"Come in. We don't usually see you around the library," Twilight said cordially. She was friendly and warm as always. Mrs. Cake appreciated that. Really she did. She stepped inside, past the hollowed out threshold of the tree and was immediately bombarded with the scent of parchment and books.
"Oh. Well. You know, life in a bakery in a town full of ponies like Pinkie Pie is a full time profession," she chuckled dryly. Twilight smiled just the same and nodded her head.
"Yes, I imagine so. Is there a book you're looking for? I'd be happy to help you find anything you might need?" she asked, gesturing towards the books that lined the walls of her home.
Mrs. Cake bit at her lower lip and drew in a deep breath. Where was she supposed to start? How to broach the subject? She flashed Twilight another smile, a smaller one, and sighed softly.
"Twilight I need... It's about Pinkie," she said softly. Twilight's smile faded.
"Pinkie? What is it? Whats wrong?"
"Do you know anything about addiction, dear? I...I'm beginning to think she might need somepony to talk to. I can hear her, Twilight. I can hear her up all night and I know she hasn't been sleeping at all. I hear her talking to her pet alligator, I can hear her baking cookies at two in the morning, I can hear her crying, Twilight. I don't...I don't know what to do. She's always been a good employee, but she's been missing shifts lately, she's been disappearing during work hours and she's been gobbling down more chocolate than I can keep track of. I don't know whats happening and I'm worried about her, dear. I was hoping you might be able to find out whats going on and...and give her the help that I can't?" Mrs. Cake pleaded.
Twilight frowned, but slowly nodded her head. That didn't sound like Pinkie at all. Bouncy and hyperactive, sure. A sugar junkie, okay. But Pinkie never let things get out of control the way Mrs. Cake was describing her. Pinkie was responsible in her indulgence. This was something new.
"Of course. I'll see what I can do. Is it alright if I swing by to talk to her? Err, after hours, that is?" Twilight asked to a energetic nod from Mrs. Cake.
"Oh, yes, yes! Anything you need, dear. I just want the old Pinkie back. I miss her," Mrs. Cake said sadly.
"Don't worry, Mrs. Cake. I'll get to the bottom of this. Pinkie is a good friend of mine, if we talk things out, I'm sure we can figure out a solution," Twilight said with a cheerful, reassuring smile. Mrs. Cake nodded her head quietly, and left to return to Sugarcube corner, leaving Twilight to her own devices. Pinkie sounded like she had a problem. But problems had solutions, and if anything, Twilight was good at finding solutions.