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/emo/ Eri's week, chp 7 (End)

By NHanon
Created: 2020-10-23 15:36:31
Expiry: Never

  1. >Sleep takes you easily that night with Rest at your side.
  2. >However, you’re not free, not yet.
  3. >You find yourself in field at night, seemingly alone.
  4. “Hello?”
  5. >Silence is all there is.
  6. >As you start to look around, you see it.
  7. >The pale eyes.
  8. >Your heart starts to race.
  9. “No.”
  10. >Eri.
  11. >The pony forms and starts to lumber towards you.
  12. >You start to back up, but find a surprise.
  13. >On either side of you are Rest and Connie.
  14. >You quickly look at each of them in shock.
  15. “You’re both here?”
  16. >They each smile and nod before stepping forth.
  17. >”We would never leave you behind.”
  18. >>”We’re your friends, and friends stick together.”
  19. >You feel courage swell within you, so you join them.
  20. >The abomination grows and growls.
  21. >You three stand tall against it, never backing down.
  22. >You call out in defiance.
  23. “I’m not alone anymore!”
  24. >It charges forth, and just when it seemed like it would strike you.
  25. >A flash of light from you three blasts into it.
  26. >The beast screeches and twists.
  27. >As it rapidly fades you see Connie and Rest looking at you with a smile.
  28. >With that, you awaken.
  29. >You’re alone in bed, but you know that Rest is down stairs.
  30. >As you perform your morning routine, you finish drying off and a thought occurs to you.
  31. >Stopping at the mirror you take a good look at yourself.
  32. >Your coat is a little lighter, mane looks healthier, and the bags under your eyes have faded a bit.
  33. >One word comes to mind.
  34. “Normal.”
  35. >That’s not entirely true, but it’s a start.
  36. >Rest and you talk at breakfast.
  37. “-so we stood against the monster and some light comes out and blasts it to oblivion.”
  38. >She is looking at you with a smirk.
  39. >”Well, at least that’s finally over.”
  40. “Yeah, it’s good to see that damn thing gone.”
  41. >Rest nods at your excitement.
  42. >”Maybe you’ll sleep better now?”
  43. >While it’s true the nightmare is gone, you know that you’re far from fixed.
  44. “Maybe, but does that mean we won’t cuddle anymore?”
  45. >She laughs and shakes her head.
  46.  
  47. >”I’ll continue to cuddle you, I know you’re a bit restless.”
  48. >After breakfast, you help her clean up.
  49. >The two of you head into the living room and talk while you two wait.
  50. >”So, how are you feeling?”
  51. >You hesitate, reflecting on what has occurred this week.
  52. “Honestly, the best I’ve been in a long time.”
  53. >Rest smiles, she knows you’re telling the truth.
  54. >”That’s wonderful to hear. You’ve been through a lot.”
  55. >You could say that again.
  56. >Though you would rather never have to go through it again.
  57. “Yeah, it’s a start in the right direction to being normal.”
  58. >She places a hoof on your wither, grabbing your attention.
  59. >”Eri, normal isn’t normal. In the end, being the best you can be is what matters.”
  60. >You raise a eyebrow at her.
  61. “Since when did you start giving motivational words?”
  62. >She laughs.
  63. >”Eh, it happens sometimes. Regardless, I will be here to support you the best I can.”
  64. >’She will leave eventually.’
  65. >Someday, yeah.
  66. “So, when are you heading back to work?”
  67. >She looks a little surprised at your question.
  68. >”Next week actually, but I will keep visiting of course. Like I always do.”
  69. >Hopefully you won’t fall back into the same routine.
  70. >’We’ll see about that.’
  71. >NO.
  72. >You’re better than that now, sure you’re not entirely fixed.
  73. >But that doesn’t mean you haven’t made the steps to make it through the day with your head held higher.
  74. >A stray thought hits you.
  75. >Looking to the clock, you realize that Connie will be arriving shortly.
  76. >You start to get up and Rest looks at you quizzically.
  77. “I’ll be back soon, I have something I got to do.”
  78. >”Oh, okay, is everything fine?”
  79. >You nod before heading upstairs.
  80. “Yeah, I’m feeling inspired.”
  81. >She smiles and watches you go.
  82. >At your desk, you channel what you’re feeling into writing.
  83. >Still looks like shit, but it doesn’t matter.
  84. >You’re certain they will like this.
  85.  
  86. >As you’re finishing up, you hear Rest letting Connie in.
  87. >Feels like a stone is in your gut, but you must push on.
  88. >Heading downstairs, you see that Connie has a basket and her violin case.
  89. >She smiles at you.
  90. >>”Hello Eri, I hope you’re still feeling up to this.”
  91. >A part of you screams no, but in the end, you smile back.
  92. “Yeah, I can do this, as long as I have you two.”
  93. >You three head through the back door and into the yard.
  94. >The bright light hurts your eyes, and slowly, you start to adjust.
  95. >Its a small backyard, not much different than other homes.
  96. >Noticing the tall grass, you feel a little shame.
  97. “Oh shit sorry, I forgot about that.”
  98. >Rest tries to reassure you.
  99. >”It’s okay Eri, we can just take this indoors.”
  100. >However, Connie shakes her head and says.
  101. >>”Don’t worry you two, I bought a few more blankets just in case.”
  102. >You feel surprised, you didn’t expect her to think about the grass.
  103. >What are you saying, of course she did, she had plenty of time to plan this out.
  104. >Shaking out of your thoughts, you help the other two set things up.
  105. >Even with the spare blankets, its a bit lumpy.
  106. >A strong aroma catches your attention and you turn to seeing Connie opening up the basket.
  107. >She notices you staring and smiles.
  108. >Slowly she brings out a large dish with some kinda pasta.
  109. >Your stomach calls out and you feel a small blush.
  110. >Both her and Rest laugh a little.
  111. >”Yeah, that does look good, doesn’t it?”
  112. >Nodding, Connie grabs a few plates and sets them for each of you.
  113. >>”It’s Penne Alla Vodka. I picked it up fresh from the restaurant down the way.”
  114. >You’ve never heard of it, but honestly, you give zero fucks.
  115. >After getting your plate, you barely contain yourself.
  116. >As you chew your first, you unintentionally let a moan of satisfaction.
  117. >Connie lets out a giggle.
  118. >>”So I see you’ve never had this before?”
  119. >You say no words, but just shake your head vigorously.
  120.  
  121. >Rest enthusiastically asks.
  122. >”I got to learn how to make this, you wouldn’t happen to know the recipe?”
  123. >>”Thankfully, I do. I would’ve rather have made it myself, but can’t cook at the tavern.”
  124. >Swallowing, you ask her.
  125. “That’s where you have been staying?”
  126. >She looks at you a bit surprised.
  127. >>”Of course. I don’t know of anypony, other than you, around here that would let me stay.”
  128. >That hurt a little, but you remember that she didn’t know, not then at least.
  129. >Connie picks up her case and steps away from you two.
  130. >You feel a little confused at first, but then it hits you.
  131. “It’s been a long time since I’ve heard you play Connie.”
  132. >Rest looks back to the both of you.
  133. >”I never had the time to really enjoy a live show, so this should be interesting.”
  134. >Connie just smiles, sets down the case, and opens it.
  135. >She brings the violin to her chin.
  136. >With practiced ease, she adjusts the instrument and closes her eyes.
  137. >Slowly she brings the bow to the strings and draws out a tune.
  138. >The melody carries through the air.
  139. >You feel a soothing calmness course through you.
  140. >Looking over to Rest, you notice she gently sways to the music.
  141. >You join her, it’s been far to long since you felt this way.
  142. >The song rises and thoughts of happy gatherings enters your mind.
  143. >You breath a sigh of contentment.
  144. >All the while, Connie has her eyes closed appears like the violin and her are one.
  145. >The tune slows down and with it, a small pang of longing fills you.
  146. >It starts to pick up again, and like before, you feel joy.
  147. >Before long, she finishes.
  148. >Unable to contain yourself, you and Rest clop your hooves on the ground in a show of applause.
  149. >Connie’s eye open, sparkling, and she gently bows.
  150. >>”Thank you, now then. Time to join you two in eating.”
  151. “That was amazing Connie.”
  152. >Rest nods in an agreement.
  153.  
  154. >”Indeed, that was wonderful. Thank you for playing.”
  155. >She smiles at you two as she sets her violin back in its case.
  156. >>”Of course, that is one thing I pride myself in, and that is perfecting my craft.”
  157. >Connie joins you two and grabs a plate.
  158. >As the three of you eat, you continue to talk amongst yourselves.
  159. >”So you’ve been playing your whole life?”
  160. >>”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.”
  161. >You remember when your parents found out about your cutiemark.
  162. >Mom was happy about it, though dad was neutral.
  163. >He was always distant, but he seem like he tried.
  164. >The painful memory replays itself.
  165. >You had been feeling especially low that day.
  166. >After getting your usual treatment of teasing and name calling, you felt like you were breaking.
  167. >You had barely made it home, and found yourself alone.
  168. >While trying to study, bad thoughts started to form.
  169. >Memories of each and every moment came crashing in.
  170. >You broke down.
  171. >As you cried, you felt so very alone and hopeless.
  172. >Connie wasn’t around as much, and bullies never let up.
  173. >Somehow in your state, you remembered reading once that writing down your thoughts helped ponies who were going through tough times.
  174. >The problem was, you never left the tough times, not until recently.
  175. >As you wrote, the words flowed freely onto paper.
  176. >You read them back and felt immense sadness.
  177. >It was there, that a flash of light caught your attention.
  178. >Looking back, you saw the broken heart that adorn your flank.
  179. >Though you had gotten your mark, it made you break down further.
  180. >Because it was there, that you could only write about your misery.
  181.  
  182. >Rest pulls you out of your memories with a look of pure worry.
  183. >”Eri?! Eri?! Can you hear me?”
  184. >You shake your head and look back to the two.
  185. >They both have a look of great concern on their faces.
  186. >You try to calm them down, but you can see the doubt still there.
  187. “Ye-yeah, sorry, was thinking about the past.”
  188. >Connie tries to consul you.
  189. >>”Are you certain? Was it something I said?”
  190. >Not entirely, but she doesn’t need to know.
  191. >Smiling at them both, you keep trying to calm them down.
  192. “Yeah, I’m fine. Guess most of this week finally caught up to me.”
  193. >They both finally relax a little, but you can see the uncertainty on their faces.
  194. >You need to break them out of this, so you get up.
  195. >”Where are you going?”
  196. >Looking to them both, you smile and respond.
  197. “I have to go get something, be right back.”
  198. >They look at each other before looking back to you.
  199. >”Okay.”
  200. >>”Hurry back.”
  201. >You nod and quickly make your way back inside.
  202. >As you trot up the stairs, you feel a little excited.
  203. >’You shouldn’t do this.’
  204. >I’m going to.
  205. >’What makes you think this will be any good?’
  206. >I don’t care.
  207. >’They will laugh at you.’
  208. >No, they won’t.
  209. >’You’re making a mistake Eri.’
  210. >Then I’ll deal with it.
  211. >You reach your desk and look at your poetry book.
  212. >The black cover reflects a little light.
  213. >You carefully trace your hoof over the heart on the cover.
  214. >Mom got this for you after the incident.
  215. >You’ve cherished it ever since.
  216. >Picking it up, you hurry back outside.
  217. >The light still stings, and slowly you readjust to the outdoors.
  218. >Connie and Rest are still were you left them, talking.
  219. >They both turn to you with a look of curiosity.
  220. >Taking a breath, you gather yourself.
  221. >Heart is racing, but you will make it through it.
  222. >You approach them both, and sit down.
  223.  
  224. “I wrote a poem about what I’ve gone through this week.”
  225. >They both have varying looks of shock.
  226. >”Oh? So that’s what you were doing earlier.”
  227. >>”Well, I’m happy to hear whatever you have written.”
  228. >Feeling a swell of pride, you nod and open the book.
  229. >Taking one final breath, you prepare yourself to read it aloud to them.
  230.  
  231. Alone in my mind, I am surrounded by my thoughts
  232. Dark thoughts wrapping around me like a blanket of fear and doubt
  233. Shoving me left and right, up and down
  234. I seek a light as bright as day
  235.  
  236. Alone in my world, I scream to the masses
  237. Words that never reach their ears or their hearts
  238. Tears that fall, pain that is felt
  239. I seek serenity from this terror
  240.  
  241. Hope in my hour, I am gifted with care
  242. Gentle care given like a present to friend or family
  243. Carrying me through the storm, through the night
  244. I find a light that protects
  245.  
  246. Hope in my life, I am surrounded by friends
  247. Best friends that will be with me through thick and thin
  248. Tears of joy, words of happiness
  249. I find purpose from this destiny
  250.  
  251. >As you finish, you look back up to them.
  252. >They both start to clop their hooves in applause.
  253. >”That was beautiful Eri.”
  254. >>”Just as great as I remember.”
  255. >Without warning you start to cry, overjoyed with their response.
  256. >They reach out and share a hug with you.
  257. >You cry into their manes and onto their shoulders.
  258. >”Shh, it’s okay.”
  259. >>”We are here for you, I never want to change that.”
  260. >You say nothing and just nod.
  261. >Slowly you calm down with their help.
  262. >Pulling back, you see they are both wearing a large smile.
  263. “Sorry, I’m just happy.”
  264. >They both nod.
  265. >”I’m happy, that you’re happy.”
  266. >>”I couldn’t agree more.”
  267. >Things finally calm down, and you three clean up.
  268. >The day is drawing closer to its end.
  269. >With it, dread starts to fill you.
  270. >You try to shake it off, but you cannot help it.
  271. >The three of you return to the living room.
  272. >Connie forces a smile.
  273.  
  274. >>”Suppose I should get going soon. Have to catch the train after all.”
  275. >You don’t want her to go.
  276. >You don’t want this day to end, not yet.
  277. “Yeah, I guess you do.”
  278. >She sees your distress and tries to comfort you.
  279. >>”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.”
  280. >It makes you laugh, but that doesn’t stop the pain building.
  281. “I know. We have only been around each other for a few days now.”
  282. >She continues to try to alleviate your pain.
  283. >>”And those days were good ones, we repaired our friendship, we got to hang out. I’m looking forward to doing it again soon.”
  284. >Rest nods along.
  285. >”Agreed, I’m happy to see something good come out of all of this.”
  286. >You slowly nod your head in agreement.
  287. >Connie offers up a group hug, to which the three of you share.
  288. >Slowly, you three sniffle.
  289. >It hurts so much.
  290. >She pulls back, her turquoise eyes glimmering.
  291. >>”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.”
  292. >You hold back the torrent behind your eyes.
  293. “Goodbye Connie.”
  294. >”Goodbye Connie, it was nice to get to know you.”
  295. >She nods, picks up her case and heads out the door.
  296. >A part of you feels hollow again.
  297. >You feel a hoof on your shoulder.
  298. >Turning, you look at Rest who has a look of sympathy.
  299. >”It will be okay, she said she would be back.”
  300. >Though you nod, that doesn’t take the weight that formed within you.
  301. >Sniffling, you take a deep breath and smile.
  302. “Yeah, yeah she did. At least I have you around.”
  303. >”Indeed, so how about leftovers for dinner?”
  304. >You giggle, and nod.
  305. >This week has been a storm that would’ve swept you up.
  306. >In the end, you were pulled from it by your friends.
  307. >You are not alone anymore.

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