//------------------------------// // Chapter 19 // Story: In and Out of Phase // by Vic Fontaine //------------------------------// “Good evening, Willow. How are you today?” “I’m doing alright. Knee’s bothering me something fierce today, but otherwise okay. I might need to breakdown and go see that orthopedist about getting it replaced. Can’t put it off forever I suppose.” “How is she today?” “I see…” “Well, I know the way of course, so I’ll show myself up. See you in a bit.” “Oh! Um, hello.” “Yes, I’m Sunset Shimmer.” “Bluebonnet? Well, nice to meet you too.” “Uh, no, I don’t work here. Never have. I’m Twilight Sparkle’s wife. She’s a resident here.” “No no, it’s okay. I’m not offended. Just confused. Why did you think I worked here? People my age are more likely to be residents here than staffers, you know.” “Wha– Oh. Okay. Well then.” “Sorry, just wasn’t expecting, well, that. But yes, I’m the ‘redhead who tells stories’ you keep hearing about. Well, my hair used to be a lot redder, anyway. Heh. And they’re stories I guess, but really it’s just me rambling on about a past vacation, or anniversary, or party, or something. Whatever jogs her memory on that day, really.” “Ah. Well, if you’ve only been here a week, you haven’t seen me much anyway. But yes, I come by nearly every day to see her. Been doing so for over five years now.” “No, it’s not bad at all. Well, the drive used to be a bit hectic in traffic, but I sold the car a while back. Too much for me to keep up with these days, and there’s a bus line that stops right at the corner here anyway. Besides, the money saved goes towards Twi’s care, so it’s worth it. “Anyway, nice to meet you, Bluebonnet. Oh! One more thing. Did she ask for me by name? Or, talk about her wife in general?” “I-It’s nothing. Forget I asked.” “Heya, sweetie. It’s me again! May I come in?” “Good to see you, Twilight. Feeling good today? “Yes, I’ll make sure to tell them to keep the radishes out of your salads from now on. So… Bluebonnet tells me you were asking about me? The girl with the stories, remember?” “Yes, her. Well, I’m back again with more stories–” “Yes, Twilight, I’m her. You remember, right? I come by nearly every day, and each time I tell you a story.” “Well, yes, my hair’s more gray than red these days, but it’s still me! You know, Sunset. Your friend, your wife? “You do remember… right?” “Okay then…” “Tell you what, let me open these blinds a little, let some more sunlight in. There we go. A nice clear evening.” “Beautiful sunset out there too.” “...” “Twilight?” “...” “...” “Okay, if that’s what you want, Twilight. I’ll close the blinds.”