"I really don't know, Mister..."
My teeth grit at her feigned ignorance, Roselily knew who I was. I'd fixed her Grandfather Clock a mere five months ago. Simple procedure, mildly damaged counterweight. Only an idiot wouldn't remember.
"Wind Up," I said calmly, seething inside, while my eyes darted away from hers. Why did every pony do that? Our ears worked perfectly well, vision was wasted on something so simple as communication. Instead, you coul-
"There!" I cried, gesturing with a hoof to the yellow roses in the back of her display. Something about them…something stood out. I couldn't grasp it, but for once, that didn't elicit frustration.
Coins passed hooves as she blathered, but I was laser focused. It was necessary, without that determination I'd become a jelly pile. This was my fourth and furthest attempt so far. Success was within reach!
Today, I'd ask Twilight Sparkle for a date.