I: Perspective
The filly propped herself up on her hind legs, looking through the window of the bakeshop. Her breath fogged the window up some, so she quickly wiped a hoof across the accumulating fog, providing her with a clear view inside once again. She wanted so much to go in and get some warm food, but without a single bit to her name, she was out of luck. A familiar voice pierced the filly’s mind, and she quickly pushed off the window, turning to face her two best friends.
Sweetie Belle was bundled up in a scarf and hat made by her sister. They matched her coat and mane perfectly, the colors all coming together in a perfect combination. Apple Bloom also had a scarf, but no hat atop her head. Her usual bow was there, though. Both fillies had big smiles on their faces, and Scootaloo couldn’t keep the smile off of her face.
The trio had decided, yesterday, that today would be a day free of crusading, instead dedicated to enjoying the wonders of a snow covered Ponyville. They weren’t alone in this plan, as most of the town had abandoned their typical jobs, instead opting to spend some time in the snow. The Crusaders quickly began their romp through the town, joining in some snowball fights and generally having a great time all over town.
Like all good things in life, though, the day had to come to an end. Taupe was the first to find the trio, and he and Apple Bloom were soon heading off to Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Bloom happily riding atop Taupe’s back as he trotted off. Rarity found the duo shortly afterwards, whisking Sweetie Belle off to the boutique, so that she might be made presentable for the coming dinner feast. Scootaloo happily wished her friends a happy Hearthswarming Eve, but she was unable to really feel sincere in her wishes. After all, she was still alone, and no amount of well wishing would fix that.
She trotted down Mane Street slowly, dearly wishing to avoid the confrontation that would be presented when she got to the home of her adoptive parents. She knew the truth, not from them, and ever since she had found out she had felt nothing but contempt for her ‘parents’. They had lied to her for her entire life, and she couldn’t find it within herself to forgive them just yet.
As she headed for home, she stopped in her tracks, suddenly feeling like she would rather spend her first Hearthswarming Eve with her new knowledge alone. Or, at least, away from the ponies who had misled her for her entire life. When she should’ve taken a right to head down one of the side streets she instead opted to continue heading straight, a path that would lead her out of town.
Following the road for a bit, Scootaloo soon found herself outside the town, sitting atop a hill overlooking the town. The myriad of occupied houses in the town all had thin columns of smoke coming from the chimneys. The filly shivered a bit as a cold wind bit into her body. A small part of the filly relished the cold. It was a grim reminder of the world, and the cruelties it forced upon those living in it. That same small part of the filly told her that there was no place for her in this world. Her own mother abandoned her, and her uncle was unwilling to tell her the truth, even when he knew.
A quick shake threw off the accumulating snow, and then the filly moved over to sit beneath the tree that was atop the hill. While it offered no shelter from the wind or the cold, it stopped the snow from falling on her in large quantities.
As if to try and beat out the melancholic part of her brain a different part tried to tell her that she had so much available. Friends that promised to always be there. An uncle who she was trying to love like the uncle he was. A mother who had finally come back to her. And aside from family there were all her other friends. Ponies like Rarity and Rainbow Dash. Hay, even Twilight was good to turn to when she didn’t mind being lectured half to death. Really, she wasn’t as alone as she thought she was. She just had to swallow her pride, and ask for help.
That tiny naïve part of the filly told her that she wouldn’t be left alone outside grew quieter and quieter as she spent yet more time outside. She had a whole town at her disposal for emotional help, since not one pony in the town would turn her away. And yet still she waited. Storm, or Ace would come and take her under their wing, and back to their home to spend the night.
Hours passed, and still nothing.
As she gently laid her head down on her crossed hooves, she let out a small sob. The only outward sign of the pain she felt escaped her lips when she wanted nothing more than to remain silent. Nopony in Ponyville was coming to help her. Nopony in Ponyville even knew where she was.
After all, this is no fairy tale, and there are no happy endings.