It's quiet so far from town. When morning came the only sound to really be heard were the tweets of birds out looking for food.
Few would realize to look at the small plot of land that somepony actually lived there.
Hidden behind a small hill was a caravan. On it's roof was a layer of dirt with it's own grass growing from it, helping keep the quiet residence hidden. Even though it had wheels it hadn't moved in more than a decade and vines had grown so thick around the wheels and spokes that it was unlikely to move even if a team of ponies were to try and make it.
A wild looking garden stretched out from the side, several of the vines holding the wheels in place were from fruit plants that the occupant had planted.
The door creaked as it opened and a pudgy earth pony stretched as he walked out. He was unusually tall for a pony and had to duck whenever he walked through his door. His long golden mane brushing the ground as he collected a watering can that he filled from the nearby river.
Once full he put the can down and dunked his head, holding it below the water for several seconds. Once in the open air again he shook his head, throwing the water from his gray fur and golden beard. With a sigh and a smile he looked around. In the distance he could see pegasi foals flitting about the clouds with unicorns and earth ponies playing in the fields.
He collected his watering can and went about taking care of his wild garden, picking fruits and vegetables as they were ripe. He quietly thought about several of his favorite preservation methods and what would work best for his excess.
He placed the now empty watering can beneath the wagon and walked back inside with his small harvest.
The windows were shuttered and on a small end table sat a pile of books with a lantern. His black cat was almost invisible as she slept on the back of the small couch that doubled as his bed, perking up once the shutters were opened.
She stretched and rubbed her head against the earth pony before walking to her food dish and eating what leftovers she had.
Remembering that he hadn't had breakfast either, the pony began to go through his cupboard and collect what would pass for a meal. Cold coffee, soon to be toasted bread, and his last egg.
He grumbled as he realized he'd have to go into town for the few things he didn't just grow himself. Once he had finished the simple meal he collected his cloak and draped it over himself, hiding his face, hair, and belted book cutie mark.
He held the door for a moment as he walked left. “Did you want to go out?”
His cat's response was to climb onto the pillow he had used that night and curl up, purring contentedly.
With a shake of his head he closed the door and walked towards the town. He didn't need much, just milk and eggs, and he could just go to the farm and get those. But he wanted to walk around town for a bit.
His face was neutral as he walked, his heart beating faster as he saw everypony, but at the same time their stares got to him. No matter how he enjoyed visiting town, he could never shake the feeling that he was unwelcome. He'd just get what he came to get and leave, he didn't want to bother everyone more than he had to.
He looked to the unicorn mare store clerk and place his bits on the counter.
“Have a good day.” She said with a smile as she took his money.
“Thanks.” He said quietly as he took his groceries and left.
He kept his head down as he walked towards the edge of town, not ready to be done but ready to leave everyone alone again. Something flew past him as he walked and moments later he saw the pegasus mare land and start talking and laughing with somepony.
Even as the familiar ache began to take hold in his chest he smiled and watched her for a moment. Eventually forcing himself to look away, he continued his walk home.
Once his shopping was put away he sat on the couch and idly pet his cat, unable to muster the desire to read any of the books he had been planning on reading that day.
With a heavy sigh he lay on the couch, his hind legs hanging over the edge. He would go out later and do some of the other things he had planned on, maybe even pick up one of the books if he felt like it. But right now he just didn't have the will to do any of it.