The Rocking Horses of Ponyville

The next day wasn't as happy as before, Gummy the Aligator's condition only worsened and Pinkie had no clue what to do. When anypony looked at her, her mane was deflated and she was sticking her hoof in front of Gummy's face, trying to encourage him to teeth on her. Fluttershy was busy trying to figure out the cause of Gummy's illness with no luck. The new shop finally had its sign erected, which read: "MELANCHOLY MARIONETTE'S TAXIDERMY AND FUNERAL SERVICES". It was a black and white sign with big loopy letters, much like a barbershop. Melancholy was never seen coming out of the shop, but if anypony walked by and peered through the dusty windows, they could see her working at her desk. The only pony that ever went in there was Ketamina, who always looked a bit concerned when she came out.

Two fillies walked past the shop now, eating ice cream.

"Ew! What the heck is that place!?" Diamond Tiara blurted, disgusted by the look of the shop.

"Yeah, if that ugly mare in there ever got up she should think to clean the windows. look at all these pretty buildings compared to this place!!" Silver Spoon responded. Suddenly the door opened with an ominous jingle from the bell hanging above it

"Can I help you fillies...??" Melancholy said quietly, looking down at them with an unreadable expression.

"yeah, clean your dumb windows!! they're disgusting!!" Diamond shouted at Mel.

"Temper little filly. Don't you know it's rude to talk to your elders like that? wouldn't your dear mummy be disappointed in you?" Diamond gasped in indignation; Her mother, spoiled rich, had been missing for several months now and there were no leads on her disappearance.

"Ugh! EXCUSE ME!? HOW DARE YOU SPEAK ABOUT MY MOTHER LIKE THAT!!" Diamond screeched at Mel, Silver Spoon hiding behind her timidly.

"I never meant it like that dear, why don't you come inside? I have an apology gift for you." Diamond still looked furious but Silver Spoon spoke up.

"we should go, maybe she isn't so bad?" Diamond nodded reluctantly before stepping inside the shop. When they stepped inside, they noticed how dark it was, and how there was still a tray of cupcakes on the table from yesterday's party.

"are those the apology gift?" Silver Spoon questioned the mare in front of her.

"No, come with me." the fillies continued to follow Mel into the back room, where an awful smell had been wafting from. It was a small room with a table and several large things covered with tarps in the back.

"What is that?" questioned Diamond suspiciously as Mel went over to the object in the middle. The tarp slid off the object and both fillies screamed in terror.

Neither of them made it home.