//------------------------------// // The Day From Hell // Story: Grave Reflections // by Anonomis //------------------------------// Twilight abruptly woke with a jolt after feeling what she believed to be a nudge. After putting her glasses on to see, she glanced over to a digital alarm clock sitting on a nightstand to see the time. “Typical,” she muttered, switching it off “Why even bother setting it when I keep waking up too early?” With her alarm turned off; Twilight got changed from her nightgown into the shorts and shirt that were set out the night before. Looking around her room; she couldn’t help but remind herself of the empty nature of half the room. The residue of a collapsible barrier that was once attached to the walls to separate the residents was still on the walls, as if someone hadn’t bothered to fully scrape it off. Once dressed; she grabbed her backpack and left, only to pass by a wall of photos hanging in the hallway. Each showed Twilight or her older brother Shining Armor, along with their parents Twilight Velvet and Night Light. Located on a small table near the kitchen was another image that was partially hidden from the rest. In the photo was the family members with a young male with green spiky hair standing in front of Twilight. Twilight had to look away and wipe her eyes in an attempt to block out some memories that started to emerge as she said down in the nearest chair at the dinner table. “Morning; dear,” Velvet said “Meh,” Twilight shrugged in response “What are we having for breakfast; mom?” “I thought something easy like cheese and mushroom omelets and bacon would be sufficient,” Velvet answered “Want any help,” Shining offered as he headed inside “If you want to start working on frying the bacon; that would be nice,” Velvet suggested “Just a reminder; we’ll be heading there after school gets out,” Night Light announced “Speaking of; do I actually have to go to school today,” Twilight begged “Unfortunately; yes, you do,” Velvet answered “If not; I fear your friends would show up here with the National Guard to drag you there.” “By the way, Twily; don’t forget to take your medication,” Shining pointed out, tossing her a pill bottle “I don’t know why you insist I still take these things,” she argued “It’s been a year and these things haven’t done anything to help.” “They were supposed to help alleviate any symptoms from the PTSD the doctors diagnosed you with,” Velvet said as her daughter swallowed a capsule with a small glass of milk “Even then; I’ve just tried to keep the hallucinations to myself,” Twilight pointed out “No one has any idea about my condition.” “And it’s best to try and keep it that way,” Night Light added “After breakfast, would you like a ride to school?” “Thanks for the offer, dad; but it’s not too much of a walk to get to Canterlot High. It’s easier than having to get a ride to Crystal Prep every day.” “Sorry to interrupt, but breakfast is ready,” Velvet announced Shining and Velvet headed over to the table with two trays containing the cooked bacon and omelets as Twilight reached over to get her helping. Their father grabbed the coffee pot and set four cups out as each received some. Once everything was cleaned and put away in its proper place; Twilight grabbed her backpack and headed off for her daily walk. In order to keep her mind occupied; she pictured the same little brother walking alongside her. “Slow down; Spike,” she said in a low voice No answer was received from her hallucination, but it didn’t matter. It was only a year ago that things changed with her brother that left lasting scars that only her family could truly know. Once in her English class; Twilight still found her mind wondering as she elected not to take notes; but jot down something else. Somewhere; you’ll find me Picking up the fallen pieces I’ve left behind in my wake Keeping my mind intact Each time I see your smiling face “What’s that,” a voice asked curiously “It’s nothing,” Twilight answered hastily, shoving the paper inside a notebook “Nothing. Why do you ask; Rarity?” “From what I saw; it looked like an interesting poem,” Rarity mused “It isn’t like you to not pay attention in class.” “I’ve just had a lot on my mind,” Twilight answered, in a seemingly robotic way “It hasn’t been a good day so far.” “It’s only first period,” Rarity pointed out “Whatever happened earlier, can get only get better later." “I wish it was that easy,” Twilight thought “If it was; I’d be puking rainbows and shitting unicorns.” The lesson in history; which was usually thrilling, was so uninteresting Twilight found herself resting her head in the crook of her arm as she fell asleep. Despite the ringing of the bell; she made no notice as the students were dismissed. A series of pokes into her arm was used to draw her attention. “Quit it; Spike,” she muttered “Yo, poindexter,” Dash said loudly “Your class left already and you’re currently sitting in my seat.” “Oh,” Twilight said dismissively “Miss Sparkle; since it seems you aren’t feeling well; I’ve informed Mrs. Harshwhinny you won’t be in her class, and can stay here,” Cheerilee offered “Miss Dash; just take another seat in the meantime.” “Actually; if you don’t mind, I’d rather go to see Nurse Redheart,” Twilight said “Since I can’t have a student going without an escort; Dash will assist you,” Cheerilee decided A hall pass was given to her as the pair left towards their destination. “Spill it,” Dash started “There’s two things I need to know. First; you’ve never slept through a lesson as far as I remember; so why the change? Secondly; who or what’s this ‘Spike' you mentioned?” “I’m just not feeling alright. As for the other question; it’s a long story I’m not getting into.” “If you’re sure,” Dash mused “You know; the others are going to ask you the same questions." Twilight simply ignored any other questions or comments Dash may have asked her as her appearance in school was more so forced rather than choice. “What brings you in here; Miss Sparkle,” Redheart inquired, taking the pass “I just haven’t been feeling well,” Twilight answered automatically “She fell asleep through her previous class period and into mine,” Dash chimed in “I’ll handle it from here,” Redheart stated “Go ahead and return to class now, Dash.” “Well; your temperature is normal,” Redheart announced “98 point 6 degrees. That rules out any sickness.” “Physical sickness; maybe. Mental is a different story,” Twilight thought “Why did you come down here,” Redheart asked again “I’ll take it from here,” a voice stated “Principal Celestia,” Twilight asked in disbelief “What brings you in here?” “I received a call from your mother about you possibly acting differently,” Celestia explained “Why don’t we head to my office and talk privately?” Without an argument; Twilight grabbed her backpack and followed her principal to the front office and took the padded chair in front of the usually imposing desk. “I’ll be blunt,” Celestia started “What exactly happened to change you? In the year that you’ve been here; this is the first time you have ever been sick.” “I won’t go into detail, but my younger brother died. It caused a bout of post traumatic stress disorder because of it.” “My condolences for your loss. It’s not easy to deal with burying family. Luna and I had to see to taking care of the arrangements for our parents,” Celestia said “What happens now?” “You’ll have to return to class for the rest of the day,” came the answer “All that I ask is you just try your best.” “I make no guarantees about the rest of the day. I’m lucky that I’m here.” After the meeting with Celestia; Twilight returned to sit in the last fifteen minutes of Mrs. Harshwhinny’s class before heading to the next class. Up towards her sixth period physical education class; she was barely paying attention and trying to stay awake. In PE; she opted to walk around the school’s running track while the rest of the class played games. Finally with all her classes done, she just had to hope her food stayed in her stomach before her parents picked her up. Deciding on a salad; Twilight grabbed a table in the back of the room, and poked at it, as she read the poem from earlier. “What’s that,” Dash asked, taking a seat, before grabbing the paper “You’ve been actin might strange, today,” Applejack pointed out “You’re not your usual self.” “That’s an interesting poem you have there,” Fluttershy commented, reading over Dash's shoulder “You need a party to cheer you up,” Pinkie decided “Parties cheer everyone up.” “Stopitstopitstopit,” Twilight muttered to herself as she plugged her ears “Just let us know what we can do to help,” Sunset pressed “ENOUGH,” Twilight yelled “Just leave me alone! You wouldn’t understand!” “Help us understand than, darling,” Rarity added “I’d guess it has something to do with what you wrote,” Pinkie deuced, wearing a detective’s hat “Something about spikes!” “I’ve been in your shoes,” AJ offered “If you need a shoulder to cry on, I’m here for you.” “It’s…it’s,” Twilight started, before choking up “We’ve gotten the first part,” Rarity pointed out Instead of an answer; Twilight pushed past the others and any unfortunate students in her way and raced out of the room and towards the bathroom. “Omon meed eek ogur” Dash said through a mouthful of food “She’s speaking in tongues,” Pinkie yelled “We need an exorcism quick! We’ll save you Dashie!” “I said,” Dash restarted, after swallowing “Someone needs to go and check on Twilight.” Inside the bathroom; Twilight barricaded herself in a stall as the tears came flooding out. The more she attempted to repress the memories; the more forceful they emerged into her consciousness. “I’m sorry,” she muttered “I’m sorry.” Applejack left from the group and headed towards the bathroom before trying to enter as quietly as possible. With the loud sobbing echoing around the interior; she’d definitely found their missing friend. “Twi,” AJ started in a low voice “Can I talk to you?” The sound of the stall being unlocked was heard as Twilight emerged with her shirt rumpled with wet patches on the arms and newly bloodshot eyes. AJ just handed over a few paper towels to help clean her up. “It’s something I’ve never told anyone,” Twilight started in a slightly raspy voice “You lost someone close to you,” AJ simplified as Twilight could only nod in response “My parents died when I was a little girl. Granny never told us what happened; except that they never got to their destination.” “Sorry.” “Later found out they were hit by a drunk driver coming from the same party that left early.” “My brother died last year on this date.” “Sorry to hear,” AJ said, gently wrapping her in a hug “What happened; if you don’t mind me asking?” “I can’t,” Twilight replied “It’s my fault.” “If; or whenever you feel up to talking about it; just know that I’ll be there.” “Thanks, AJ.” “Come on. Let’s get back to the lunchroom,” AJ offered “I could probably use something right now.” To their surprise; in the time they’d been gone, everyone had left to go home except for their friends. Granny Smith emerged from the kitchen with a plate of food. “Since you didn’t get to eat; and from what your friends told me; I thought you could use this,” Granny said “Thank you; and I’m sorry.” “Shoot; no apologies necessary,” Granny corrected “We’ll be here if you need to talk about it,” Fluttershy said “And a party can happen when you’re ready,” Pinkie chimed in “It wasn’t our place to force you to tell us,” Rarity pointed out “We should have waited until you want to talk,” Sunset added Each of the girls turned towards Rainbow Dash; expecting her to add some kind of apology to the mix. “You’ll talk when you’re ready,” Dash said “We just need to wait in the meantime.” “Thank you again for the salad,” Twilight said, changing the subject After she finished lunch; Rarity was happy to retrieve a new shirt from her locker for Twilight to change into before they walked out the front together. “Sorry we’re running late,” Night Light offered “A few things came up.” “No problem,” Twilight countered “Same on my end.” Shining jumped out the driver’s side passenger section and ran around to help his sister inside the vehicle. Before getting in; he set her backpack in the trunk. “See you later,” Twilight called as her dad took off Needing to rest after having a slight headache; Twilight closed her eyes in an attempt to take a nap. Unfortunately for her; memories from the event started to slip into focus as she had to shake her head in the hopes of temporarily getting rid of them. After a drive lasting ten minutes; but feeling like an eternity to Twilight; Night Light finally approached the front gate to The Beyond cemetery. Located in a section known as ‘Innocence’ was where they needed to go. After parking in front of the nearby curb; Velvet was the first out and retrieved a bag from the trunk that contained a dozen roses. “Why don’t you take it,” Velvet offered, handing them to Twilight, who wordlessly accepted Towards the back wall was their final destination beside a tree that had been planted at the same time. Situated in the earth was a grave marker that read: Spike Sparkle Loving Brother and Son 2003-2016 May you run free in Elysium Twilight knelt down to place the flowers in the attached vase; before she broke down in tears as her head rested on the marker. “I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! This was all my fault!” Shining sat on the grass next to her and gently pulled her upright as their parents sat down on either side of them. “Twily; this wasn’t your fault,” Shining offered reassuringly “You had no idea that was going to happen.” “I should have been more careful,” she argued “Goodbye, son,” Night Light said “I’m sorry you were taken too soon.” “My little gemstone was taken before he could polish,” Velvet added “We’ll love you and miss you.”