You're a letter-sorting unicorn who works at the same post office as Ditzy Doo. Sure, you're both good buddies, but a small part of you wonders if you could be something more. One day, Ditzy gives you a gift...

A minor accident at Sweet Apple Acres sends Big Macintosh to Ponyville in the middle of applebuck season. At first, things seem fine. But then some of the mares begin acting a little...oddly.

Then very oddly. Turns out every other stallion skipped town for a very good reason.

We all wear a mask called composure, beneath which hides a heart that twists with guilt and hidden feelings. Regal as she is, Princess Celestia is no exception. What might be revealed should circumstances cause this mask to slip - or break?

Set several years after the potential conclusion to the series.

Inspired by the song of the same name by the Silversun Pickups.

All she needs is a shoulder to cry on. A friend, to listen, to understand, to comfort her.
And that's what Derpy's getting, right?
Or is it?
Is it enough to act like a friend?

This is the true test of a good friend. Can Derpy do what she knows is right? Or will she succumb to her torn emotions?

What is the right thing to do?

--
Cover image by ~Stein225

An unfortunate event gives Princess Celestia a fresh view on her life by forcing her to see the world from a very different viewpoint. With Equestria changing around her, she is faced with a personal crisis... if she can ignore how cute a certain lavender unicorn suddenly looks to her.

Featured on Equestria Daily!
And some site about horse porn!
Liked this story? Read the sequel.
And the story this was a sort-of prequel to.

Hope is the faith of the young. Losing everything she holds dear, Puppysmiles embarks on the adventure of her life to find her mother, her hopes of meeting her again driving her through the horrors of a world not of her making. Too bad the Wastelands doesn't care about hope.