite direction of where we usually sat. Instead of heading to the regular seats, he was leading us towards the private cars.

I glanced up at him, walking beside him, confused. "Where are we going? The seats are the opposite way," I asked, trying to figure out what he had planned.

Zack looked down at me, giving me a reassuring smile. "I got us a private car," he said softly. "You still need to recover, and I thought this would be the best option to keep you comfortable."

As we entered the suite, my eyes opened wide in surprise. The room was incredible—there were candy pops and snacks laid out on a small table, and a massive flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. I couldn’t believe it. This was more than just a private car; it felt like a luxurious mini-escape.

Zack smiled, clearly enjoying my reaction, and took a seat on the plush couch. I joined him shortly after, settling into the soft cushions. Once I sat down, he wrapped a comforting hoof around me, pulling me close.

"So," he said with a chuckle, "what do you think about our seats?" He held me close as I looked up at him, my eyes filling with tears. Without saying a word, I began to silently cry against his side.

Almost immediately, Zack pulled me into a soft, gentle hug. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, what's the matter, Neon?" he asked, his voice full of concern as he continued to hold me close.

Through soft sobs, I whispered, "Th-thank you... Thank you for taking me out of that awful place. Thank you... for choosing me."

Zack smiled warmly, still hugging me as he gently lifted me onto his lap, wrapping me in both of his hooves. "It's okay, Neon," he said softly, his voice reassuring. "There's no reason to thank me. I chose you because I saw how awful they were treating you in that place. And more than that... you're the sweetest filly I’ve ever met. I knew you deserved a family, one that cared and loved you for who you are."

I smiled as the tears slowed and my breathing steadied, looking up at Zack with a soft smile. I snuggled against his chest, feeling safe and comfortable. He gently reached over, grabbed some snacks, and handed me a Butter Hooves bar with his wing before turning on the TV. As I unwrapped it and began eating, the sweetness of the chocolate mixed with the warmth of the moment, making everything feel a little better.

Time seemed to slip by as we watched the TV, the light outside fading as the day turned to dusk. I was already halfway through my second chocolate bar when I glanced out the window and realized I didn’t recognize the landscape. We were far from anything familiar.

Curious, I turned to Zack, a question bubbling in my mind. "Hey, Zack... where are we going?"

Zack smiled softly, his eyes reflecting the fading light. "We're heading to Manehattan," he said. "It’s where your new home is."

"M-Manehattan? But that place is so big and crowded," I replied, feeling a wave of nervousness creep up my spine. My thoughts raced—Manehattan was nothing like what I was used to. It was loud, bustling, and unfamiliar.

Zack smiled down at me, his voice soft and reassuring. "I don’t think you’ll mind the big city once you see the house. I’ve been told it’s pretty big," he said, trying to ease my worries.

"Is it really that big?" I asked, still unsure but a little intrigued now.

"Oh yeah, it’s that big," Zack said with a cheeky grin, his tone playful, which made me giggle despite my nerves. He gently pulled me closer, nuzzling the top of my head. I giggled more, the tension I felt slowly melting away as I snuggled into him.

Looking up at him, I caught his warm smile just before he leaned down and planted a soft kiss on my forehead. My cheeks flushed a light red. Embarrassed but happy, I quickly looked down, trying to hide the blush spreading across my face, but the smile I couldn’t suppress gave me away.

Zack chuckled softly, clearly noticing my reaction. "You’re too cute," he said with a grin. He leaned back on the seat laying down as he pulled me onto his chest. "Come here," he said picking me up and getting me to sit on his chest as he looked at me with a smile

Then without warning, he started tickling my belly, sending me into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. "Stop! Stop!" I squealed, trying to wriggle out of his grasp, but he didn’t stop. I just continued to laugh when I finally got him to stop

"Alright, alright!" he finally relented with a laugh, stopping the tickling as I gasped for breath, still giggling. "I couldn’t resist," he added, a playful smirk on his face.

Once we had calmed down, Zack rolled over, positioning me in front of him, and pressing me gently against his chest. He wrapped both of his hooves around me, holding me close. It felt warm and secure, like I was wrapped in a cozy blanket.

I finished the last of my sweets, enjoying the sugary taste lingering on my tongue while we watched a bit more TV together. The soft glow of the screen and the rhythmic sound of the train created a soothing atmosphere.

As the moments passed, I felt my eyelids growing heavier, the exhaustion from the day catching up to me. With Zack’s heartbeat steady beneath me and his warmth surrounding me, I began to nod off, drifting into a peaceful sleep, knowing I was safe.

I wish this was the end of my story, but sadly, it’s not. My past doesn’t seem to rest; it still haunts me.