I'm Coming Home

My name is Scootaloo. I don't talk about myself much. I'm trying to get my cutie mark, along with my two friends Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle. We're the "Cutie Mark Crusaders." I feel like we annoy ponies a lot. Fluttershy or Applejack usually defend us and say we're just kids. Apple Bloom's sister is nice. It feels good to have good friends and all. I am missing something bigger though. My Daddy.

I remember the day all too clearly. Two years ago, he had to fight some Empire war that was arising. There' not much coverage on it. I don't think I want to find out every detail anyway.  I worry about my Daddy too much already. I know my Mommy does too. I heard he was being deployed. I began to cry right in front of him after he told me what "deployed" meant. He hugged me tight. I hate having to remember it. I'm sure it's tough to have to leave your daughter and wife just like that. I tried not to cry too much afterwards, because I knew I was making it harder for him.

I woke up depressed today. I didn't want to go to school. I get to see my friends I guess. They make life easier, and fun. I'm glad I met them. It just feels different. My sadness is stronger than usual. It's my birthday, and my Daddy isn't here...again. My mommy wants me to be excited. I know she think about Dad still. I guess she assumes I don't think about him too much. . I choke up just remembering when he flew away. He kissed my mother goodbye, and kissed me on the head and whispered in my ear "I promise I'll be back soon." I only thought he meant a few months. Two years now though. I'm losing it. I don't share this with anyone else. I don't want them to ask about it, or worry about me. That's just how it will have to be.

I got ready to walk out the door. I looked at our family mantle. Right in the middle was a picture frame of my dad in his armor. I was about to tear up, so I jerked my head the other way, and gulped down my tears, and tried to think of something else. I grabbed my helmet and walked out of my door. I sighed deeply, trying to exhale the thoughts for now. I got on my scooter to head to school.

I started to push it, and accelerated heading in the normal path to school. When I got there, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle came to me more quickly than they usually do.

"Happy birthday!" They both said. Oh yeah... I forgot already.

"Oh, thanks guys!" I faked happiness for now. I'm gonna need to for the day. Everyone else is gonna want me to be happy, so I'll try to meet their expectations. I was usually happy anyway. Being anything less would make them suspicious. They don't need to know about my personal life all that much.

I walked into class with my friends. Ms. Cherilee was smiling as always. I sat in my assigned spot, near Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.

We waited for Ms. Cherilee to write something on the board. An assignment, a few math problems or something. She did. We were doing basic equations today. I sat there bored. I did my work and all, but I was bored. Well, I guess I looked more than bored. I felt empty. I hope I wasn't giving off any signal to it.  I faked a smile. No wait, I don't need to make it obvious. I made my smile slightly smaller. It's my birthday, but they say people can tell if you're fake smiling. I don't know exactly where I heard that, but whatever, I went with it.

Ms. Cherilee looked at me more than usual. What's with everybody? Am I a celebrity today? Do I look different? Ugh, I don't know.

"Happy birthday Scootaloo." She said enthusiastically.

"Thank you Ms. Cherilee!" I said in my fake happiness voice.

"Scoot, close your eyes, okay?" She said.  Close my eyes? Is this a prank? Whatever, I did it anyway.

"Everyone sing Happy birthday to Scootaloo!"

Everyone joined in song to sing me happy birthday.

"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!" After I heard "Happy birthday dear Scootaloo" I swear I heard a man's voice. I brushed it off as they all finished the song. Even this male voice.

"Scoot. open your eyes." She said. I opened. Near the door, was a solider. My...My daddy... He took off his helmet, and kneel'd down and opened his arms. For a few split seconds, I froze. I didn't believe it. My eyes developed tears, and a few fell down my cheeks. I got out of my seat to run to him

"DADDY!!" I yelled running to his arms crying my eyes out. I ran to his embrace. I cried into his chest, and he hugged me really tight. He cried a little into my mane.  "I missed you." I said through my sobs.

"I missed you too sweetie." He replied softly. "I told you I'd be back soon." He said, tightening his embrace.

Ms. Cherilee was tearing up a bit from the sight. Sweetie Belle and others did too. Not only did he come back, he came back on my birthday in a surprise. I feel so happy! My Daddy's home.

My Dad took me out of school for the day, and we ate lunch with mommy. We went to a very nice restaurant. We didn't eat fancy often. So it felt nice.

"What do you want for your birthday honey? You never actually told me." My mom said putting down her fork for a second.

"I really wanted to see Daddy. I didn't want anything else." I replied. I think I just got the best birthday gift ever.

That night Daddy actually tucked me in like a little filly. I laughed a little. He told me he wanted to remember more clearly, like before.

"Goodnight, sweetie."

"Goodnight. I love you Daddy!" I said.

"I love you too Scootaloo." He said, kissing me on the forehead.

I can rest assured that I can wake up tomorrow, knowing he'll be there to greet me in the morning.

"Happy birthday to me." I said, chuckling. And this time, I didn't have to fake the smile.