Long died the heart of a treasured soul. A soul that was beloved to everyone in Equestria, but most importantly their friends. Their family. Even the ones they loved. The world had changed for all of them the day Jason died, each pony going through their own grief and sadness.
Twilight had locked herself in her room and hadn't come out after his funeral. There were times when her student Starlight Glimmer and assistant Spike would knock at her door asking if she was okay, only to be ignored or simply told to leave her be. They would come back later to find that she has fallen asleep on the bed with her books still open next to her. Her friends, those who loved her, have tried every possible thing to cheer her up or to make her feel better. Nothing could help, not even her favorite pancakes Spike always made for them both.
Applejack dealt with hers in silence. She did her best to keep everypony on their hooves as well as comforting them when needed, even her little sister Applebloom. She had been crying silently on a few occasions but no one noticed, which she was glad. It wouldn't do any good to worry everypony. It wasn't like her emotions weren't visible anyway.
Rarity felt empty as always, the pain in her heart hurting more each time she remembers what he had meant to her. He meant so much, more than anything or anyone else alive. Besides her dear friends, he understood her, cared for her, and treated her like the gem she truly was. He was like the big brother her and Sweetie Belle never had, a constant source of comfort during their childhood.
Pinkie Pie was devastated by Jason’s death. Over the years she hasn’t smiled as much as before and she has become distant from everyone in the group. Even her poofy mane had flattened. She had grown close to him due to all the adventures they’ve gone on together. He had taken care of her for as long as she can remember, even when she didn’t need it, and she couldn’t thank him enough.
Although she wanted nothing more than to get lost in the clouds and never return to reality, Pinkie pie knew this would only hurt her more. She just wished the tears would go away already, it was killing her inside knowing her best friend is dead and there isn’t anything she can do about it. No amount of cupcakes, or parties could make this feeling go away; she just wanted to feel something again, anything other than numbness.
Like Applejack, Rainbow Dash also did her best to keep everypony’s spirits up after his passing. It may sound silly, but she knows it will help take her mind off her own sorrow. She tries her hardest to cheer up her friends and make them laugh. She doesn’t know how to do such things because she had never really had a coltfriend before, so whenever she sees them sad she has to force herself not to start crying.
If only it were that easy for Fluttershy. . .
Fluttershy spent her days in the cottage crying. She had found herself sitting on her bed, hugging herself tightly while rocking back and forth trying to stave off a breakdown. Tears kept streaming down her cheeks and the sobs racked her body as she let her feelings out. Through the years Jason became more than just a friend to her. He was her beloved. They shared laughs, hugs, and even a special night where she gathered the courage to tell him how she really felt.
Not long after they dated, they were engaged. Her eyes closed as her mind played back the day of her wedding.
When the minister pronounced their vows she thought she would burst into tears at any moment, but it never came. Not once did she shed a single tear. It was almost as if they had practiced that day. They held hands throughout the reception, they danced, they laughed, they cried.
Their first dance was one of their biggest events of the year. Every pony was invited, not to mention her parents and brother as well. All eyes were on them as they moved in synchronicity across the floor. As soon as he dipped her they met eyes, locking together with love, passion, and joy. That kiss sent chills down her spine and goosebumps rose on her skin. This was everything they had dreamed about and more.
They were so happy, so in love that it nearly broke her when she heard about his accident. She watched in horror as they rushed into the hospital room. He looked so pale and sickly compared to her bright smile, and light pink mane. She hadn’t even noticed her own tears until that point, yet her throat tightened when he opened his tired blue eyes. His smile was weak but genuine when he spoke to her. When they were alone she sobbed uncontrollably and held his hand tighter than ever before.
As much as she did her darned best to ignore conmen sense she couldn’t ignore the biggest elephant in the room. Everyone assumed Jason would pull through and come home to her after being stuck in the hospital for so long. But after four weeks of no improvement she feared the worst. She begged her doctors to do something, anything to help him. To make him better.
But Fluttershy felt her heart split in two when they responded.
“There’s nothing more we can do…”
She was devastated. She fell apart right there in front of everyone. Crying and begging over and over again for some sort of miracle. Her life was falling apart. Not long after this though. . . Jason breathed his last breath through the night in his hospital bed. Leaving a void in the hearts of everypony that knew him. Including Fluttershy.
That was five years ago and yet that felt like yesterday. Fluttershy had tried to move on, to focus on the present rather than dwelling on what could’ve been. So many ponies had come forward to tell her how they felt and apologize for whatever happened and what happened to Jason. It was hard but with the support of her friends she had gotten to a point where she could talk about Jason without breaking down. She felt better, happier, and more whole.
With this, she knew in her heart that she was ready. She was ready to visit him.
Fluttershy steps out of Twilight’s castle as the doors close behind her. She looks around and sees that the neighborhood is peaceful despite the lack of ponies in sight. The sun shines in the sky giving the area its usual warm glow. The breeze is gentle and cool against her face. Birds chirp and fly overhead.
It feels surreal. Like she's in a dream. Her wings opened up spreading wide, giving them a good flap lifting her body into the air. With a few more quick flaps she flew up into the clear blue sky, craning her head back taking in the plethora of details in the sky.
She closes her eyes and takes in the warmth of the morning sun as she enjoys herself.
After what feels like an eternity, she opens her eyes. Looking down at the ground, she can see several small villages that are spread out below her. The homes are built neatly around each other making for very unique and unique looking houses.
She soars through the sky as she passes over ponyville, past the forest, quickly approaching the cemetery where Jason’s grave is laid. She landed softly and carefully. Taking a deep breath Fluttershy starts her way in the single file. Each step her eyes darted to other grave stones, reading their names with reverence, trying to avoid tripping over herself as well as the many flowers that adorned the area.
When she arrives at Jason’s grave, Fluttershy stares down at the stone, tracing the words engraved into it with her hoof. After a long silence she speaks.
“Morning Jason.” Her voice is barely more than a whisper. “Oh, how am I doing? I’m doing just fine, it’s such a beautiful day today. I was hanging out with my friends not too long ago at Twilight’s castle.” A soft chuckle escaped her lips as she continued, “We were playing a card game and Rainbow and Applejack were arguing over who won most of the time. It seemed like such fun and I guess I got caught up in the excitement and lost track of time. Well, I don’t think that’s a complete lie either since it was definitely a very long time ago.” She pauses again to take in a shaky breath.
“Rarity made me a new dress to wear for the galloping gala. She said it was one of my nicest ones and that it matches the shade of my mane nicely.” She smiles gently. “I haven’t worn it yet, but it must look absolutely fantastic.” Another smile graced her lips. “Oh, and um, I finally made my dream a reality. I now own a children’s orphanage.” A small laugh escapes her chest. “The kids are all so cute and have loads of energy and they seem really nice. They have lots of stories about their adventures as well.”
Fluttershy falls silent again for a few moments before continuing. “Everypony misses you. I miss you.” She looks down and sighs softly. “The poor crusaders still cry a little at the mention of your name but Pinkie pie was there to lift their spirits. Although I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t crying a little either.” She takes another deep breath. “So, um…there’s something I wanted to say to you before I go.” Another shaky sigh passes her lips as she continues.
“You may be gone from this world.” She closes her eyes and takes another deep breath. “But you’re not gone. You’ll always be here with me, with us in our hearts.”
She pauses letting that sink in before continuing. “You might not get to hear this, but you were always my hero and I will always be grateful for that.” Another pause. “For everything. For all of the wonderful memories that we share, for all the times we spent together, for the times we both loved each other more than anything. And that’s why I know that wherever you are, wherever you’re listening to these words right now, you can rest knowing that you’ll always be in our minds, in our hearts. We’ll never forget you.”
She steps close to the head stone, leans in pressing her lips against the cold surface.
“Goodbye Jason. May you find peace and happiness. I love you so much.”
With those final words she takes off in the direction of Ponyville. Not daring to look back at her husband’s grave for fear of shedding her tears. From ear to ear she smiles warmly to the horizon as she makes her way home.