My Eyes Deceive

6 Years Later

Fluttershy awoke to the tight walls of the bunker. She didn’t think they were particularly comfortable, but they didn’t matter. The walls were just there, enclosing her in this small, confined space. She had long grown accustomed to them, even though the soft hum of machinery and the low flicker of lights never quite made her feel safe. The walls, as cold and impersonal as they were, were all she knew. And she was thankful for them—because they kept her safe.

She didn’t remember the outside world, and if she ever had the chance to leave, she wasn’t sure she would. The deadly virus had ravaged the world, and she was glad she wouldn’t be among the countless names that had died. Her papa told her that the outside was a wasteland of sickness and danger, a place where everypony was vulnerable. The thought of stepping outside made her stomach twist with fear, but her papa was there to protect her. That was enough.

Fluttershy stretched, the familiar ache of her limbs reminding her that she had grown in this confined space. She had been six years in the bunker now.

She smiled softly as she thought of papa. He was always there for her, bringing her food, looking after her, making sure she took her pills every day. The pills were important. They kept her immune from the virus, he said. Fluttershy didn’t question it. She trusted him—she had to. He was her protector, her father, and that was all she needed.

She took the small container of pills from the table beside her bed and swallowed them one by one, just as papa had instructed. There was never any doubt about it. He always told her to take them on time, without fail. Fluttershy had never missed a dose.

Afterward, she went about her short day. There wasn’t much to do in the bunker, but she managed to fill the hours with small tasks. She ate the little bits of food papa could find from the outside. Sometimes it was canned, sometimes it was fresh produce, but it was always meager. Papa was always so graciously sacrificing his own meals for her, making sure she was well-fed. Even if there wasn’t much to give, he made sure she had enough. Fluttershy knew it was because he loved her.

She washed herself off, feeling the cold water run over her, then dried herself with the soft towel that papa had brought for her. The fabric felt comforting against her skin, a small luxury in this sterile world. Afterward, she sat down in front of the mirror and brushed her pink mane. She smiled at her reflection, though it was always hard for her to see what others saw in her. She thought she looked plain, ordinary—but papa always told her she was special.

Her gaze shifted to the small toy rocking horse near the shower. She had played with it countless times over the years, always finding comfort in its simple motion. It was the only toy she had in the bunker, but she didn’t mind. She didn’t need much.

She then watered the small plants that grew in pots around the bunker. Papa had taught her how to care for them, and they had become her companions in this lonely existence. They were the only signs of life in the sterile, cold environment, and Fluttershy cherished them.

The bunker had everything she needed—everything except the outside world. She was content, though. What was there to want outside of papa’s love and care? He was all that mattered to her, and that was enough.

She sat in silence, brushing her mane as her mind wandered. The hours dragged on, and she kept her eyes fixed on the stairs that led up to the trap door. It was the only connection between her and the world above. The outside world, she told herself, was dangerous. It was a place full of illness and death, and she was better off in the bunker, safe and sound.

A sound from above broke her reverie. The trap door shifted slightly, just enough to make a noise. Fluttershy perked up instantly, her heart fluttering in excitement.

It was papa.

She rushed to the trap door and waited for his voice. She didn’t know what he had brought today, but it didn’t matter. Every day was a new gift from him, something to look forward to.

“Hello, darling. How have you been?” Papa’s voice drifted down through the door, soft and soothing, like it always was.

Fluttershy grinned, her excitement bubbling up inside her. “I have been good, papa!” she called back, her voice cheerful and eager.

“Good. Have you taken your pills?” he asked, his voice laced with the usual concern.

Fluttershy rolled her eyes, a small giggle escaping her lips. He asked this question every time he visited. But that was just papa—he cared so much for her. Of course she had taken them.

“Yes, papa, you know I did,” she replied, her voice filled with affection.

There was a long, slow sigh from the other side of the trap door. Fluttershy could almost picture him, pacing back and forth in his hidden location, making sure everything was in order.

“Good. Are you feeling sleepy?” he asked again, his tone now more gentle.

Fluttershy yawned, her eyelids heavy with drowsiness. “Now that you mention it, I am,” she said with a soft smile.

“Then you should probably go to bed. I’ll visit tomorrow. I’ll bring you something,” papa promised.

Fluttershy nodded eagerly. She couldn’t wait to see what papa would bring next. It was always something special, something to make her smile.

“Goodnight, my dear,” papa called out from the other side.

“Goodnight, papa,” Fluttershy replied.

The trap door closed with a faint creak, and the bunker was silent again.

Fluttershy slowly made her way back to her bed, her excitement slowly being overtaken by a wave of sleepiness. She climbed under the warm covers and snuggled into her pillow. She was eager to find out what papa had in store for her tomorrow, but sleep soon overtook her, and she drifted into a peaceful slumber.

Tomorrow would be another day in her safe, secure world. Another day with papa. And that was all she needed.