[A letter is stapled inside the margins of the book.]
TEXT LOG
4/XX/XXXX
NOTE: The following letter was found within the journal upon its discovery. After months of translating the eldritch characters into legible text, we managed to decipher the letter’s contents. The following text is unedited, save for one redaction.
Dear Princess Celestia,
Today, I caught up with an old friend. Do you remember Anon? The little colt that miraculously appeared before me with no explanation and disappeared the same way? He’s back! And so much older too. I couldn’t stop thinking about how much time has gotten away from us.
Last night, we had a one-on-one rendezvous. No, not in that way! (I know you were thinking it.) He reached out to me and wanted to know why he can see us and we can see him. I told him what I could. But that’s old news!
We just got done with our little picnic. The girls and I all gathered around and, admittedly, bombarded him with questions. You know, things like “How’s school?”, “Is your family okay?”, “Are you still taking your medicine?” and vice versa. He was overwhelmed, but he stuck it out. Honestly, I can’t imagine how he even puts up with us!
The girls handled it about as well as you expected. Applejack was the most calm about it, often showing the most concern and restraint for Anon, keeping the rest of us in check. Still, Applejack isn’t hard to read. She still regarded Anon as her surrogate little brother.
Rarity couldn’t stop ogling the poor stallion! She kept commenting on “Just how handsome he’s gotten!” and asking if he’d found a special somepony yet. While we were all curious, I still couldn’t believe she went and asked. I’ll have to keep an eye on that one…
Fluttershy was uncharacteristically talkative today, but entirely characteristic in her worry. Out of all of us, she remembered his...troubled home life. A lot of her questions skirted the line of being a bit too personal, at least at this moment. That’s where AJ came in. Fluttershy always had a soft spot for him and it only grew more tender with time.
Rainbow talked more about herself then she did trying to inquire about Anon like the rest of us. Although, oddly enough, that was probably for the best. Rainbow was acutely aware of his apprehension to talking about himself. However, she did express a desire to play Superman and save Anon from all his problems. That’s Rainbow for you.
That brings us to Pinkie...We all know how much Pinkie wanted this. When the rest of us had long since given up, Pinkie never stopped sending those messages. That’s why it worries me when I tell you how quiet she was. It was like she was caught in perpetual stage fright. She stuttered, her eyes darted around, and she kept her tail tucked in her arms. If you want my theory, I think she wanted a moment of privacy with Anon. After all, they were always the closest. Still, I thought it was better to bring everypony together at least for the first time before catching up with him individually. I only hope she isn’t too upset.
There was one last thing I wanted to report. I...I want to [REDACTED]. I know what you’re going to say, but please Princess. You must understand. I’ve watched him grow all this time and have been absent from his life even longer. He’s back now, but what if he disappears again? My heart can’t take that loss again.
For now, it’s just a thought. I’m just happy he’s here again. I just hope it lasts.
Your Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle