slice of life Transitioning Life

[aoEAF2FBvC0MIo2Q 3,671]

Okay, a disclaimer first and foremost.

 

The tags pretty much sums up what this is all about. I'm kinda in a rut about a new OC I've been trying to develop and instead of the usual approach of just thinking about events to place here and there, it's been decided that I would write a fan fic about a pivotal moment in the character's life. Whatever I get out of writing this will ultimately be incorporated in the character's backstory. So let's see where this takes us...

 

Warning; it does get a little dark and I don't mean it literally. Dark enough to warrant a Dark prefix? I guess not. Why? Suicide is a topic that gets touched on.

 

---

 

 

Prologue: That Fateful Night

 

The night was dark and quiet. Few of the light of stars above made it past the cloudy sky and even fewer got past the trees. Barely audible were the sounds of trotting made by an earth pony trotting along this path. This pony was carrying a stick with a lit lantern at the end. From the light, it could be seen that this pony was a stallion with a dull citric yellow coat, his long mane and tail a pale yellow color and he appeared to be wearing a lemon green tunic that matched the color of his eyes. His eyes told of melancholy. Up ahead there was a bridge connecting both ends of a gorge. His gaze was lowered as the bridge was coming into view but he kept trotting along the path. Finally he had reached the bridge and had crossed it up to about halfway. He then turned his attention along the gorge and beheld how this chasm separates two sides of the forest between the city of Tall Tale and the Smokey Mountain.  The dark night made it impossible to see the bottom of the chasm. The pony then blew out the lantern, welcoming darkness’ embrace. Shortly after, sniffling could be heard, followed by brief, random but dulled howls. Minutes pass before these sounds cease. A brief gust made the forest give a heavy and turbulent hiss and it kept on for about a minute.

   “I guess that’s that,” the citrus-colored pony uttered. 

Out of nowhere a twinkle came from further ahead into the forest. All was quiet; no creaking of the wood of the bridge, no rustling leaves from the trees. A sigh was uttered in the darkness. An unknown voice pierced the silence. "Hello? Is anypony there?"

Silence resumed. "Who's there...?" said the citrus colored pony in a despaired voice. Suddenly a light shone on the citrus pony, overwhelming his eyes.

"I-I don't know what you are but if you want to eat me... I won't stop you..." the earth pony said.

"What are you talking about?" the other voice responded. As the light got closer to the earth pony and his eyes started to adjust to the light, it could be seen that this other entity was a unicorn. This unicorn was a stallion that had a pale violet coat with a blue but scruffy mane and tail with eyes to match. His cutie mark were two fishes swinning in opposite directions with water appearing to ripple between them.

   "You're... not a monster..." the earth pony let out sorrowfully.

   "Last I checked I wasn't," responded the unicorn and continued; "but more importantly, what are you doing here and what were you planning to do?" he asked confrontationally. The earth pony began to sob which made it impossible for him to speak. He attempted to run off but the unicorn used his magic to lift him up just slightly into the air, making it impossible for the earth pony to run off. "I'm not letting you off until I get an answer. Just calm yourself down and I'll listen," the unicorn said.

After some time, the earth pony began to settle down just enough for him to speak. "I-I want to d-die. I-I d-don't want to l-live an-anymore."

   "But why?!" he asked baffled but very concerned. His tone made the earth pony cringe. "You barely look old enough to be an adult. Just how old are you?"

   "N-nineteen..." the earth pony answered.

   "Nineteen... Why cut your life so short? There is so much more to life than anypony your age could not possibly have experienced!"

The earth pony went silent and could not respond. He was let out of the lifting spell and gently brought to the ground.

   "Listen," said the unicorn in a candid voice, "It's going to rain soon and we better find shelter. Did you feel the droplets too? Please come with me," he asked. The earth pony nodded in response and followed the unicorn.

 

By a cul de sac somewhere in the forest stood a cabin. It was really pouring down. Inside were 

the two ponies with their lanterns lighting the inside of the cabin. The unicorn was drying himself off with a piece of cloth. He then started; "how impolite of me to not introduce myself. My name is Snow Perch. I live in these woods as a hermit. What's your name, friend?"

The earth pony looked at the unicorn bemusedly yet sad. Friend?

   "Um... My name is Morning Solitude but most ponies call me Sully," he answered.

   "Morning Solitude. It's a beautiful name that makes me think of pleasant things," said Snow Perch. "Sully," he addressed, "you should take that tunic off. It's soaked," he advised.

   "I, uh, don't need to. Yeah, it's alright, it isn't so bad. I'm sure it'll be dry by the time it's morning," he answered and then smiled nervously. Snow Perch, looking unamused clearly saw through that obvious lie.

   "You're going to get sick if you don't take that off," said Snow Perch.

   "I, uh... I don't take my clothes off to strangers," replied Sully nervously. 

Snow Perch facehoofed when he heard that. "Of all the desperate answers... Look, I don't know what is it you're hiding but come on, just what are you so afraid of?"

Sully sighed and whimpered. Snow Perch looked at Sully puzzled.

Sully raised his voice and said "fine! It's not like I haven't been through this before!" He turned to his side and lifted the tunic to expose his flank. Snow Perch had a look of realization in his eyes.

   "A blank flank," he said in a bewildered voice. "I see now... Is that why you wanted to end your life?" he asked.

   "If only that was the most of my problems," Sully answered.

   "It's okay," said Snow Perch, approaching Sully and placed his hoof on Sully's shoulder. "I promise to listen to whatever you have to say. Is it alright?" asked Snow Perch in a reassuring manner.

Morning Solitude nodded his head. "Mhm," he let out.

   "But first you need to take that tunic off," Snow Perch responded cheekily.

 

---

 

   "I am the youngest of three siblings. My father is chief engineer at the local wine production facility so he's quite respected. My mother works as a manager at that same plant. Considering the corporate hierarchy they're placed in, I'd say I'm born in a privileged family..." Sully started.

   "I see. Please continue," Snow Perch replied.

   "Well... At first, it seemed like I excelled in whatever it is I tried my hooves in. Fencing, archery, various other sports, science and math... Teachers and trainers have commented on how quickly I learn, how gifted I am and my parents were always proud of me when they hear about it. But seemingly no matter how good I get, my cutie mark never showed up and when it really matters, I always fall just short. It's like I'm always second best at everything."

   "So, you were in a lot of competitions then."

   "That's right."

   "But you said your parents are proud of you, right?"

   "Were proud of me... At first, all those silver medals and trophies seemed like I did have something in me but that it was never quite enough. I know this is going to sound selfish but I just feel so overshadowed every time I got beaten AND my opponent gets their cutie mark. If it was just me coming in second I would have been fine with it. The thing is, there'd be a grand celebration for my opponent winning first place and getting his cutie mark and all but it just seems like people forget that I exist. It's happened more than once," said Sully with his head low.

   "Actually, that's understandable," rebutted Snow Perch. "As social creatures, we do have a need to feel acknowledged so please don't feel ashamed to talk about these sorts of things."

Sully scratched his head and got his head back up. "Of course, there's also the thing with me being a blank flank. Everypony thinks less of me because of it. Especially at my age. Most ponies get their cutie marks before or at the latest, just when hitting puberty. But what really got to me was how my parents have been acting around me recently. They don't pay as much attention to me like they used to and I'm too afraid to talk about it," explained Sully.

   "If you ask me, I think it'd be a good idea to bring this up to them. Let them know how you are feeling," commented Snow Perch.

   "If only that had worked..." said Sully in a dreadful tone.

   "Oh... But what happened?" asked Snow Perch.

   "Whenever I brought this up to either of my parents, they would outright dismiss it as me just being paranoid or imagining things and to just get over it. My mom would lecture me on how I'm not lesser to anyone and my father would just joke about it. When I called out my mother on her example not matching her words, she got pretty furious at me. After that I figured that nobody wants to hear about what I feel."

   "But don't you have any close friends, Sully?"

   "Firends...?" he asked sarcastically. "Just like with my parents, they pretty much lost interest in me. I guess having a blank flank around them just seemed to cramp their style," he said very cynically.

   "Well, you do have a good understanding of what's upsetting you, at least," said Snow Perch.

   "If only I knew what to do about it though. That's the thing... I'm just trapped..." Sully said, lowering his head again in despair. He raised it back up when Snow Perch began to talk.

   "Don't fret. We can talk some more in the morning and I'm sure your parents will be worried about you," said Snow Perch optimistically.

Sully lowered his head again, looking cynical. "Yeah. You never know you had something until you lost it."

   "Please," responded Snow Perch. "You can't go on thinking like that. You shouldn't. Things may seem bleak now but if you give up, if you stop trying, that's the surest way to stay stuck!"

   "I guess," sully replied non-chalantly.

   "Tell you what, I'll accompany you on your way back home and we could perhaps spend some time at your place," suggested Snow Perch.

   "I don't know," responded Sully. "You look rather unkempt. I mean... you really do look like a hermit."

   "I'll be sure to wash up better at the spring then. Problem solved,” he answered confidently.

   "If you say so..." remarked Sully with doubt in his eyes.

 

---

 

Footnote: more to come.

 

Character appearances

 

Morning Solitude (Sully)

 

Snow Perch

Edited June 9, 2015 by SunBurn

[Smokie-Horse 83]

Was cool story. All I'd maybe change is the opening sentence, "The night was dark and quiet". This is just me, but I don't quite think it does the good stuff that comes later justice. I bet it sounds picky, but the first sentence is pretty much both the one we want to get done fastest, and the one that will have the biggest effect on the readers of all.

 

Other than that, nice OC, good horse names, and I like how much dialogue you use. And I do also like how you can spin up an ominous tone in about three sentences flat. 

 

Good luck with the rest!

[aoEAF2FBvC0MIo2Q 3,671]

Was cool story. All I'd maybe change is the opening sentence, "The night was dark and quiet". This is just me, but I don't quite think it does the good stuff that comes later justice. I bet it sounds picky, but the first sentence is pretty much both the one we want to get done fastest, and the one that will have the biggest effect on the readers of all.

I gave it some thought so how's this?

 

Few of the light of the nightly stars made it past the cloudy sky and even fewer got past the trees. All was quiet in wind's absence.

 

 

 

Other than that, nice OC, good horse names, and I like how much dialogue you use. And I do also like how you can spin up an ominous tone in about three sentences flat. 

Which three sentences, if I may ask?

 

 

 

Good luck with the rest!

Thanks. And thank you for taking the time. 

 

UPDATE: Chapter 1 has been revised quite a fair amount. Quick link to the post with Chapter 1.

---

 

- Deleted -

Edited June 9, 2015 by SunBurn

[Smokie-Horse 83]

I gave it some thought so how's this?

 

Few of the light of the nightly stars made it past the cloudy sky and even fewer got past the trees. All was quiet in wind's absence.

 

 

 

Which three sentences, if I may ask?

 

 

 

Thanks. And thank you for taking the time. 

 

 

 

Firstly, that's considerably better. It really wasn't the way you'd written the original version that made me recommend changing them, just how simple they were; the rest of the text was anything but simple, hence my opinion. Secondly, the very first three. And thirdly, it's my pleasure, friend.  

[aoEAF2FBvC0MIo2Q 3,671]

Chapter 1 has been revised and put into a whole body. Keep scrolling till you see it.

Edited June 9, 2015 by SunBurn

[Dark Bun 681]

Not bad at all. My only complaint is that it looks like a wall of text. Double space and indent each new paragraph. Also whenever a character speaks a new paragraph started.

 

example

 

        "I'll just have to study overtime to pass that test", Twilight said enthusiastically.

 

        "Twilight, you've been at this for two days. Just give it a break.", Spike replied worryingly. Spike knew Twilight needed to get outside with her friends, but when Twilight starts a study session, it doesn't stop for anypony. "Don't you think your friends want to see you?"

[aoEAF2FBvC0MIo2Q 3,671]

@, I'm afraid if I do that, it'll be major page stretch. This story's going to have a lot of dialog. But I'll try something different at least.

Edited June 9, 2015 by SunBurn

[Dark Bun 681]

@, This is much better and easier to read. The only reason why I brought that up is because for me it's a turn off when the text is just thrown on there. Even if the story is top notch; it can still fail due to grammar. Please continue the story /)

 

P.S. keep a look out for my fic soon ^.^

Edited October 20, 2014 by Reloaded Dice

[aoEAF2FBvC0MIo2Q 3,671]

I've revised Chapter 1. I have a better grasp of the characters now as well as what I'm going to do with them. Hopefully Chapter 2 will be out some time soon. Within the month, I mean.

 

---

 

Chapter 1: The Household

 

   “Wow, no wonder you didn’t want us taking the stairs,” said Snow Perch upon seeing which floor Sully had pressed inside the elevator.

   “Yeah,” replied Sully unenthusiastically.

There were stops along the way where ponies came and went. It was Sully’s turn to step off and Snow Perch followed him. The air of the entrance to this floor different than that of the ground floor. Here, detergent hung in the air, an air that was also very cool and very filtered both on the senses and the spirit.  

   “This seems like a pretty nice place to come home to for a city pony,” commented Snow Perch as he looked around the pale yellow corridor adorned with a decorative lighting fixture on the opposite side of every apartment door.

   “Uh-huh,” responded Sully apathetically.

Snow Perch looked puzzled at Sully. For some reason the idea of living in relative luxury isn’t really speaking to him, it seems. Suddenly, Sully stopped trotting. Snow Perch continued until the two were side-by-side.

   “Is something wrong, Sully?” asked Snow Perch.

   “I think there’s something I need to tell you that I didn’t mention this morning. As you know, I left on my own and in order to do so, well… I just fabricated something. Basically, I lied to my parents that I would have company and that I’d be back before dusk. So who is this other person I was with and why didn’t I come home as I said I would,” explained Sully.

   “Oh… Yeah, you did say that your mother tends to be controlling,”

Sully nodded. “So yeah, let’s not be so quick to see them. In fact, let—“

Sully was cut off by a big gasp that to them echoed along the carpeted hallway as their senses were heightened. Sully froze at the sight of the source; it was a very angry-looking mare. Her cutie mark is that of a fire ant but what was really striking about her at the moment were her gold-colored eyes that contrasted her rather dark and dull red coat and pruple mane and tail colors, making her gaze appear even more piercing.

   “Morning Solitude! Get over here!” she yelled out.

   “Just go. There’s nothing more you can do,” said Sully to Snow Perch as he began to trot to his livid mother.

   “I’m the one she’s after. Don’t get yourself involved. Leave now. Please,” asked Sully.

   “I’m staying by your side,” answered Snow Perch.

   “I… I warned you…” whimpered Sully.

   “The only reason I let you go was because you told me that you had company and that you would be back before sundown. Not before sundown today but YESTERDAY!” she hollered. In the distance was a cleaning pony staring at the lot.

Sully cringed and already looked weary, unable to speak.

   “I’m sorry ma’am. There was a pretty fierce storm in the forest last night so it would have been dangerous to head back home at the scheduled time. I’m afraid it was completely out of our hooves but I apologize for not planning ahead,” Snow Perch explained.

   “And who in Celestia’s name are you?” asked the mother suspiciously.

   “Why, I’m glad you asked. My name is Snow Perch. I guide visitors across the forest for sightseeing purposes. Pleased to meet you, ma’am” answered Snow Perch calmly and sincerely.

   “Morning Solitude,” his mother called. “Why did you not tell me you were going into that filthy forest?” she asked demandedly.

Sully was afraid to speak. The fear in his heart paralysed him. He knew that he could not reveal his true intentions but what lie to tell? He barely had the chance to process what was it Snow Perch had just said. “It just slipped my mind…” he said hopelessly.

   “You should know better than to lie to me, Morning Solitude. Now tell me, I DEMAND that you reveal to me the reason why you chose not to tell me that you were going there,” she asserted.

   “If I may just have one moment, ma’am,” asked Snow Perch.

The mother turned towards Snow Perch, looking at him attentively but with skepticism.

   “Why don’t we get inside the family apartment and continue our conversation in a more comfortable environment?” suggested Snow Perch, keeping his calm and sincere demeanor. “Your son has made a mistake but I saw to it that he return safely and he indeed has. What’s more, he’s been telling me a lot about his family back home and I would look forward to hearing more about you, miss Embers.”

   She looked surprised at him but moments later, her mood let up. “My, you do know how to talk to a lady. Very well then,” she said, her tone mellow with an intrigued expression. “I must say, we weren’t expecting guests. Please wait here while I touch things up a little,” she said before trotting off to their apartment, shutting the door behing her and leaving the two ponies in the corridor.

   Sully turned his weary gaze to Snow Perch.

   “She’s… uh… one heck of a lady,” Snow perch remarked nervously.

Sully sighed and turned his head down, closing his eyes.

   “Is something wrong, Sully? The situation’s been defused, has it not?” asked a concerned Snow Perch.

   “Why are you standing up for me like this? Is leaving really so hard?” Sully commented.

   “What are you saying? I did my best trying to de-escalate the situation!” rebutted Snow Perch indignantly.

   “It’s not that I’m ungrateful. I’m just confused. That’s all. Why do this for me? Why?” he asked, turning his gaze straight towards Snow Perch.

   He paused in response. “Why do you ask that?” he retorted.

   “I just can’t remember the last time somepony did that for me.” Answered Sully, turning his gaze down. “And to put yourself in the line of fire between me and my mother the way you did… I don’t know what to say…” explained Sully in a quiet voice.

   “Oh… I see… Helping out a friend is just the right thing to do. Or any person in need for that matter. Especially a friend in need,” answered Snow Perch gleefully, chuckling a little.

   There he goes again with that F-word. Before Sully could respond, his mother opened the door wearing a garish purple dress. It was a cheongsam that matched her mane and trimmings that matched her eyes.

   “Gentlecolts. You may now enter,” she announced, holding the door open for then and confidently pointing them to the open entrance.

   “Come on, Sully,” encouraged Snow Perch.

   “Uh-huh,” Sully responded, his voice trembling slightly.

   “We’ll get through this. Don’t you worry,” said Snow Perch in a reassuring tone.

Sully gave Snow Perch a tight hug.

Snow Perch, after regaining his composure from a sudden hug, patted his hoof on Sully’s back.

   “Let’s go,” said Snow Perch quietly but optimistically.

 

---

 

   “So, what would you colts like to drink?” asked the mother.

Snow Perch was the first to give an answer. “Something warm would be nice. Do you have tea?”

Sully nodded. “Tea would be lovely,” he said.

   “Then it’s settled. I’ll also bring small slices of cake if that’s alright,” she responded, waiting for feedback.

   “Not too much cake. We sorta just ate,” answered Snow Perch. Sully nodded in agreement.

   “Good. I’ll be right back,” she answered before heading off.

   “Come,” said Snow Perch. “Let’s sit somewhere comfortable and talk while we wait.”

   “That sounds good.”

 

The guest room felt quite spacious and they had a nice view of the city of Tall Tale in between the other tall buildings. From the window you could see the two ponies sitting next to one another on one of the sofas surrounding three sides of the table except for the one nearest to the window. You could also see the kitchen where Embers is checking the refrigerator while a tea pan was being heated on the stove. One corridor led to the entrance while another appear to connect to different rooms. 

 

Looking back into the guest room, Snow Perch was once again the one to start the conversation.

   “Sully,” he asked, but stayed silent.

   “Yes, Snow Perch?” Sully asked in return.

   “What is it that goes through your mind when you’re here at home?”

   “To just get through the day with as few bumps as possible. I must say, if you hadn’t been around, I surely would have gotten smacked around and put down. That’s probably what awaits me as soon as you leave,” Sully explained.

   “To just get through the day with as few bumps as possible…” Snow Perch repeated, sounding perplexed. “You don’t mean that literally, do you?” he asked with concern.

   “Of course not,” Sully answered. “I mean it more as in wanting a smoother ride.”

   “Oh, like that. So your life pretty much revolves around not getting your mother upset?” asked Snow Perch.

   “I guess…” answered Sully, removing eye contact. “That’s all I really think about – at least at home.”

   “All those sports you participated in, all those classes you took. Was it all to please her? Did you even want to go do all that?”

   “Well… She would get me into all of those things and would cheer me on,” Sully said before returning his gaze towards Snow Perch. “Back then she was very good at getting me encouraged. I would get good in what I did and make her proud,” he continued before turning his gaze away again. “It always worked up until final moments,” he explained.

   “But—“ Snow Perch was cut off.

   “Here you are, gentlecotls” Sully’s mother said before placing the tray with the tea pot, tea cups, saucers and tea cakes on the table near the sofa. She took a seat to the side of the table from where Sully and Snow Perch were sitting. She sat down and placed the sole of her front hooves just beneath her nuzzle, her face looking curious yet smug. “So tell me, Snow Perch. I really am eager to hear about what my son has been saying,” she let out.

   “Of course,” said Snow Perch. “Sully has told me about how much he wants to please you, for you to be proud of him.”

   “Aww, how sweet. You know I’ll always be proud of you, Sully,” she responded with glee. Sully’s expression was just blank. All he did was nod. Nothing was said. The mother continued: “Anything else?”

   “When we spent the night at my cabin. After the storm, he told me how he was worried about you, knowing you’d be worried about him,” Snow Perch continued.

   “I don’t think you have any idea! You don’t know what happens around here at night! Oh, I was wondering if he had gotten foalnapped or robbed and beaten. For all I know he could have been seeing mares and get them pregnant! Or even get himself infected!” she ranted. Good thing Sully wasn’t ingesting anything because otherwise he would have choked upon hearing that. He did look the part though.

   “Well, I kept him safe the whole night and here he is in one piece and in good health.” Snow Perch noted and pointed to Sully.

   “And thank you dearly for that. I cannot express how grateful I am for doing what you did,” she answered, then bowed her head towards Snow Perch.

Suddenly the door bell rang and it got everypony’s attention.

   “I’ll go get it. It must be my husband,” she let the other ponies know and went to the door. Sully reached for the tea pot and poured tea for both of them.

   “Thank you, Sully,” responded Snow Perch to getting his tea cup filled. Sully made eye contact with him and said “you’re welcome,” looking content as he did. Sully picked up his tea cup but the way he blew at it came off as more of a sigh. Snow Perch used his magic to lift his tea cup and blew at it gently before taking touching the liquid content with his upper lip. “Still a little too hot,” he commented. Sully just sat there with his eyes closed and gave his tea cup another blow, but a more gentle one this time. Suddenly a voice ran across the room.

“Sully!”

Both Snow Perch and Sully turned to the direction of the call. This earth pony stallion had a lemon green coat, lime-colored mane and tail with bright green eyes. He had a decent build and his cutie mark was a pressure gauge. Without wasting much time, he went right in front of Sully, stood on his hind legs, spread his forward legs and looked at Sully with joy. Sully, having picked up on the signal asking for a hug, he placed his tea back onto the table and got up but before he could give his father a hug, his father pretty much got to him first, holding Sully’s front legs to his sides and began to pat him hard on the back.

   “You really had us worried, son! I’m so glad you’re back! And in one piece too!”

Sully let his head lay on his father’s back while in the hug and his face looked really sad. His face tells that he’s holding back feelings of pain. Though given the circustances, what kind of pain is he really holding back now? His father released him and Sully’s expression looked worn and weary. He refused to speak.

   “Is something wrong, Sully?” asked his father worriedly.

Sully simply shook his head which was haning low, eyes to the floor. He swallowed and finally began to talk. “Nothing’s wrong. I’m here. Like you said – in one piece,” he answered but avoiding eye contact as he did.

   “Don’t ever scare us like that again, kid. It was really terrible, you hear?” his father remarked. Sully just nodded upon hearing that. His father turned his gaze towards the guest. “Hello there. Who might you be?” he asked with a friendly and open-minded tone.

   “I’m Snow Perch. I kept Sully safe the whole night. Pleased to meet you, sir.” He greeted and extended his right hoof forward.

Sully’s father shook hooves with Snow Perch and spoke; “The name’s Snug Roll and the pleasure’s all mine. I can’t thank you enough for bringing our son back safe and sound. I don’t know what we would’ve done had something terrible happened to him. Can’t tell you how frightening the thought was,” he said looking very insecure. He then continued: “But suffice it to say, we lost a full night of sleep,” he said, his voice and tone as clear as couldless skies.

Out of nowhere came a voiceless whisper; “I’ll be right back.” It was Sully as he started trotting off into the direction of to the other corridor leading to the other rooms.

   “Let’s eat out tonight. It’ll be my treat! You get to decide where we’re going, Sully!” his father cheerfully proclaimed but Sully went on as if nothing was said. Both Snug Roll and Snow Perch looked at one another puzzled.

“He seems to be in a hurry,” his father said with worried skepticism in his look.

 

---

 

Heavy consecutive hisses came out of his throat. His lips were shaking as he kept rubbing his eyes but the tears flowed flaster than his hooves could deflect. Yet despite everything, something was missing; his voice.

“What have I done?” he whispered. “Was I really about to take my life away? They are still my parents and I am still their son and I was about to rob them of myself!” he screamed out without his voice. He knows that there is a mirror right beside him but he couldn’t bear to face it. “Why? Just why?!” He went on in his voiceless rant, which kept going on and on but with each passing voiceless exclamation, he calmed down a little more until he regained some composure, although still breathing heavily. Although he cried for a while, it did help to calm him down compared to how he entered. He went to the bathroom sink to wash his face but before he did, he looked into the mirror and caught the look of a worn-out young stallion. It looked as though some hidden force was pulling him down as though the force of gravity had multiplied, seeming to pull at every square inch of his skin, every strand of hair. Every little detail he could spot looked heavy and weighed down. He placed one hoof on the mirror but his eyes were locked onto this pony standing in heavy gravity. “Please,” the reflection seemed to utter. Soon after he shook his head wildly and drew his hoof, looking at it as though to make sure it was really his. He looked into the mirror again and he looked at the reflection but unlike before, this time he saw the reflection with a sense of familiar recognition. He rubbed his hoof on his head for a bit and looked down. “What… was that?” he whispered to himself. “Am I going crazy? Am I really breaking down?” he whispered to himself again. Giving up on thinking about it, he started washing his hands before washing his face. After drying his face he tried looking at the mirror’s reflection again. All he was looking at was just that; a reflection. He tilted his head, squinted his eyes, looking closer as though he’s searching for something but not being able to find it. He withdrew himself, looking towards the sink as he rubbed the side of his head again. “I better not dwell on this,” he told himself. He seemed to have regained full composure this time. “The least I can do is fix myself up a little” he continued before reaching for the toothbrush.

 

---

 

Meanwhile with Snow Perch and Snug Roll just after Sully headed off…

 

   “He seems to be in a hurry,” his father said with worried skepticism in his look as Sully trotted off.

   “Yeah…” said Snow Perch worriedly. “Mr. Snug Roll,” Snow Perch called. “I’ve heard that Sully has siblings and that they’ve moved out and on their own.”

   “Oh yes, Metro Shade, the eldest son and our daughter Meadow Howl. Metro Shade is finishing his college degree in civil engineering while Meadow Howl is also finishing up her curriculum in teaching. Sully... He finished high school and we already sent him to a college but he dropped out in the first year,” his father said somewhat sadly. “I do worry about him. Me and his mother Embers do want him to have a bright future,” he continued.

   Suddenly, Embers’ voice pierced the two’s conversation. “Hey, where did Sully go? He hasn’t touched his cake. Not even his tea,” she observed.

   “He went to the bathroom by the looks of it. He’ll be back in a minute, I’m sure,” Snug Roll said somewhat concerned.

   “Must’ve been a long walk from the forest,” she surmised.

   “Sorta,” said Snow Perch. He then used telekinesis to take a sip of his tea. “Mmm,” he let out in enjoyment. “But I gotta ask something,” he let be known. “How do you feel about how Sully has been doing lately?”

   “Pardon me but that’s none of your business,” Embers asserted.

Snow Perch looked surprised by this response but then just looked at her puzzled.

   “Just now your husband was telling me that you worry about him,” Snow Perch responded.

   “Oh, is that a fact,” she said and looked sharply at Snug Roll. He looked back at her, smiling a little nervously. Embers turned her gaze back to Snow Perch. “Well, what did he tell you?”

   “That you worry about him and want him to have a bright future,” he answered.

   “Oh please, that’s what all parents do,” she responded dismissively. “When you have children yourself, you’ll understand,” she explained.

   “That much is obvious…” he started, “but... it seemed to be of a particular concern,” he stressed. “If it were normal concern, I don’t think it would have been brought up. Sully’s a nice kid, he wants you to be proud of him but he worries that he falls short,”

   “Fall short?!” responded Embers fiercely. “I’ll have you know that he has many trophies in his room which is more than many other stallions his age can say,” she let out, turning her face to the side, her eyes closed and her chin held up. “And Sully is not a kid,” she continued, returning her focus on Snow Perch. “He is eighteen,” she asserted somewhat forcefully.

Snow Perch looked at Embers a little frightened. “You must be very proud of him,” he said.

   “And you better believe it,” she said sternly.

   “I’m sorry if I brought shame unto him or yourself, Ms. Embers,” Snow Perch apologized.

   “Erm… Huh?” she stopped, looking surprised from what she just heard, then realizing what Snow Perch was referring to after processing what he had just said. She sighed and lowered her head a little, looking regretful. “Sorry about lashing out like that. I’ve been worrying about Sully. I want him to be successful. I want him to have a good life, have a good career, to be respected,” she said, then looking to the side. “But we’re at a road block. We sent him to college for a psychology curriculum but he dropped out after the first year. He’s been highly demotivated and we’ve been letting him see a psychiatrist himself but that hasn’t been working either,” she explained before turning her gaze to Snow Perch, looking serious and concerned. “We don’t know where to go from here. He isn’t very prepared for the workplace either. Lacking motivation, I’m quite afraid he’ll be stuck doing menial labor for the rest of his life. Making matters worse, he hasn’t even gotten his cutie mark yet! At the very least, he HAS to get a good education! It’s the only way he’ll end up having a good career and be successful.”

   Snow Perch’s eyes widened. “I… I see…” he let out. He looked to his left and wondered. “What would Sully personally want to do in these times? Where would he personally want to go from here?” he asked.

   “I don’t know. He never says anything anymore,” she answered, shaking her head for a moment.

   Snow Perch sighed. “Let’s just continue to enjoy our visit. Maybe it’d be a good idea to also bring tea and cakes for yourselves, Ms. Embers and Mr. Snug Roll. When Sully comes back, we can all talk together.”

   Embers nodded and then simply got up and went for the kitchen.

   “I’m sorry about that,” said Snug Roll.

   “Don’t worry about it, it’s fine,” answered Snow Perch.

   “She really hated to admit it but… she’s right about everything but she just gets so ashamed about it…” explained Snug Roll with a sad tone.

   “I kinda noticed,” asnwered Snow Perch. “So… about that dinner,” he said to change the topic. “Am I invited?” he asked positively.

   “You who kept our son safe and brought him back home? Let me think about it…” he said sarcastically and jokingly took a ponderous posture. Snow Perch grinned.

   Snug Roll suddenly pointed at Snow Perch with perfect poker face. “You’re paying though,” Snow Perch looked back at him surprised. Snug roll then started laughing and then Snow Perch shortly after.