To, my father, Corn Husk;
Hello, this is Shine Sparkle speaking on behalf of Crystal Gem here. She’s gone really loopy, I had to do some serious convincing just to get her to not write this herself. Instead, I’m going to ask her to relay some things and I will write them, or not, because I pretty much know how these letters work. Don’t take me for a fool, Dad, I know more than I seem to know. Alright?
So, I did ask Mom to tell you a few things about what’s going on.
Well, she said that she’s doing just fine. I know that’s a complete lie. Mom has never been worse. She’s so confused and says the strangest things. I know for a fact that she wouldn’t be so lax on allowing you to marry that other pony. Lance was it? She knows better than to say yes to everything, however that seems to be what she does the most nowadays.
To be completely honest, I hate it. I hate all the trials and tribulations and the doctors saying she’ll probably die sooner rather than later. The fact that they’re powerless to do a thing. Every day I see Mom getting worse and worse. I just can’t hold it. I tried to be tough, but I just can’t. I want to have some control over this life that’s wrecking me inside.
Honestly, I see Mom lying there on the bed, forgetting her nickname for me, and I wonder why this had to happen. Why did one of the ponies who understood me in my entirety. She never had any questions, she just accepted me for ‘Sparky’. I almost want to call myself that, now. That’d be so silly, but having her memory...
Otherwise, I question the doctors. I don’t know why they can’t do anything to save her.
Mom heard your question about working and doing things you don’t want to. I, for one, still want to be in the military. Tolerate does not mean love. Slate is the exception and not the rule.
Unfortunately, Mom doesn’t have an answer to that. She can’t exactly remember anything she didn’t want to do while teaching. I don’t have an answer for it either, but I’ll be mulling over that one when the next letter comes around.
Mom is very happy for Slate, says she knew all that research would lead somewhere. Surprisingly, that’s one of the most coherent things she’s said in a while. It’s saddening seeing such an awesome pony be reduced to mumbling incoherently.
I, am not necessarily happy for Slate. I mean, Changelings can reform, but whoop-de-do? What if he’s just faking loving you and Lance? What if he is doing this to gain intel? After all, he was literally raised on deception.
Now, all this is fine and dandy. I’m sure that you and Slate are friends though. I’m sure Changelings have some capacity for feeling, as it seems to be completely possible.
Now, Lance seems very nice. She also seems very attractive. You’ve been trying to dodge the question these past couple times. I think you might have a little crush on her yourself. Mom isn’t quite sharp enough to pick up on that.
Hey, how old is she? Is she like 15 years younger than you? If so, is she taken?
All that aside, Lance seems like a great friend to you. Just make sure that she and Slate come here as that’s one thing Mom’s still adamant about. That and she really wants you to come home soon. I’m pretty sure we all do.
So, you have a question about how we’re doing. Well, just like you guys, we could be a lot better.
While I’m still with my girlfriend, I haven’t been talking with her. She’s concerned, however, I’m too concerned about Mom to really care. Mom’s been getting progressively worse, and I’ve been by her side the whole way. I really wish it didn’t have to be this way, but sometimes that stuff happens. All in all, I could be doing a lot better than I am currently.
Jack’s the same way. In the candid conversations I’ve had with him, he says that he’s concerned to. His girlfriend has been participating in the Changeling rallies a little, but I’m not sure her heart’s in it. I’m not even sure if Jack’s heart is in it. He keeps giving halfhearted speeches, and if the ponies wouldn’t listen to a 15-year old then, they certainly don’t now. He still wholeheartedly believes in Changeling equality, but he doesn’t go around preaching it as much anymore. Mom’s inevitable death is killing us both inside. However, she’s right, I’ve never been this up-front with Jack. Her death is for better and worse. Truly, a death bringing ponies together, how funny.
How’s my life? Funny you asked. I’m absolutely torn apart inside. Mom’s impending doom isn’t helping anypony. Me and Jack have never been closer, on the plus side, but everything else is a minus.
Now, I know that question is always directed at Mom, so I asked her about it as well.
She claims she’s doing fine, which is a complete lie, as I’ve said. She seems to be content that her death will bring us together, but I think the prospect is ridiculous.
Needless to say, we don’t exactly see eye-to-eye here, but I love Mom too much to just let her go without saying goodbye. I spend most of my time checking in on her because I know she needs it.
So, my health is fine. Then again, that question is always directed towards Mom. Her health is becoming worse by the day. The doctors say she’ll be lucky to last another couple weeks. Her tumor is taking over, and she knows it.
Mom seems to have enough mental capacity to tell you that.
Like I said, I’m putting on a minor façade here, I’m absolutely torn up inside. I really just want to see you Dad, we all do. Just once. Please.
Marching in lockstep;
Shine “Sparky” Sparkle.