GREEN
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2763 15.16 KB 308
2763 15.16 KB 308
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>Sleep takes you easily that night with Rest at your side.
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>However, you’re not free, not yet.
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>You find yourself in field at night, seemingly alone.
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“Hello?”
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>Silence is all there is.
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>As you start to look around, you see it.
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>The pale eyes.
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>Your heart starts to race.
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“No.”
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>Eri.
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>The pony forms and starts to lumber towards you.
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>You start to back up, but find a surprise.
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>On either side of you are Rest and Connie.
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>You quickly look at each of them in shock.
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“You’re both here?”
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>They each smile and nod before stepping forth.
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>”We would never leave you behind.”
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>>”We’re your friends, and friends stick together.”
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>You feel courage swell within you, so you join them.
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>The abomination grows and growls.
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>You three stand tall against it, never backing down.
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>You call out in defiance.
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“I’m not alone anymore!”
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>It charges forth, and just when it seemed like it would strike you.
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>A flash of light from you three blasts into it.
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>The beast screeches and twists.
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>As it rapidly fades you see Connie and Rest looking at you with a smile.
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>With that, you awaken.
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>You’re alone in bed, but you know that Rest is down stairs.
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>As you perform your morning routine, you finish drying off and a thought occurs to you.
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>Stopping at the mirror you take a good look at yourself.
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>Your coat is a little lighter, mane looks healthier, and the bags under your eyes have faded a bit.
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>One word comes to mind.
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“Normal.”
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>That’s not entirely true, but it’s a start.
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>Rest and you talk at breakfast.
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“-so we stood against the monster and some light comes out and blasts it to oblivion.”
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>She is looking at you with a smirk.
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>”Well, at least that’s finally over.”
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“Yeah, it’s good to see that damn thing gone.”
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>Rest nods at your excitement.
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>”Maybe you’ll sleep better now?”
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>While it’s true the nightmare is gone, you know that you’re far from fixed.
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“Maybe, but does that mean we won’t cuddle anymore?”
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>She laughs and shakes her head.
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>”I’ll continue to cuddle you, I know you’re a bit restless.”
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>After breakfast, you help her clean up.
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>The two of you head into the living room and talk while you two wait.
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>”So, how are you feeling?”
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>You hesitate, reflecting on what has occurred this week.
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“Honestly, the best I’ve been in a long time.”
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>Rest smiles, she knows you’re telling the truth.
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>”That’s wonderful to hear. You’ve been through a lot.”
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>You could say that again.
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>Though you would rather never have to go through it again.
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“Yeah, it’s a start in the right direction to being normal.”
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>She places a hoof on your wither, grabbing your attention.
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>”Eri, normal isn’t normal. In the end, being the best you can be is what matters.”
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>You raise a eyebrow at her.
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“Since when did you start giving motivational words?”
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>She laughs.
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>”Eh, it happens sometimes. Regardless, I will be here to support you the best I can.”
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>’She will leave eventually.’
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>Someday, yeah.
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“So, when are you heading back to work?”
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>She looks a little surprised at your question.
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>”Next week actually, but I will keep visiting of course. Like I always do.”
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>Hopefully you won’t fall back into the same routine.
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>’We’ll see about that.’
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>NO.
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>You’re better than that now, sure you’re not entirely fixed.
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>But that doesn’t mean you haven’t made the steps to make it through the day with your head held higher.
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>A stray thought hits you.
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>Looking to the clock, you realize that Connie will be arriving shortly.
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>You start to get up and Rest looks at you quizzically.
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“I’ll be back soon, I have something I got to do.”
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>”Oh, okay, is everything fine?”
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>You nod before heading upstairs.
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“Yeah, I’m feeling inspired.”
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>She smiles and watches you go.
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>At your desk, you channel what you’re feeling into writing.
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>Still looks like shit, but it doesn’t matter.
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>You’re certain they will like this.
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>As you’re finishing up, you hear Rest letting Connie in.
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>Feels like a stone is in your gut, but you must push on.
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>Heading downstairs, you see that Connie has a basket and her violin case.
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>She smiles at you.
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>>”Hello Eri, I hope you’re still feeling up to this.”
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>A part of you screams no, but in the end, you smile back.
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“Yeah, I can do this, as long as I have you two.”
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>You three head through the back door and into the yard.
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>The bright light hurts your eyes, and slowly, you start to adjust.
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>Its a small backyard, not much different than other homes.
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>Noticing the tall grass, you feel a little shame.
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“Oh shit sorry, I forgot about that.”
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>Rest tries to reassure you.
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>”It’s okay Eri, we can just take this indoors.”
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>However, Connie shakes her head and says.
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>>”Don’t worry you two, I bought a few more blankets just in case.”
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>You feel surprised, you didn’t expect her to think about the grass.
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>What are you saying, of course she did, she had plenty of time to plan this out.
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>Shaking out of your thoughts, you help the other two set things up.
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>Even with the spare blankets, its a bit lumpy.
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>A strong aroma catches your attention and you turn to seeing Connie opening up the basket.
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>She notices you staring and smiles.
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>Slowly she brings out a large dish with some kinda pasta.
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>Your stomach calls out and you feel a small blush.
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>Both her and Rest laugh a little.
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>”Yeah, that does look good, doesn’t it?”
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>Nodding, Connie grabs a few plates and sets them for each of you.
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>>”It’s Penne Alla Vodka. I picked it up fresh from the restaurant down the way.”
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>You’ve never heard of it, but honestly, you give zero fucks.
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>After getting your plate, you barely contain yourself.
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>As you chew your first, you unintentionally let a moan of satisfaction.
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>Connie lets out a giggle.
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>>”So I see you’ve never had this before?”
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>You say no words, but just shake your head vigorously.
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>Rest enthusiastically asks.
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>”I got to learn how to make this, you wouldn’t happen to know the recipe?”
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>>”Thankfully, I do. I would’ve rather have made it myself, but can’t cook at the tavern.”
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>Swallowing, you ask her.
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“That’s where you have been staying?”
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>She looks at you a bit surprised.
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>>”Of course. I don’t know of anypony, other than you, around here that would let me stay.”
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>That hurt a little, but you remember that she didn’t know, not then at least.
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>Connie picks up her case and steps away from you two.
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>You feel a little confused at first, but then it hits you.
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“It’s been a long time since I’ve heard you play Connie.”
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>Rest looks back to the both of you.
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>”I never had the time to really enjoy a live show, so this should be interesting.”
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>Connie just smiles, sets down the case, and opens it.
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>She brings the violin to her chin.
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>With practiced ease, she adjusts the instrument and closes her eyes.
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>Slowly she brings the bow to the strings and draws out a tune.
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>The melody carries through the air.
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>You feel a soothing calmness course through you.
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>Looking over to Rest, you notice she gently sways to the music.
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>You join her, it’s been far to long since you felt this way.
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>The song rises and thoughts of happy gatherings enters your mind.
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>You breath a sigh of contentment.
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>All the while, Connie has her eyes closed appears like the violin and her are one.
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>The tune slows down and with it, a small pang of longing fills you.
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>It starts to pick up again, and like before, you feel joy.
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>Before long, she finishes.
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>Unable to contain yourself, you and Rest clop your hooves on the ground in a show of applause.
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>Connie’s eye open, sparkling, and she gently bows.
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>>”Thank you, now then. Time to join you two in eating.”
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“That was amazing Connie.”
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>Rest nods in an agreement.
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>”Indeed, that was wonderful. Thank you for playing.”
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>She smiles at you two as she sets her violin back in its case.
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>>”Of course, that is one thing I pride myself in, and that is perfecting my craft.”
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>Connie joins you two and grabs a plate.
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>As the three of you eat, you continue to talk amongst yourselves.
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>”So you’ve been playing your whole life?”
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>>”Yes, my mother always composed for many musicians. It wasn’t that surprising when I got my cutiemark in music.” She smiles softly, remembering. “Both of my parents were so proud of me.”
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>You remember when your parents found out about your cutiemark.
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>Mom was happy about it, though dad was neutral.
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>He was always distant, but he seem like he tried.
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>The painful memory replays itself.
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>You had been feeling especially low that day.
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>After getting your usual treatment of teasing and name calling, you felt like you were breaking.
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>You had barely made it home, and found yourself alone.
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>While trying to study, bad thoughts started to form.
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>Memories of each and every moment came crashing in.
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>You broke down.
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>As you cried, you felt so very alone and hopeless.
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>Connie wasn’t around as much, and bullies never let up.
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>Somehow in your state, you remembered reading once that writing down your thoughts helped ponies who were going through tough times.
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>The problem was, you never left the tough times, not until recently.
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>As you wrote, the words flowed freely onto paper.
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>You read them back and felt immense sadness.
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>It was there, that a flash of light caught your attention.
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>Looking back, you saw the broken heart that adorn your flank.
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>Though you had gotten your mark, it made you break down further.
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>Because it was there, that you could only write about your misery.
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>Rest pulls you out of your memories with a look of pure worry.
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>”Eri?! Eri?! Can you hear me?”
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>You shake your head and look back to the two.
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>They both have a look of great concern on their faces.
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>You try to calm them down, but you can see the doubt still there.
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“Ye-yeah, sorry, was thinking about the past.”
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>Connie tries to consul you.
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>>”Are you certain? Was it something I said?”
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>Not entirely, but she doesn’t need to know.
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>Smiling at them both, you keep trying to calm them down.
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“Yeah, I’m fine. Guess most of this week finally caught up to me.”
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>They both finally relax a little, but you can see the uncertainty on their faces.
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>You need to break them out of this, so you get up.
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>”Where are you going?”
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>Looking to them both, you smile and respond.
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“I have to go get something, be right back.”
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>They look at each other before looking back to you.
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>”Okay.”
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>>”Hurry back.”
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>You nod and quickly make your way back inside.
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>As you trot up the stairs, you feel a little excited.
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>’You shouldn’t do this.’
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>I’m going to.
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>’What makes you think this will be any good?’
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>I don’t care.
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>’They will laugh at you.’
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>No, they won’t.
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>’You’re making a mistake Eri.’
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>Then I’ll deal with it.
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>You reach your desk and look at your poetry book.
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>The black cover reflects a little light.
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>You carefully trace your hoof over the heart on the cover.
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>Mom got this for you after the incident.
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>You’ve cherished it ever since.
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>Picking it up, you hurry back outside.
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>The light still stings, and slowly you readjust to the outdoors.
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>Connie and Rest are still were you left them, talking.
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>They both turn to you with a look of curiosity.
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>Taking a breath, you gather yourself.
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>Heart is racing, but you will make it through it.
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>You approach them both, and sit down.
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“I wrote a poem about what I’ve gone through this week.”
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>They both have varying looks of shock.
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>”Oh? So that’s what you were doing earlier.”
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>>”Well, I’m happy to hear whatever you have written.”
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>Feeling a swell of pride, you nod and open the book.
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>Taking one final breath, you prepare yourself to read it aloud to them.
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Alone in my mind, I am surrounded by my thoughts
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Dark thoughts wrapping around me like a blanket of fear and doubt
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Shoving me left and right, up and down
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I seek a light as bright as day
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Alone in my world, I scream to the masses
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Words that never reach their ears or their hearts
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Tears that fall, pain that is felt
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I seek serenity from this terror
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Hope in my hour, I am gifted with care
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Gentle care given like a present to friend or family
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Carrying me through the storm, through the night
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I find a light that protects
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Hope in my life, I am surrounded by friends
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Best friends that will be with me through thick and thin
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Tears of joy, words of happiness
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I find purpose from this destiny
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>As you finish, you look back up to them.
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>They both start to clop their hooves in applause.
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>”That was beautiful Eri.”
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>>”Just as great as I remember.”
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>Without warning you start to cry, overjoyed with their response.
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>They reach out and share a hug with you.
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>You cry into their manes and onto their shoulders.
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>”Shh, it’s okay.”
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>>”We are here for you, I never want to change that.”
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>You say nothing and just nod.
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>Slowly you calm down with their help.
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>Pulling back, you see they are both wearing a large smile.
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“Sorry, I’m just happy.”
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>They both nod.
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>”I’m happy, that you’re happy.”
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>>”I couldn’t agree more.”
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>Things finally calm down, and you three clean up.
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>The day is drawing closer to its end.
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>With it, dread starts to fill you.
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>You try to shake it off, but you cannot help it.
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>The three of you return to the living room.
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>Connie forces a smile.
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>>”Suppose I should get going soon. Have to catch the train after all.”
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>You don’t want her to go.
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>You don’t want this day to end, not yet.
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“Yeah, I guess you do.”
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>She sees your distress and tries to comfort you.
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>>”Eri, I will be back, I promise. I’m going to write the both of you.” She pauses for a moment. “Actually no, I will find a better way to keep in contact, even if I have to teleport here somehow.”
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>It makes you laugh, but that doesn’t stop the pain building.
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“I know. We have only been around each other for a few days now.”
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>She continues to try to alleviate your pain.
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>>”And those days were good ones, we repaired our friendship, we got to hang out. I’m looking forward to doing it again soon.”
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>Rest nods along.
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>”Agreed, I’m happy to see something good come out of all of this.”
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>You slowly nod your head in agreement.
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>Connie offers up a group hug, to which the three of you share.
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>Slowly, you three sniffle.
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>It hurts so much.
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>She pulls back, her turquoise eyes glimmering.
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>>”I’m going to miss you both.” She takes a breath. “As soon as I can, I will move back here and start again. Goodbye Eri, Goodbye Rest.”
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>You hold back the torrent behind your eyes.
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“Goodbye Connie.”
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>”Goodbye Connie, it was nice to get to know you.”
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>She nods, picks up her case and heads out the door.
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>A part of you feels hollow again.
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>You feel a hoof on your shoulder.
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>Turning, you look at Rest who has a look of sympathy.
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>”It will be okay, she said she would be back.”
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>Though you nod, that doesn’t take the weight that formed within you.
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>Sniffling, you take a deep breath and smile.
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“Yeah, yeah she did. At least I have you around.”
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>”Indeed, so how about leftovers for dinner?”
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>You giggle, and nod.
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>This week has been a storm that would’ve swept you up.
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>In the end, you were pulled from it by your friends.
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>You are not alone anymore.
by NHanon
by NHanon
by NHanon
by NHanon
by NHanon