//------------------------------//
// Day 4 
// Story: Rosemary's Malady 
// by AngryPenguin 
//------------------------------//


Day 4


	I apologize for not writing the previous night. I have been up the entire night waiting for Father. I have mentioned that he had a meeting with Chancellor Puddinghead, but he never came home…





“Mother, where is he?” I asked her with tears in my eyes. “He said he would return before dark last night!”

I watched out of the window for Father. I waited there until morning to make sure he arrived safely. When he never showed, I became worried. What if something had happened to him? Mother scolded me for thinking such things, but I could no longer control the thoughts. It was an agonizing wait.

“Rose, don’t worry so much! He’s probably just needed elsewhere. Puddinghead probably sent him to another farm to assist. You know how she can be.” She reassured me.

I moved my red mane from my eyes. Being so upset, I couldn’t even brush it that morning! Orange Seed galloped down the stairs into the living area. I expected Grape to be alongside him, but I didn’t see him. Strange, since they were practically inseparable. When I saw the despair in his eyes, I went over to him, holding him in my forehooves in an attempt to comfort him.

“What’s the matter?” I asked, forcing a smile.

“Grape is sick, Rosie. He doesn’t want to get out of bed and play.” He pouted.

I didn’t think anything about it, as the freezing weather kept us constantly sniffling.

“Dear Orange, your brother has just come down with a cold. He should be well within a couple of days. I, myself, have had a slight cough. There must be something going around.” Mother told him.

“But, I can’t play alone!” Orange complained.

“How about you and I go outside? We can build a snow castle!” I tried to cheer him up.

He narrowed his eyes. “You don’t know the password to the castle.”

I sighed. “Is it ‘colts rule all the land’?”

He gasped. “How did you know?”

“Oh, you know. Lucky guess.”

Mother chuckled. “You’d better put on your overcoats. The wind is picking up, again.”

As she helped Orange into his overcoat, I trotted to my room and grabbed mine. I also wrapped my old scarf around my neck for good measure. From the corner of my eye, I noticed the sketch I forgot to give to Mother. Quickly, I gripped it in my muzzle and galloped out to her. She waited by the door for me.

“Mother! I forgot to give this to you, yesterday.” I held the drawing in my hoof. I was very hopeful that she would enjoy it.

She perked up. “For me?”

I nodded, my smile growing more sincere.

She looked over the bouquet of tulips before bringing me towards her for a hug. “Oh, Rose, you didn’t have to do this. It’s so beautiful! I love you, sweetheart.” She sniffled. I couldn’t tell if it was from the cold or if she was near tears. “You’d better hurry out with Orange. He’s getting impatient. I may go and take a nap with Peach.”

I nodded before being dragged outside by my younger brother. He, immediately, began construction on the frozen castle. It would have been helpful to use a shovel, but I knew they were only used for work. I looked around, trying to find something to help build the structure. Spotting a pail, I trotted over and inspected it for holes. I realized it had been the same one my brothers carried the large rat in. Rats are a normal pest, but I had never seen one that large. I figured it had migrated in search of food and warmth.

“We can use that to carry more snow!” Orange called.

Ignoring my protests, he grabbed the handle in his teeth and trotted, happily, to the pile of snow he had been working on. I sighed at his stubbornness, but went along with him, anyway. With each bucket-full of the powdery substance, the castle grew. Eventually the pile had grown as tall as me.

“We must begin the hollowing!” He bellowed.

I giggled as I watched him bring his small hoof to his chest to mimic a brave knight. I followed his orders and started packing the snow, digging an entrance, and creating what looked like short walls.

“Rose, when is Father coming home?” He asked.

I paused, then continued on, not looking his way. “I-I don’t know. He shouldn’t be too much longer.”

“Did something bad happen?”

“No, no. Everything is just fine!” I lied. “Chancellor Puddinghead gave him unexpected orders, is all.”

He eyed me, unsure. “Okay.”

I wanted to believe it, myself, so I did. Constantly, I would repeat what I had told Orange. The entire time we were outdoors, I said it in my mind. Fortunately, building the snow fort had took my mind off of things. When we finished, I admired our work. The castle was slightly bigger than me, complete with four, impressive towers. The entrance was nothing but an opening in the front. I smiled down at Orange who stared in awe.

“I’d say we did a brilliant job!” I elbowed him.

He nodded, then rushed inside the entrance. I chuckled as he climbed to the top and stood on the roof.

“I, Knight Orange, hereby declare that fillies are now welcome into my kingdom!” He read from an imaginary scroll.

I chuckled. “Many thanks, oh brave one!”

Suddenly, his eyes went wide and his smile grew. He bounded down the snowy castle and past me. I looked to the direction he was heading. A mixture of relief and overjoy flooded my mind. Father had returned! I flung myself towards the path he was walking. He looked fatigued. Depressed, even. I slowed down to a trot and threw my hooves around him.

“Father! You’re back!” I felt his foreleg around me. Orange clung to his other one.

“Children! I’m happy to see you!” He forced a tired smile.

I examined him. “What did the chancellor have you to do? She forced you to overwork!” I was outraged.

“Chancellor Puddinghead was absent in the meeting. She had Smart Cookie to take over.” He said as we walked, slowly, towards the house. 

I sighed with more relief. Smart Cookie lived up to her name. She was so much more reasonable than the chancellor.

“I thought you would be home last night.” Orange spoke up.

Father yawned. “I traveled through the night. I was needed in the farthest of northern fields. Puddinghead declared she would meet with Princess Platinum and Commander Hurricane to attempt to resolve the worldwide deprivation. This storm has effected the unicorns, as well. She suspects the pegasi are responsible, but I know better. They couldn’t possibly be so cruel. They may even be suffering the same.”

I hung my head. “Do you think they would be able to come to an agreement?”

He shook his head. “Not unless the three leaders are able to see past their misjudgments.”

I hurried to open the door for him. The second I closed the door he collapsed onto the floor, snoring. Mother trotted over to him and helped to escort him to their bedroom. I was so happy he had returned. It would have been horrible if something bad happened to him. Orange wanted to follow them, but I stopped him.

“Let him rest. He’s been working hard.” I told him. “Let’s go check on Grape Seed.”

The colt frowned, but agreed. We walked up the short flight of stairs into their bedroom. I spotted Grape shivering underneath the wool blanket in his bed. Orange climbed onto his small chair and watched as I felt his forehead. He was awfully warm.

“Grape, are you feeling better?” I asked, softly.

He sneezed and sniveled. “I’m cold, Rosie.”

I lay beside him to keep him warm. He snuggled beside me and smiled. “I can’t wait until I get better. I want to play with Orange, again.” He rasped.

I chuckled. “You’ll be better, soon. I’m sure the snow castle will still be there. For now, you need to rest and gather your strength.”

“You built a snow fort?” He looked to Orange, who nodded with pride. “How wonderful!” Grape lay his head down.

The feeble colt yawned, quickly drifting off to sleep. When I was sure he was warm enough, I quietly stood and tiptoed towards the door.

“Are you coming, Orange?” I whispered.

He yawned, too. “I may get in bed with Grape to keep him warm. I’m sleepy.”

I smiled as he climbed under the blanket and closed his eyes. It warmed my heart to know he loved his brother so much. I quietly closed the door and slowly walked down the stairs. Mother and Peach were sitting beside the stove, keeping warm. In the kitchen, dishes sat in the bin, unwashed. I got to work, scrubbing the tin plates and cups.

“Rose, I’ll get those, later. Don’t worry about them-“ Mother fell into a coughing fit. When she was finished, she growled. “Confound this weather.”

“It’s okay. I’ll wash the dishes.” I offered.

It didn’t take long to finish the chore. I was happy to help, anyway. Peach crawled towards me, so I picked her up and nuzzled her soft cheeks. She seemed feverish, like Grape. There must have been a terrible cold going around. I’ve had the flu, once. It was awful!

“Wose!” Peach giggled.

I hugged her. “You spoke!”

Rushing over to Mother, I announced the good news. “Mother, Peach is talking!”

“What did she say?”

“She said my name!” I cheered. “Come on, Peach, say ‘Rose’!”

The infant did nothing but babble and carry on.

Mother laughed. “She only speaks when she wants.”

I laughed with her. “It won’t be long. She’ll soon carry on conversations.”

Setting Peach on the floor with her stuffed dog, I went to sit by Mother. Glancing at her hoof, I noticed she had it wrapped where the rat had bitten her. She rubbed it a couple of times, so I started wondering if it was getting infected. The only things I knew to do was keep it clean or soak it in salt water. Picking up her hoof, I started to unwrap it.

“Has your hoof been giving you trouble?” I asked her.

She shook her head. I knew she was lying.

When I finished unwrapping it, I gasped at the sight. While the bite was originally small, the wound had now opened further. The discoloration was horrifying! In a short time, it turned black and almost seemed rotted. Sores formed around the area, creating ghastly bubbles of pus. The smell was worse, though. Scents of decomposing flesh filled my nostrils, making me dry heave. What amazed me, was that it became this in less than two days.

“M-Mother…”

“It’s fine. I just… forgot to clean it.” She forced another smile.

I stared at her in shock. “This is much more than that! You need to see a doctor!”

“Maybe… tomorrow…” She could barely finish speaking before she collapsed.

“Mother!”

She was still breathing. I gently lay her head on the ground and rushed out the door. The nearest doctor wasn’t far, so I galloped the entire way. The cold wind stung my face as I ran. Her house sat behind a few dead apple trees. I zigzagged around them, trying to avoid any obstacle I could. I knew this was no longer an average cold. This was more serious! Panting heavily, I ran up the steps and banged on the door. No answer. I banged harder.

“Doctor Pine! Please! It’s an emergency!” I cried.

I heard shuffling and hoofsteps inside. Finally, the middle aged mare opened the door. “What’s happened, sweetheart?”

“Mother has collapsed! I think it’s from an infection!” The words flew from my muzzle as I grabbed her hoof to follow. She stumbled out the door.

“Let me grab my things. I’ll meet you there, alright? Just keep her head elevated.” She ordered.

My heart was slowly breaking. Why did this have to happen to such a kind and caring mare like Mother? I was angry, too. If my brothers hadn’t brought that stupid vermin in the house, this wouldn’t have happened. It had to have some kind of disease! I wanted to burn its body, to ensure nothing like this happened again. It wouldn’t matter, now. Mother was fighting for her life. I wanted to help any way I could.

Back home, I sat by my mother, holding her head in my lap. I sniffed, fighting back tears. Father came in, carrying a bowl of water. He dipped a cloth in the water and rung it. Then, he gently laid it across her forehead. Her breathing became rugged and forced. I caressed her mane, hoping she would wake. Every once in a while, I would glance at the door, waiting for Doctor Pine.

Father put his hoof on my shoulder. “I’ll take over, Rosemary. Go check on Peach and the colts.”

I nodded and helped situate Mother on a cushion. Just as I was about to leave the room, the front door swung open and in walked Doctor Pine. I rushed to her and took her scarf, hanging it by the door. She greeted Father and set her bag next to him, holding a hoof to Mother’s forehead.

She frowned. “Her fever is pretty high. Do you know where the infection originated?”

I quickly spoke up. “A rat bit her.” I uncovered the wound, showing her.

“Oh, my! This is terrible! A few ponies have come to me with a similar problem, but I haven’t seen one this severe.” She rubbed her chin.
“Do you think the rodent was diseased?” Father asked her.

“It’s possible. I’m wondering, though. Is there anypony else running fever in the house?”

“Grape and Peach have been ill. I thought it was only a cold.” He said.

“Keep them away from other foals. I don’t want this to spread.” She dug in her bag and pulled out a jar of herbs. “Make a tea from this mixture and give it to them. If anything, it will ease the pain. I’m afraid there isn’t much I can do.”

“But you must know what it is!” I pleaded.

She shook her head, sadly. “This is something I’ve only just, recently, discovered. It works fast. It seems to come from the rats, but only affects certain ponies.”

I glanced at the floor, hurt. There had to be something I could do.

“Don’t worry, Rosemary. So far, nopony has died. It may even be curable. I just have to have the right herbs.” Doctor Pine pat my shoulder.

“I’ll get them! Where can I find the plants?” I asked her.

“Absolutely not! I will not send you to such dangerous lands! This disease will pass. I don’t even know what herbs I’m looking for.” Her glare softened. “Be patient, keep them comfortable, and pray it passes, quickly. In the scenario that it does, in fact, worsen, I’ll speak with Chancellor Puddinghead about sending a group to gather the plants.”

When she wrapped Mother’s hoof, I brought her to the foals to examine them. Strangely, they had welts on their backs. Not noticeable, but still strange. I worried for them. They were only foals! I didn’t think they could handle such a horrible illness. Orange had to wait in my room while she examined them. He would probably have to stay in there, so he doesn’t catch this awful ailment.

“I’m sorry, but that’s all I can do. Don’t hesitate to come to me if anything changes.” She gathered her bag and scarf, then bid us farewell.
Doctor Pine wrapped her scarf around her neck and muzzle, then she exited into the dark, freezing night. I stared at my hooves for the longest of times. I didn’t want to wait for Mother to get over her sickness. It may take days, or even weeks!

“I’ll take her to the bedroom.” Father said, his tired eyes betraying his hope.

I helped him lift her onto his back and carry her to the bed. As soon as they were out of sight, I went into the kitchen with the herbs and began making the tea. The grotesque image of Mother’s wound never left my mind. It was horrifying! Tears rolled down my cheeks. My family was being tortured by famine, freezing weather, and now a plague. Doctor Pine had said others were suffering from the same sickness. The rats. They were riddled with the disease, but why were we only just showing symptoms? We’ve had the varmints before and had no problems, other than a few destroyed crops.

Waiting for the water to boil, I stared out the small window. The storm seemed to get worse every day. Along with the symptoms of the disease. That’s it! The temperature effected the disease! I rubbed my neck, trying harder not to cry. If the storm doesn’t subside, soon, there would surely be death.

“Rosemary, are you feeling okay?” Father whispered behind me.

I nodded. “I’m alright. Father, do you think the low temperatures are working with this disease? It only seemed to spread after the storms became worse.”

He pondered for a few moments. “It’s possible, but it just doesn’t make sense. Where did the rats come from? How did they receive this malady?”

I took the boiling water and poured in some of the herb mixture, waiting for it to steep. “I do not know. I wish I could find the cure.”

“You heard the doctor. It’s too dangerous to venture out. I can’t lose you, as well.” He embraced me.

I rested my head on his shoulder, still leaning towards the idea that I need to do it. For the ponies who are suffering. For my family[/i





I’m watching Orange sleep peacefully on my bed. I hope he doesn’t fall ill, too. Oh, diary. I’m so afraid! I want, so bad, to walk out that door, but I just can’t bring myself to leave my papa to care for everypony, himself. What can I do? My family has suffered enough. I’m torn, truth be told. Doubt on one side, determination on the other. Why couldn’t the disease just take me, instead? Grape. Peach. They’re so young. They have a full life ahead!

I think I know what to do. If their wellbeing hasn’t improved, I’ll go. I’ll risk my life, if I must! Anything, to help them! It’s strange, isn’t it? Just a couple of days ago, I spoke of searching out my true origins. Now, I talk of curing a disease. I may even find the source of the plague. Surely, I couldn’t wait for Doctor Pine to speak with the chancellor. That could take so much longer than necessary! There may not be much time!

I’ll begin packing my things, tomorrow. Of course, you’ll come with me, my friend. I’ll need some company on my journey. I’ll see you, then.

Rosemary