Octavia was never one to voice her opinions. She prided herself on being polite and not offending anypony. She and Vinyl had been best friends for years, and living together for nearly as long.
But even the strongest bonds can be easily broken if struck wrong.
For the seventh straight night, Octavia found herself waiting for Vinyl to get home. She sat in bed, reading by the light of a single lamp. She cast a glance at the clock, even though she really didn't want to know.
"One-thirty in the morning. Son of a...Vinyl..." Octavia rubbed her temples in a vain attempt to ease the pressure building in her head. The pressure moved into her eyes, pushing tears from their safe haven out into the wretched world.
This had been happening for over a week now. Vinyl would find some way to not make it to their plans, then would come home at an ungodly late hour, making excuses and empty promises. Octavia would always say the same thing: "It's fine, Vinyl." But it was getting ridiculous. The day before, Octavia had been forced to play a round of minigolf alone. Even if the day's plans were her idea, Vinyl still wouldn't make it.
Octavia sniffed and wiped her unbidden tears. She'd had enough. It wasn't fine anymore.
"I'm done, Vinyl," Octavia whispered. She got up and went downstairs. She scribbled a note and taped it to the outside of the front door. Then, knowing Vinyl didn't have a key because she always used the spare, she took the spare key from its holder outside and locked the door. Then she went upstairs and went to bed. Vinyl would call her tomorrow, for sure. Then they would be over.
Vinyl was perplexed by the note on the door.
Vinyl,
I took the key. Sorry, but you made me wait too long.
You're not welcome here anymore. It's not fine anymore, Vinyl. I'm finished with you.
Find somewhere else to stay tonight. Call me in the morning. If you call me before that, I won't answer.
"What?"