Winter Wrap Up.

A day I looked forward to in hopes to help usher in the new season, but instead of being out and about helping everypony, I was stuck bedridden due to injury. A large part of me not only wanted to help, but wanted to see how everypony changed the season without magic. Changing of the season was a big deal in Manehattan, and took many, many unicorns to clean up. The idea of earth pony, pegasi and unicorn coming together to do all that work without magic amazed me, but unfortunately, I would have to wait until next year to see it for myself.

I was rather upset with myself. If I had admitted defeat and not been so stubborn yesterday, I would be out there helping as well.

I rolled over in bed with a heavy sigh and pout. “Way to go, Prism,” I huffed to myself before rolling back over.

Although, upset as I was, having all this free time gave me an opportunity to do a little something for my friends. I looked over to my new easel and art supplies across the room.

I owe so very much to two ponies in particular, Rarity and Fluttershy. While Fluttershy says I have helped her just by visiting and being her friend, I really haven’t done anything to show my thanks to either mare in a way that I was satisfied with. But, now that I had the tools to paint with, I could do something for them that I would be satisfied with.

I was suddenly struck by a great idea.

Thank you paintings!

The thought brought a huge smile to my face. I would paint the girls both something special as a thank you for everything they have done for me. Fluttershy for being there for me when I needed her, and Rarity for providing me with a place to live and such generous hospitality.

I quickly sat up in bed and turned to the art supplies in the corner of the room. I concentrated as my horn lit up with prismatic magic and slowly, one by one, I levitated the supplies I needed to my bedside. The paints and canvas were easy enough, as they were light and not much too them; the easel however, was tricky. It was larger and heavier than the easel I had at my apartment. I wasn’t about to risk damaging it by attempting to lift it, so I instead used my magic to ‘pull’ it to my bedside. The process was slow, and a little taxing, but it did the trick. After I was happy with its positioning, I wiped a little sweat from my forehead. Taking a few moments to catch my breath, I reflect on how difficult moving the easel had been.

Maybe I should use my magic a little more often, I’m getting out of practice...

Pushing the thought aside for now, I went about setting up a palette to begin with. Just a few simple colors to start, I would mix others as I needed them. Now came the real question.

“What should I paint for them?” I asked myself aloud, scratching my chin with the end of a brush I was levitating.

Rarity loves fashion and style, so something flashy for her...

After a few more moments of thought, it came to me what I would paint for the fashionista. I sat down the brush and palette, and opened a drawer on the nearby dresser with my magic. I removed from it a particular sketch of a dress I had done that I was really happy with, and levitated it over to me. Looking over the sketch, I made note of how I already had mapped out all the colors the day I drew it, so all I had to do now was paint it.

Easy enough. Now, Fluttershy on the other hoof would enjoy something more calm and earthy, like a landscape maybe, or an animal.

My thoughts shifted to memories of previous conversations with the yellow mare. I recalled her mentioning she had a pet bunny, and that she would count the new baby bunnies each spring.

A painting of a bushel of bunnies would be perfect for her!

I felt myself get a little giddy with excitement, seeing how much I loved rabbits myself; this was going to be a very fun painting.

With my plans in place for each painting, I got started on on the first step: Colors. I tinkered with the vibrant paints, mixing the simple colors into the complex shades I desired. Once satisfied, I set to begin the actual painting.

* * * * * * * * * *

Time slipped by meaninglessly as brush met canvas. Lost in the world of my imagination, I brushed away as the images in mind came to life in brilliant colors on the easel before me. Meticulous to detail, I would not budge until every line, every streak, every hue matched exactly where, and how I wanted it. I would accept nothing less than perfection for my special friends.

Several hours had come and gone before I finished the fashionista’s painting; the dress ended up being far more complicated to paint than I originally anticipated. It’s rich lavender base accented the pony model’s soft-pink coat beautifully. The most difficult step was painting the fine details of the floral embroidery, etched in silver that ran along the body and train of the gown.

This was partly in me being as stubborn as I am; I wasn’t about to settle for anything but perfection for Rarity. She had a taste for finer things, so I’m sure she would appreciate the extra effort. With a soft sigh, I gently lifted the finished work and sat it safely across the room for now, and wasted no time in beginning Fluttershy’s piece as I set a fresh canvas to the easel.

This painting was much faster, and far easier. I also found myself with a large smile almost the entirety of its creation. I really did love animals, I admired how they lived so peacefully, free of the social anxiety and status-quo that us ponies had to contend with on a daily basis.

If I was to be born again, I would love to be a bunny. Living happily alongside my other animal friends, without a care in the world... Especially if I had somepony like Fluttershy to look after me.

“Fluttershy...” I mused to myself as my thoughts shifted to the kind pegasus.

She already has looked after me a number of times now. I feel very lucky to know somepony as wonderful as her; to talk to her, to spend time with her, just being around her is such a privilege. ...And watching the sunset with her yesterday was just so wonderful, I had never done that with somepony else before. I would love to do something like that again sometime soo—

At that moment, I felt a sudden warm, fluttering sensation in my chest. I found myself taking a sharp breath as I covered my chest with a forehoof.

...What was that just now?

I pondered the sensation, it was... new. After a few minutes, I eventually shrugged it off before getting back to the task at hoof.

Focus girl, we are painting right now. A very special painting, a painting of adorable bunnies for a good friend.

My smile quickly returned as I continued, humming happily as I finished the final details. Once satisfied with the piece, I levitated it to sit next to Rarity’s painting.

Now came the last step: drying. Normally oil based paintings would take several days to dry and form a skin; but through curiosity, impatience and much trial and error, I had developed a special spell to speed along the process to just a few hours. Though, I avoided using this spell because it was so taxing, but my excitement to give the paintings to the girls quickly outweighed my self concern. Against my better judgement, I turned to the paintings.

I took a deep breath and focused closely on Rarity’s painting as my prismatic magic enveloped it. A small wave of dizziness hit me as I began casting the spell. I felt a few beads of sweat roll down my face as I maintained focus. After several long seconds, I finished my cast and quickly analyzed the painting. The magic had began to take effect, and colors of the paint gave off a warm glow.

“Good... that should be ready for her in a few hours.” I said aloud to myself, rubbing my temple as I looked to the clock on the wall. I looked down to Fluttershy’s painting deep in thought.

I could use the spell again... then both paintings would be ready for the girls this evening.

I imagined the happy face of Fluttershy as the thought of me giving her the painting crossed my mind. The thought left me with a big smile, it would be worth the extra exertion to see her happy reaction today.

I took another deep breath and focused closely on the second painting and began the spell casting once more. I felt a sudden sharp twinge of pain pierce through my head as my focus began to falter. In just a matter of seconds I quickly realized I had bitten off far more than I could chew trying to cast the spell a second time in one day. I began to mildly panic as I felt several beads of sweat pour down my face. I couldn’t stop the spell now, It would ruin the painting, so I no choice but to persevere and hope I could finish the cast.

I let out a straining groan as I grit my teeth, focusing intensely to finish the spell before my will gave way. A few long seconds later, I fell forward onto the bed as I exhaled hard and began to gasp for air. I clutched my chest with a hoof as I fell over onto my side.

The world around me suddenly fell silent and slowly began to fade away...

* * * * * * * * * *

“...What do you mean no?!”  The yellow unicorn said, taken aback in a posh tone. “Surely, my offer is more than generous?”

“I’m sorry Mr. Bit Press, but I don’t sell my personal works,” Mother informed him, holding out a hoof and shaking her head. “Though, I do, do commissions if you're interested.”

A green unicorn approached her and whispered into her ear.

“Canvas! Do you have any idea how much money that is?!” She hissed.  

I looked up to Mother and her friend with a confused look. “Is that a lot?” I asked, tilting my head.  

Mother leaned down to me with a soft smile. “Yes, dear, it is.”

“So why don’t you sell it?” I asked quizzically, tilting my head.  

She reached down and ruffled my mane with a hoof, letting out a small chuckle. “Mommy doesn’t like to sell her special paintings, dear. They are very important to her.”

“This is absurd!” barked the now very agitated Bit Press. “What kind of artist displays their work at a gallery such as this, yet refuses to sell it?!”

The yellow unicorn let out a loud huff before storming off.  Mother’s friend watched him as he stomped away before quickly turning to her.

“That’s the biggest offer you have had yet! With ten thousand bits I could live the rest of my life carefree, never having to work ever again!” The green pony exclaimed.  

Mother rolled her eyes at her friend. “You know I get offers all the time, Flora, but my personal paintings are important to me. I won’t sell them,” Mother stated. “I’m beginning to think it’s some sort of a game to them.” She sat to her haunches before throwing up her forehooves and waving them about.

“Let’s see how many bits we can throw at Canvas before she sells her first painting!” Mother exclaimed in mocking voice.  

Flora facehooved with a loud groan. “Sure, so you’re famous, but you’re poorer than dirt!  If not for you, do it for Prism, for her future!” She exclaimed, pointing a forehoof at me.

“This isn’t about fame or money,” Mother stated before turning to me with a gentle smile. “... And besides, we are perfectly happy the way we are, aren't we, dear?”

“Yep!” I replied enthusiastically with a small jump, looking up to her with a smile of admiration.

Flora let out a long sigh of defeat. “...I’ll never understand the way you think, Canvas.”

Mother looked at Flora and returned with a playful smile.

* * * * * * * * * *

I groggily awoke to the sound of of a steady beeping and heavy breathing. I opened my eyes only to be met with direct sunlight. I winced at the sudden violation of my senses before covering my eyes with a foreleg. I removed my foreleg from my face as my eyes slowly adjusted to the the light. I found myself... somewhere?

I noticed I was in an unfamiliar bed. It had a very large headboard and lavender sheets, and was far smaller and less comfortable than the princess sized bed I was in before. Also the room’s walls where a deep aquamarine with an olivine green ceiling, certainly not the royal purple themed room I was in before. Where ever I was, it was not the boutique.

I slowly began to sit up and take a good look around me, but I noticed that I had something tugging on my muzzle, preventing me from sitting up any farther. I removed the device with a forehoof before examining it.

An... oxygen mask?

Sitting it aside for now, I began taking the rest of my surroundings. To my left and where curtains, extending from the wall just past the foot of my bed. To my right was a large device with a monitor that kept emitting a beep every so often, I recognized it as a heart monitor.

Why am I connec—

My thoughts were interrupted as I heard a door from elsewhere in the room open and a set of hoofsteps enter; they were heading my way. A few moments later a caramel colored stallion with a light brown mane came into view from around the curtain. He had on a clean white coat and wore a small pair of reading glasses that were fixated on a clipboard that he was levitating. What I found most interesting about this pony was how he wore a stethoscope around his neck.  At that moment it all clicked.

Unfamiliar bed, unfamiliar room, oxygen mask, heart monitor, a pony that’s obviously a doctor... I’m in a hospital, aren't I?

I looked down, examining myself. I had an I.V. attached to my left foreleg, and was wearing a sea-foam green hospital gown. The stallion suddenly looked up from the clipboard to me.

“Oh, good you’re—”

I gasped hard before throwing the bed sheets over me and laying back down in bed.

“—awake...” he continued flatly.

Relax, Prism... it’s only a doctor. You have visited plenty of doctors, you know they won’t judge you.

I slowly poked the top of my head out of the sheets, just enough so I could see over the covers to him; he looked clearly confused. I pulled the rest of the covers from my face and smiled sheepishly back at him.

“S-Sorry... I’m um, just not used to other ponies seeing my...” I paused before slowly sitting up. I gestured a hoof to my chest then to my mane. The doctored closed his eyes and slowly nodded.

“I see... You’re albino, aren’t you?” he asked, tapping a hoof to his chin. I quickly lit up wide eyed.

“You’ve heard of it?!” I asked a bit too frantically.

The stallion covered a small laugh. “I’ve heard of Albinism, yes, but no, I have never seen, nor heard of it in a pony before,” he replied with a smile. “I simply guessed by your appearance.”

My expression slowly deflated. “Oh... okay,” I replied slowly. The doctor gave me a curious look before glancing back to his clipboard.

“Prism, right? I’m Doctor Stable. I’m sure you’re probably curious why you are here?”

I slowly nodded, skeptically watching the doctor as he approached me.

“A friend of yours found you unresponsive in your home and brought you here. You were suffering from fatal magic related asphyxiation.” he said, flipping through his notes before turning to me with a stern look and small frown. “Just what were you doing to get yourself into such a critical state?”

I fidgeted with my forehooves before looking up to him sheepishly. “I was, uh, painti—”

...THE PAINTING!

I quickly ripped off my bedcovers before rolling out of bed and landing on the floor with a hard thud. The I.V attached to my foreleg screamed with a sharp pain as it was pulled down with me, resulting in its stand falling over. Before I could get up to dart away, I felt myself suddenly lifted up into the air.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Where’s the fire?” Doctor Stable asked, looking up to me with a rather upset look.

“Let me go!” I demanded, frantically flailing in his magical grip. “I have to check on my painting!”

“I’m sorry, but I would like to keep you overnight for observation,” he declared, narrowing his eyes at me disapprovingly.

“Overnight?! But I need to know if they are alright, if my spell worked!”

“Look, there's a lot that could go wrong with your health still, you need to stay here in bed until we are sure you are alright,” he stated firmly.

Realizing there was no winning this, I stopped my thrashing as my ears fell back.

“Now, are you going to calm down?” he asked sternly.

I slowly nodded.

Doctor Stable gave me an affirmative nod before softly laying me back down onto the bed. I sheepishly fidgeted with my fore hooves for a moment as he went about setting back up my IV stand.

“I-I’m sorry, it’s just... I used a spell on a painting, that if failed could potentially ruin it, and I don’t know if it’s okay or not.” I said softly, hinting of guilt.

The doctors expression softened into mild concern. “So that's how you over exerted yourself,” he replied, levitating his clipboard again. “I’m really sorry, but you’ll just have to wait until you’re released to check on it. I do hope it’s alright, though.”

I looked up to the stallion with a small smile. “Thank you, and again, sorry about the outburst.”

The doctor let out a hearty laugh. “Don’t worry about it, I’ve dealt with much worse,” he replied, dismissing my concern with a wave of a hoof. “Anyways, I need to check up on other patients now, so try to relax for now, alright?”

I nodded before I went wide eyed and froze up. “I-Is there, anypony else... i-in this room?” I asked, slowly turned to face the certain to my left.

“Just one, but I’m sure he didn’t mind, he's an easy going fellow,” he assured me with a wink before turning and walking away.

I let out a sigh of relief, but still felt very embarrassed that somepony else heard all that. I watched the doctor walk out of sight and heard him approach the patient on the other side of the certain.

“How you doing, anything I could get you while I am here?”

“E’nope, I’m fine, thank you.” replied a very distinctive deep, soft voice.

My expression collapsed in on itself as I quickly realized just who else was in here with me.

Big Macintosh! And he just heard everything that happened?! If he didn’t already think I was weird before, he must think I’m crazy, now!

I cupped my head in my hooves as my expression melted into horror.

Way to go Prism, you really blew it this time! ...Wait, maybe he doesn’t know it was me, but... there's no way he couldn’t know it was me, he heard my voice and the doctor said my name! ...But what if he wasn’t paying attention? He might not know, but... What if he was! I’m doomed!

The steady ambiance of the heart rate monitor slowly picked up in repetition before exploding into a rapid succession of panicked beeps. I turned to the screen to see the once rhythmic line now frantically pulsing out of control. I began futilely flailing my forelegs at the monitor in some naive hope that it would calm down.

No-no-no-no-no! NO! Please, stop! Shut up! Stupid machine! SHUT—

Time seemed to stop as the sound of the certain opening behind me shattered my panicked mindset.

“You alright, Prism?” asked the concerned voice of Doctor Stable.

Celestia, kill me... Just, just strike me down and get it over with...

I slowly turned to face the voice. The faces of two stallions stared back at me confused.

It’s over! It’s all over! Over before it even began! Big Macintosh has seen me before I got a chance to talk to him about it!

“You okay, Ma’am?” asked Big Macintosh with a hint of concern in his voice.

My mind quickly began to race, desperately trying to devise a plan to rescue the situation from the disaster it already was.

Okay, Prism, think! You can’t escape, the doctor will only catch you and you’ll look even a bigger foal in front of Dreamboat. You can’t hide, he's already seen you and you again will only look like a bigger foal. ...You have to recover some how! Luna’s moon, girl! IMPROVISE! Your future with Studmuffin depends on it!

“I, um, s-saw a... um, bee. Yeah, a bee,” I replied, with the world's most forced smile, and worst poker face imaginable.

The Doctor raised an eyebrow at me. “You saw... a bee... and it caused a panic attack, that nearly gave you a heart attack?” He replied skeptically, his face clearly not buying it.

“O-Oh, I’m, uh, deathly afraid of bees. I’ve, um... had really bad experiences as a filly,” I reiterated, hopefully more convincing than before.

Doctor Stable's expression softened. “I’m sorry to hear that, where is it? I’ll see if I can’t shoo it away,” he asked, looking about the rooms walls and ceiling.”

I frantically waved a hoof, dismissing his notion. “Oh! Um, n-no need! it was on the window, outside, it’s gone now! But thank you.”

Stable gave me a flat look. “Riiiight...” he replied in an utter deadpan as he went back to flipping through his papers. Before long, he looked to the clock across the room.

“Well, I have to get back to checking on other patients. Feel free to use the call button if either of you need anything, and a nurse will come to assist you.” he said, gesturing to a button button between the two beds. “I’ll be back later to check on you. ...so try to relax for now.” He added flatly, looking to me with his last statement.

I watched the door for a few moments before exhaling sharply with a small smile.

Crisis averted...

“You’re a terrible liar, miss,” chuckled the soft voice of Big Macintosh to my left. My expression fell and smile vanished instantly.

Crisis: Critical!

I turned to him before gesturing wildly and stammering incoherently. The stallions chuckle deepened into honest laughter.

Celestia, please, PLEASE just kill me now. Let me die with what little shreds of dignity I have left...

I let out a soft whimper in defeat as my ears fell back and I shrank down into bed.

Big Macintosh’s laughter quickly stopped. “Sorry, miss,” he apologized earnestly.

I turned to him, frantically dismissing his concern with several rapid waves of a forehoof. “O-Oh, No-no-no! D-Don’t worry about it!” I stammered out before sheepishly scratching the back of my neck with a nervous laugh. “I was um, acting like a foal, sorry...”

“It’s fine,” he replied with a small smile.

I slowly extended a hoof, opening my mouth to speak, though reluctantly pausing. A few moments later, having summoned some courage, I tried again.

“H-How... could you tell that I was—that I was lying?” I asked hesitantly before fidgeting with my forehooves.

“My sister can’t lie to save her life, either.”

“Applejack, right?” I asked for the sake of conversation, tilting my head.

“E’yup,” he replied with a small nod.

There was a long pause of silence. It was clear that this stallion wasn’t much of a talker.

The strong silent type, huh? ...He just keeps getting better and better.

I found myself quickly covering an involuntary, goofy smile. I took a few moments to compose myself before I suddenly remembered the accident in the cellar; I covered a sharp gasp.

The fire! I need to apologize!

“Er, um... Big Macintosh, right?” I asked nervously.

“E’yup.”

“S-Sorry...” I said, shrinking down into my bed.

“For?” he asked, turning to me and raising an eyebrow.

“F-For the, um.. fire, and your burns...” I said, my ears falling back as I pulled the covers over my muzzle.

“Don’t worry none about it.” he replied, dismissing my concern with a shake of his head.

My ears perked up as I looked over to him. “Y-you’re not, mad?” I asked curiously, sitting up.

“E’nope” he replied with another shake of his head.

“...Why not?”

“Accidents happen.”

I let out a deep sigh of relief.

Phew, I was worried he might be mad at me about it, but.. I did so much damage, why isn’t he mad?

“B-But, I did so much damage...”

“AJ said it wasn’t as bad as it looked.” he replied, turning to me with a wink.

I felt my face flush hot, and quickly covered it with both hooves.

You’re such a foal, Prism...

* * * * * * * * * *

Over the course of the next few hours, I slowly worked my way into conversation with the stallion. Getting him to say more than a few words or small sentences was a challenge, and it soon became apparent to me that this stallion was not only quiet, but also a little shy.  

Eventually, with a bit of wit and clever wording, I managed to start a nice conversation with him. I would ask him questions, or make statements that he couldn’t reply to with short answers. Every time I got him to say more than a sentence at a time, I felt like I had won a small victory.  I actually surprised myself, I was talking openly with a stallion; a stallion! Talking with the girls must have made me more comfortable with conversation than I realized.

Thank you Fluttershy and Rarity!

Being up close to him I was able to see just how muscular he was. I began to wonder if he had the more outgoing mares throwing themselves at his hooves, he sure had the looks for it.

At that moment it hit me.

What if he already has a very special somepony? Surely a stallion like him isn’t single...

I began to wonder, how exactly does a mare ask a stallion if he's single without being too forward about it? This whole romance and dating thing was just so new to me, I was clueless. I decided I best not bring it up for now, I didn’t want to say anything that would make a total foal out of myself. With my level of experience with stallions, I stood about as much a chance as a blind diamond dog in a minefield when it came to the right things to say.

I really should have read more romance novels.

I made a mental note to check out a few from the library and ask Rarity for advice later.

Other than that mental road bump, our conversation was quite nice. I was very fascinated with everything he had to say, and asked him many questions. Also, I gained a whole new respect for Applejack throughout our conversation. When she told me that she ran Sweet Apple Acres I figured they had a lot of ponies working for them, though Big Macintosh informed me otherwise.

“While many ponies help out on Winter Wrap Up planting of the crops, the Apple family handles harvesting themselves; It’s tradition,” he said, a touch of pride in his voice.

I shot him a look as if he was crazy. “Everything?! By yourselves?” I asked bewilderingly.

“E’yup”

“But how? There's just so much!

“Hard work and dedication,” he replied with a small smile. “It’s the Apple family way.”

“All those trees and just two ponies...” I mused, recalling the view from the hilltop when I first came to Ponyville. “...That—That’s amazing!”

“E’yup!” he replied enthusiastically, giving me another wink. I felt my face heat up again and had to look away.

He’s going to make me melt if he keeps doing that!

* * * * * * * * * *

As the hours continued to pass, I found myself in a more casual, and far less forced conversation with the stallion; he seemed to warm up to me a little and spoke a lot more freely. I learned, to my surprise, that Winter Wrap Up was actually four days ago, and that I apparently had been in a coma for over three days.

I let out a long sigh as I looked out the window to the town below.

The girls must be really worried about me. The doctor said I was in pretty bad shape when they brought me in, wait... Just who did find me and bring me here?

Almost as if Celestia herself took it upon her to answer my thoughts; there was a small knock on the room's door before a familiar lavender unicorn toting a pair of saddlebags walked in. She looked to Big Mac and gave him a nod.

“Hello, Big Macintosh,” she greeted the stallion with a hearty smile.

“Howdy, Twilight.”

Twilight’s attention immediately turned to me once she took notice of me. “Prism, you’re awake!” she exclaimed as she trotted over to me. “The girls and I were so worried about you!”

My ears fell back as I looked up to her with a guilty expression. “I-I’m sorry. ...I seem to be doing that a lot lately,” I replied timidly, fidgeting with my forehooves.

The mare before me shook her head. “Don’t worry about it, you’re our friend. What's important is that you’re alright.” Twilight levitated a chair from across the room to her and took a seat next to the bed. “When I found you I was so worried I might have been too late.”

...Twilight found me?

“Was... I really in that bad of shape?” I asked, turning to her slowly.

Twilight’s expression shifted into an uneasy concern. “Visible signs of asphyxia had already set in. Your face had begun to change color, so I tried basic CPR, but you were unresponsive. I knew time was of the essence at that point,” Twilight replied before shifting uncomfortably in her chair. “A few more minutes and you would die... I knew I had to teleport you to the hospital, there was no other way. If... if I hadn't offered Rarity to bring you your lunch, you likely would have... have...”

Twilight didn’t strike me as somepony who got very emotional or cried often, but I could tell that she was on the verge of tears, and was fighting hard against them. I quickly leaned over to her and pulled her into a hug.

“Shh, don’t think that way, just be glad that you did,” I said before pulling away. “And because you did I’m okay, and it’s like you said, that’s all that matters.” I beamed her a smile. “Thank you for saving my life, Twilight.”

Twilight smiled weakly with a hint of an embarrassed blush. “Sorry, I, uh, almost lost it there for a moment, didn’t I?” she replied, scratching the back of her neck sheepishly.

I covered a small laugh. “I lose it all the time. In fact, I feel bad for poor Fluttershy for having to put up with me.”

Twilight expression moved to concern again at my mention of the yellow pegasus. “She was really worried about you,” she stated before beginning to shuffle through her saddlebags. “When she heard what happened, she dropped everything she was doing for Winter Wrap-Up and hurried over here; she’s visited you several times since.”

Fluttershy dropped her duties to come see me?

My ears fell back as I sank back into bed. “I’m always causing her so much trouble.” I said with a sharp sigh.

Twilight covered a small smile. “She said you would probably say something like that if you knew. She also said to tell you that she, ‘Came because she wanted to’, and not to worry about it.” she quoted with a small chuckle.

Twilight paused for a moment before she removed a large sketchbook and some pencils from her bags with her magic and levitated them out to me.

“She also told me to leave these with you, but seeing as you’re awake...”

I looked up to the floating art supplies then back to Twilight timidly.

“Oh! Right, sorry,” she said with an uneasy smile. “I’ll just, uh, leave them over here for you then.” Twilight laid the book and pencils to rest on the nightstand next to my bed before looking back to me.

“That should help you pass the time until you're released. ...Speaking of which, did anypony say when you will be free to go?” Twilight asked, looking at me expectantly.

“Actually, yes. The doctor said I should be fine, but he wants to keep me overnight for observation,” I replied before look down to the bed, folding my forelegs as my ears flattened with a pout. “I’m fine though, I want to go home. I need to check on my paintin—”

Wait! She might know if it’s alright!

“TWILIGHT!” I called out suddenly, quickly turning to her. The studious mare toppled out of her seat at my sudden outburst, landing on the floor with a hard thud. “Uh... sorry.”

I sheepishly let out a small laugh before quickly composing myself.  “Anyways, Twilight! Did you happen to see if my painting was okay?” I asked, leaning over the edge of the bed and looking down to the lavender pony below.

“I saw that you had been painting, but I didn’t get a good look at them before I tried to wake you,” she replied before rolling over and climbing to her hooves. “I don’t recall anything looking out of the ordinary though.” Twilight once again took her seat before looking to me with concern.

“So tell me, Prism. How did you get into such a critical condition from just painting?” she asked, raising an eyebrow at me.

I slowly shook my head. “It wasn’t from the actual painting, it was the spell I used to speed the drying process,” I informed her. “The spell speeds the drying of oil paintings from a few days, down to a few hours, but casting it is a bit taxing on me.”

Twilight looked at me confused. “If it’s so dangerous, then why did you use it?” she asked taking a look around the room. “Has it done this to you before?”

“No, and it’s not actually dangerous, I just had never used it twice in one day before,” I replied, looking down to the bed. “Also, I could have called off the spell and been just fine, but doing so would have ruined the painting, so I held the cast as long as I could, and, well...” I gestured to the room around us. “You know the rest better than I do.”

Twilight nodded. “You need to be more careful, you have ponies who care about you, you can’t be so reckless,” she stated with the hint of a frown.

“I won’t be taking any more risks any time soon, don’t worry.”

Twilight’s expression shifted into a smile as she got up from her seat. “You better not, or I might have to sic Fluttershy on you,” she commented with a small laugh. “And even I couldn’t save you from that lecture.”

My expression lit up to a bright smile as I covered a small laugh. “I’ll be sure to be on my best behavior then,” I replied with a wink.

Twilight looked to the clock on the wall before turning back to me. “Well, I have to get going now. I’m so glad you’re awake and alright, Prism.”

I nodded. “Thanks again, Twilight, for everything.”

She beamed me a warm smile before heading for the door. As she opened it, she paused for a moment before quickly looking back to me.

“Oh! Do you mind stopping by tomorrow? After you’ve been released? I have so much to show and talk to you about!” she said with a giddy smile.

I covered a laugh. “Sure, I’ll stop by. See you then.”

Twilight’s smile widened before she turned back to the door and made her way out of the room.

I laid back down into my bed with a relaxed sigh. Tomorrow was going to be a busy day by the looks of things. I had to check in with the rest of the girls and let them know I was okay, Magic 101 with Twilight Sparkle and check on Fluttershy’s painting. I smiled to myself and rolled over onto my side, but my eyes widened up as I realized something very important.

I quickly sat up and looked to my left. There sat Big Macintosh quietly reading a book.

He heard all that!

I quickly facehooved.

You have such a big mouth, Prism...

“Um, Big Macintosh?” I said, extending a hoof towards the stallion. “...S-Sorry if we were a bit, um, loud.”

“It’s fine,” he said as he closed his book before turning to me. “Sounds to me your friends care quite a bit for ya.”

I looked down to my forehooves with a smile. “Yes, yes they do, but... I have done a lot to worry them lately,” I said before looking to him. “It’s just so hard adjusting since I moved here.”

Big Mac raised an eyebrow at me. “Where ya from?” he asked as he sat his book on his nightstand.

“Manehattan...” I replied softly. “It’s very different here.”

He let out a small chuckle. “Ah reckon a city girl like yourself would have a heap of trouble adjusting to the country life.”

“You could say that again,” I laughed. “...But, I really do like it out here. There’s a lot less ponies and they seem to be a lot more friendly too.”

He nodded. “Ponyville has more than it’s share of good folk.”

I looked to the sketchbook from Fluttershy with a soft smile before turning back to Big Mac. “Yes, yes it does...”

The two of us then branched off into our own activities. He returned to his book he was reading, while I took to my sketchbook. It felt good to have something to do. Not that I didn’t mind talking with Big Mac, I just had to do something that kept my mind busy; drawing was just the ticket.

I opened the large booklet and took a few moments to think. Now that I could draw, what did I want to draw? I picked up a pencil in my teeth, and with no particular goal in mind, I began doodling. Before long I found myself lost in thought.

I hope Fluttershy didn’t get in trouble because of me. Speaking of Fluttershy, I wonder what she's up to right now?

I took a glance out the window, the sun was setting and nightfall was just off in the horizon.

Spring is here, so she must be spending time with her animal friends. I’m happy for her, she won’t be so lonely anymore. I hope she still won’t mind my company though, I would very much love to have some tea with her soon.

Without even realizing it, I found that my doodling had begun to form into a picture of my yellow pegasus friend. I found myself smiling as I continued the drawing. She was a very important pony to me, so I was very meticulous about the details of the picture. As I drew her eyes I thought back to our first meeting. How we had crashed into each other and I found myself atop her, staring down into her big aquamarine eyes.

Her eyes are very beautiful...

My thoughts quickly shifted to the other night. Where we once again found ourselves in the same awkward predicament, except she fell atop of me. The feeling of her laying on top of me, her breath running across my face, and most of all, staring up into those eyes of her; It all felt so, strange.

I looked over the now finished picture of Fluttershy and sat down my pencil before letting out a long relaxed sigh. I sat the sketchbook back on the nightstand and laid down in bed with a large yawn.

I think I’ll go visit her tomorrow.

After much shifting positions and fluffing my pillow trying to get comfortable, I managed to drift off into sleep.

* * * * * * * * * *

The following morning passed rather quickly. It started with breakfast, and the hospital food was just as bad as I remembered it to be. Doctor Stable came to check up on me to make sure I was alright. He gave me the all clear and said I was free to go, but before I could leave, I got an unexpected visitor.

“Howdy, Prism,” came an all too familiar voice from the rooms doorway. I looked up from my doodling to find Applejack leaning against the door frame.

“Oh, um, hey Applejack.” I replied reluctantly.

Applejack tipped her hat to her brother as she trotted up to my bedside. “Look... about the other day,” she said as she took off her hat and scratched the back of her head. “Ah just wanted to say, Ah’m sorry.”

I shook my head. “I would have been surprised if you didn’t get mad, I did quite a bit of damage to your farm and—”

“That’s just the thing,” she interjected, holding out her hoof. “Ya really didn’t. After Ah got a good look at the damages, Ah found that hardly any seeds were lost, the bags took most of the blow.” she closed her eyes and brought her hat to her chest

“Ah was wrong t’ah yell at ya like that, and Ah apologize,” she said sincerely, her ears falling back as she looked up to me a guilty expression. “Could you find it in ya to forgive me?”

I beamed her a big smile. “Of course, Applejack. Don’t worry about it,” I said, dismissing her concern with a shake of my head. “I’m just glad you’re not mad at me. You girls are important ponies to me, the last thing I want is for any of you to be upset with me.”

Her expression quickly brightened. “Ah’m sure glad that’s settled,” she said as she plopped her stetson back atop her head. “I’ve felt something awful the past few days thinking ’bout it.” Applejack paused for a moment before looking to the clock then back to me.

“Say, Ah heard from the doc you’re free t’ah go, so how about you join me for some lunch? My treat,” she asked, followed by a wink.

I turned to Big Mac before looking back her. “What about your brother?”

Applejack turned to him with a shrug. “He will be cleared in another hour or two. Doc says they need to change his bandages still before then he’s free to go.”

“I’m so sorry...” I said softly.

Big Macintosh shook his head. “E’nope, you’re fine. Don’t y’all worry none about me,” he said with a smile. “Ah’ll be back on my hooves here shortly. I’ll meet you back at the farm in a few hours, AJ.”

That reminded me of something I had forgotten about until now.

My hooves!

I bought a forehoof to my face and poked at it with my other forehoof a few times. My face lit up with excitement, and without another moment's hesitation, I quickly hopped out of bed, almost knocking Applejack over.

“Whoa now, girl! I know ya’s excited to get out of here, just don’t go trampling nopony now,” she said with a laugh.

I took a moment to do a big stretch, I felt so stiff from being cooped up in bed for so long. I looked up to Applejack with a smile.

“Oh, and I would love to join you for lunch. Just get me away from this hospital food! Blech!” I said with a mock wretch.

Applejack and Big Mac both let out a hearty fit of laughter.

“Sure thing, Sugarcube. Let’s get going,” she said as she approached the door before turning back to her brother. “Ah’ll be sure Granny Smith has some nice fritters ready, for ya when ya get home.”

“Thanks, AJ,” Big Macintosh replied, before reaching for his book and opening it. “You girls have fun, now.”

I trotted up to Applejack, but paused. I had forgotten I still had the hospital gown on. I quickly took it off me and tossed it back onto the bed. It was at that moment I realized another important detail that I had forgotten...

“I don’t have my cloak!” I said suddenly as a cold chill ran down my spine. Applejack turned to me and raised an eyebrow.

“So? It’s a nice day out, I doubt you would be needing it. Rainbow says there isn’t any rain planned for a least another day or two,” she said with a confused look.

I quickly shook my head. “No, not because of rain, because of me!” I exclaimed, gesturing a hoof to my coat and mane. Applejack took off her hat and scratched the back of her head.

“Sure, you might look a bit different from everypony else, but I honestly don’t think you need to be hiding yourself from nopony,” she said with a shrug. “So why not come on out with me? I’ll show ya.”

I slowly took a step back. “B-But, I—”

“Don’t you worry none about it, just stick close to me. And if anypony has anything to say to you, they’ll have to say it to me first,” she said before raising a hoof threateningly. “And I’ll buck’em one good if they say one peep bad about ya! Okay?”

I paused for a moment, looking down to the floor in deep thought. I hadn’t gone outside without my cloak in a very, very long time; several years in fact. I had gotten so used to it, it was my security blanket that kept me safe and my mind at ease. I’ve been so afraid of everypony looking at me that I refused to go outside without it.

...But Applejack will be there with me.

I bit my lower lip as I brooded over the idea for another moment before caving in with a long sigh.

“A-Alright... but, s-stay close to me, please?” I replied softly as I looked up to her. “I’m not used to having ponies stare at me.”

Applejack nodded. “Sure, Ah reckon you may get some funny looks, but Ah honestly don’t see anypony saying anything negative about ya.” She raised a hoof again. “And remember, if they do...”

I managed a small smile at her reassurance. “Thank you, Applejack.” I looked back to Big Mac and gave a him a small wave farewell. He returned with a nod.

“Don’t you go worrying none about what others think of ya,” he said before bringing a hoof to his chin with a small grin. “Besides... I think you’re a’might pretty myself.”

I felt my face flush hot at his compliment.

Applejack turned to me with a smug smile. “Ya see! You’ve got a stallion vouching for ya already,” she said while nudging me with an elbow, though I hardly noticed.

Big Macintosh thinks I’m... pretty? I’ve never been called pretty by a stallion before...

I found myself struggling to hide a smile as my blush only went deeper. I turned to the door and quickly walked out before further embarrassing myself. Applejack followed me with a small laugh as she trotted to catch up alongside me.

“Alright, Sugarcube. Lets get us some grub, and I know just the place,” she said looking to me with a wink. “They serve the best hayfries, Ah tell ya.”

With that, the two of us made our way to the exit of the hospital. I was really nervous, but at the same time, I was feeling pretty confident after Big Macintosh's compliment. As we reached the exit, I paused for a moment and swallowed hard. This was it.

Time to sink or swim...