//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 // Story: My Saving Grace // by TheGentlemanCreeper //------------------------------// “How lucky can one guy be? I kissed her... and she kissed me~ Like the fella once said, ain’t that a kick in the head. The room was completely black... I hugged her and she hugged back~” Opening the door to the post office, you walk up to the front desk with a kick in your step and a smile on your face. “Like the sailor said, quote, ain’t that a hole in a boat?” Bucking yourself up, you launch the flower pot full of lilacs that was on your back into the air and catch them in your hoof. “My head keeps spinning... I go to sleep, I keep, grinning...” Setting the lilacs down, you lean back on the counter and smile, humming the rest of the song under your breath. You know, I think today’s going to be a good day, you think with a big smile. I woke up a few minutes before my alarm, I had a great breakfast, and it seems Rosewing is liking me more and more with each passing day. Reminds me, I gotta write a report for- You’re torn away from your thoughts as Ditzy and Raindrops walk through the front door. “Well good morning campers!” you say with a cheerful smile. “Sleep well? I know I did.” Raindrops lets out a yawn and shakes her head before walking behind the counter and falling back into the chair. “No... Dumb dog next door was up all night barking at every stray leaf that passed by. Every time I fell back asleep, it started up again.” “Well, what you need is to get some coffee in you! Recharge your batteries. Perk ya right up,” you say, jumping off of the desk. “What about you Ditzy? Want some coffee?” Ditzy gives you a little smile and shakes her. “I had a cup before I came in today~” she says in an upbeat tone. “But thank you anyway.” Walking into the break room, you grab the coffee pot and bring it over to the sink. “Good! We got a busy day ahead of us with Hearts and Hooves Day slowly coming up. We got a lot of packages and love letters that need to go out.” Bringing the filled pot over to the coffee machine, you turn it on and stick your head out. “So, Raindrops! You’re going to be on letter and package sorting duty today. Ditzy, you’ll be running your usual route once everything’s been sorted, but until then, I want you on the front desk.” Walking up to the front desk again, you lean against and give them both a nod. “Other than that, just... do what comes natural.” Raindrops lets out another yawn and gets to her hooves. “Alright... I’ll get on sorting right now. You don’t mind if I take a little break when the coffee’s done, do you?” “Oh not at all, it’s why I put the pot on. I know what’s it like to be forced to stay on your hooves when you’re exhausted,” you say, walking over to your office door. “So take a breather when the pot is done.” “Oh, umm... Mr. Flare Chaser?” Ditzy says, stopping you mid step. “I was wondering if I could talk to you real quick. I just wanted to ask you something.” You open the door for her and wave a hoof. “After you.” Turning to Raindrops as she walks in, you point at the break room. “If the coffee doesn’t do it for you, then take a break halfway through the sorting. I’ll cover the other half for you so you can get some shuteye, okay?” She gives you a weak smile and nods. “Thank you sooo much, Flare... You’re a lifesaver, I mean it.” You give her a little wave before closing the door and turning to Ditzy. “What did you need?” Ditzy walks over to your desk and sits herself down on it before taking a deep breath. “I think... It’s time.” “Time? Time for what?” you ask, a hint of confusion in your voice. “What, like more training? New sex suit? Because mine is starting to really ride along the crotch.” “No,” she says flatly. “I think it’s time for your first mission.” You blink in surprise and sit yourself down in one of the chairs against the wall. “Wait, you mean my first spy mission? Huh. Well then, what did you have in mind? Spying?” “Blunt as ever, Colonel... Well, I’ll get straight to the point then. We’re going to break into Rosewing’s home and perform a top to bottom search.” “Whoa. Well... What’s brought this on all of a sudden? I mean, sure, even now I suspect that something more is going on with her, but what’s got you so convinced that you want to perform an illegal search and seizure?” “Your reports. Rosewing not only exhibits all the signs of Changeling behavior, but she’s starting to get closer to you. Trying to... bring you into her web, so to speak,” Ditzy says before hopping down from the desk. “Do you know what I mean?” You think for a moment and nod slowly. “I think I do... She’s invited me out to spend time with her and her friends a couple times and sometimes doesn’t want to take no for an answer.” “And tonight is one of those nights that she claims she spends the night with her friends, leaving her house unoccupied,” she says with a smile. “That’s where you come in. I’m going to need you to perform some reconnaissance before tonight’s mission and find us an easy access point.” “Yeah, umm, I think I can do that...” you say before running a hoof through your mane. “What’s a good access point? Just for future reference.” Ditzy rolls her eyes and makes her way for the door. “Unlocked windows, doors without deadbolts, an unused cellar door, that sort of thing. Just think like a criminal and you’ll find it’s easy.” “Well, it’s easy if you know how to think like a criminal...” you say before walking over to your desk and sitting down. “I’ll figure something out.” “You better,” she says before opening the door and walking out, only to stop in front of a rather large looking stallion. She looks back to you with a nervous smile. “You umm... Have a visitor.” The black stallion walks past Ditzy and almost slams the door behind him. “You mind telling me why you put my son on suspension?” You let out a heavy sigh and shake your head. “Oh for crying out loud...” Looking up to him, you give the stallion a half smile. “I don’t think we’ve had the opportunity to meet each other. I’m Flare Chaser and you are-” “I’m Lightning Bolt. Your boss.” “Ah, yes. I wasn’t sure about either of those parts, but now my worries have been tossed aside. So!” you say, getting to your hooves. “Thunderbolt didn’t tell you just why I had to suspend him?” “No,” Lightning says flatly. “He just told me that you had put him on suspension without pay and even extended it. Now I want you to-” “Tell me Lightning, do you condone workplace violence?” you ask idly, playing with a few papers on your desk. The stallion's face contorts into that of a look of confusion. “Workplace what? Just what are you getting at, Flare Chaser? If you've got something you want to say, then say it. Don't beat around the bush.” “Oh, but I still have so many more question,” you say with a little smile. “Like hitting mares... What do you think about that? Do you like to beat mares and fillies?” “You better watch your tone with me or-” “I'm just asking because your son likes to and I’m wondering where he gets it from... Day one and I walked in on him attacking Ditzy. I could tell just by looking at him that this wasn't the first time he's pulled a stunt like this, so I chewed him out.” “Hey now just because he got rough with somepony doesn’t mean he’s a violent stallion.” Getting to your hooves, you come face to face with Lightning and stare him down. “And you know, I wouldn't doubt he's gotten away with worse, because he threw your name around when I told him he was suspended for a week. Funny, isn't it?” By now, Lightning was grinding his teeth so hard you could see his jaw muscles tense. “It doesn't matter what he did, the punishment doesn't-” “I'm sorry... Were you just about to say the punishment didn't fit the crime?” you ask, a hint of anger in your voice. “Because if so, then I'm getting a serious case of deja vu. Because I feel like I'm about a hair away from breaking a foot off in somepony's ass.” “You disrespectful little bastard!” He screams out, his face bright red with rage. “That is NO way to talk to your boss!” “AND THAT'S NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY!” You scream over him, making him shrink back a bit. Your blood boils as you walk towards Lightning. “I don't care if Celestia herself came down here and told me to let that little shit of a kid of yours back early. I suspended him and I extended that suspension for a good reason,” you spit out, rage pouring out of you freely Lightning starts to shrink away, but holds his ground just before he backs up into the door. Though he isn’t saying anything, he stares daggers at you as you continue to rip into him. “I gave him a chance. I told Thunderbolt that he could come back if he apologized. You know what he told me? He told me to go screw myself. So there's another week right there as far as I'm concerned.” For a moment, you feel a smile creep across your face. But it quickly disappears when you remember that this pony can fire you if he really wanted. Oh great... If I get fired, there goes my cover... Think fast, idiot... Chewing at your lip, you glance at the phone and feel that smile start to come back. “You can't do that. You can't talk to me like that. Now you better do as I say and revoke his suspension or you might just have to start looking for a new job,” Lightning says, his voice dripping with anger. “Really now?” you say as you motion towards the phone. “I wonder what the Executive Supervisor would say if I told him about this whole mess? You know, we should call him and find out.” At first, Lightning is stoic and stands still as you start to dial, but you could almost see the color drain from his face as the phone starts to ring. “Hey come on. Le-Let's not drag Cloud Breaker into this,” he says with a nervous laugh. “He doesn't need to know.” You roll your shoulders and hold the receiver up to your ear. “I don't know. Maybe he does. I'm sure he'd be quite interested in hearing how one of his employees is beating mare employees and that his father, the district manager, is helping sweep it under the rug.” You hold up a hoof and silence him as soon as somepony picks up on the other end. Peppy's Pizzeria, how may I help you? “Yes, could I speak to Cloud Breaker? I need to talk to him, it's very important.” An audible gulp echoes through the room, before Lightning puts a hoof on your shoulder, acting like you were his friend. “C-Come on... We can work something out. Just put down the phone and we can-” I'm sorry, there's no one here by that name... “Oh, thank you so much. Oh sure, I can hold.” “No, please! Just put the phone down, we can talk about this!” Lightning cries out, going into a full on panic. Shooting him a glance, you turn back to the phone. “On second thought, I have to talk to someone first... Tell him I can call him back later.” By now, whoever answered the phone had long hung up and now you do the same. With a wide smile, you walk over to Lightning Bolt and put a hoof around his shoulder. “Walk with me.” “I want you to tell Thunderbolt that he's more than welcome to come back if he not only apologizes to Ditzy, but to Raindrops and myself,” you say aloud as you guide him out of the office. “And I want you to know that I don't like bullies coming in and telling me what I think is right is wrong.” Leading him out to the streets of Ponyville, you smile and pat him on the back. “Unlike other ponies, I'm not going to roll over and put up with your shit,” you say above a whisper with a friendly smile. “No special treatment, no second chances. If Thunderbolt pulls another stunt like that, he's fired. And if you try telling me there's nothing wrong with attacking an unarmed pony, then you won’t be too far behind him. Do we understand each other?” You can hear Lightning Bolt grind his teeth before he nods slowly. “I understand... But I hope you understand I'm not letting this go so easily.” “Good for you!” you call out with a wide grin, waving him off as he makes his down the street. “Good luck! You'll definitely need it.” With a sigh of relief, you walk back into the Ponyville Post Office and close the door, only to turn and see Raindrops and Ditzy stare at you in utter shock. “How the hell did you get Lightning Bolt to crack?!?” Raindrops cries out. “I mean, seriously! I saw him walk in and I thought for sure you were going to get canned right then and there!” “I don't know how you did it either. I mean, just what did you say to him?” Ditzy asks. “How did you talk him down?” “I just didn't talk him down, I made sure he won't be bugging us anytime soon. And as for what I said?” you ask as you slip towards your office. “Well, everypony has their weakness. And ponies like Lightning Bolt like to act all big and tough, but even the boss has a boss. And bring him up and the house of cards fall like a stack of... dominoes.” They both give you an odd look. “I... I think I mixed analogies there,” you say with a shrug. “But you know what I mean. Besides, I wasn’t going to roll over for a wind bag like him and let Thunderbolt come back without even a slap on the wrist after what he did.” Turning to Ditzy, you look her square in the eyes. “Especially after what he did. I promise as long as I’m here, I’m going to make sure that never happens again.” Ditzy stares back for a few moments before turning her back to you and walking towards the other room. “Raindrops, you can have the front desk. I’ll cover the sorting. If that’s okay with you, boss.” You blink a few times in confusion before shrugging. “Okay then... I guess she’s going off to do that,” you say as you walk back towards your office. “Raindrops, come get me if something comes up. I’ll be in my office taking care of the, uh...” “The what?” she asks as she sits herself down, nursing her cup of coffee. “The requisition forms?” Ditzy calls out. “Is that what you’re going to do, boss?” You nod before slinking into your office. “Yeah. That’s it. The requisition forms. I’ll be busy. Requisition...ing.” Closing the door, you let out a long sigh and plop yourself down in your chair. “What’s got her all in a tizz? Bee in her panties?” Letting out another exasperated sigh, you reach into the bottom drawer of your filing cabinet and pull out a sheet of letter paper, a quill, and a curious little device you found when first moving in. It strapped onto your hoof, had a hinge, and a tiny little hole just big enough for a quill. Putting it on and putting the quill into it, you dab it into some ink and start to write. Field Log. 4-18 Approached Rosewing today with pretense of buying a new vase of lilacs. She happily brought them out and even offered a discount for being a repeat customer. Which is odd, considering I’ve only been there twice. Said that she was generous and that I was thankful for her generosity. Shortly after offering the discount, she then offered me to come with her to the bowling alley to “bowl a few rounds with her friends”. Declined, explaining I had a busy day tomorrow and needed to get up early. She said she understood and asked if we could do it some other time, responded with a maybe. Left Rosewing’s stall, traveled to the Ponyville Post Office where I met Ditzy and Raindrops shortly after. End of log. Looking over your letter for any mistakes, you nod and fold it before slipping it into an envelope and putting Ditzy’s address on it, along with a stamp. Walking out of your office, you give Raindrops a smile and a nod before walking over to Ditzy where she busily sorted the cart full of packages and letters. “Got another letter for ya,” you say as you toss it into the cart. “It’s for a friend.” Ditzy glances at it for less than a second before giving you a nod and going back to work. “I’ll make sure they get it,” she says flatly. “Better get back to work, boss. We’re very busy today.” You sigh and start to walk away, but pivot on your hooves and walk up to Ditzy again, a hair away from her. “Just what’s going on? Your personality has done a complete 180.” “What’s got you so concerned, boss? Something wrong with me acting a little differently?” “A little bit. Raindrops may start asking questions if she notices you’re not your usual... bubbly self. So what’s got you acting-” “I’m fine, thanks for checking in on me boss,” Ditzy says aloud as she practically slams a package into one of the boxes. “You should probably go back and work on those requisition forms. We’re going to be really busy tonight.” You open your mouth to say something, but stop short and sigh before turning around and walking back towards your office. Raindrops gives you a look, but turns back to the papers in front of her as you look her way. Walking into your office again, you make sure to lock the door this time and lick your lips as you walk over to the far wall. “Popeye needs his spinach...” you mumble as you rummage around your bag. “Where did I-Aha!” Pulling out a silver flash, you take a sip from it and let out a satisfied sigh before slipping into your chair and nursing the flask. Connemara coffee without the coffee... you think before swallowing the mouthful of whiskey. Shaking your head and coughing, you screw the top back on and stow the flask away. “Smooth...” you choke out as you meander over to your desk. Looking at the stack of papers with some resignation, you sigh and grab the first. “Okay! Time to get to work...” It doesn’t take long until you start regretting this job and sorely wishing you were on some faraway beach. “Requisition form after requisition form... Why the hell do I have to fill in paperwork for paper clips? Why can’t I just call these jokers up and say ‘Hey, yeah, I need paper clips. Can you send me some? Really, that be great!’ But no, all aboard the fun train coming into triplicate station...” You can almost feel your half-full flask calling out to you, but you take a deep breath and start back in on the paperwork. You’ve already had a drink and it’s only 11 AM. You don’t need another drink, you want one... you think with a sigh. Just get this done and over with. It’s no worse than filing in disciplinary reports or writing essays back in flight school... Still, you find yourself yawning and rubbing at your eyes about half-way through the stack of papers. ************************************************* Something connects with the side of your head and sends you scrambling. “Wake up.” Gasping out and bolting upright, you look around the room. “W...What?” you ask in confusion. It’s only then you notice you had a piece of paper stuck to your face but what seemed to be drool. Prying it off, you look towards Ditzy who was looking down on you and holding a rolled up newspaper. “It’s past time to lock up. Raindrops already clocked out, the sun has just gone down, and you haven’t done reconnaissance. I thought you were at least doing something constructive, yet here I find you sleeping.” You glance towards the door and blink a few times, your head still feeling hazy from just being woken up. “How’d you get in?” With a heavy sigh, Ditzy places an envelope on the desk and turns around. “I picked the lock. Now put that on and meet me outside. The mission is going forward as planned. We’re just going to have to find a way in on the fly.” You try to open your mouth and stop her, but Ditzy’s already out the door and out of sight. “Okay then...” Opening the envelope she gave you, you pull out two tiny devices. One that looked like a hearing aid and another that was small and had a sticky side. With shrug, you gently put the hearing aid in, only to tense up as a high pitched ringing fills your ears. “SON OF A-” “Oh, sorry Colonel... I had to do a soundcheck.” You look around for Ditzy for a moment before it finally hits you. “Ditzy?” “Place the transmitter at the base of your throat. Otherwise I won’t be able to hear you.” Looking to the other little device in your hooves you guess is the transmitter she was talking about, you obey and press the sticky side to your throat and put it there, quite pleased that it not only stuck, but was hidden by your coat. “Okay, can you hear me?” “Too loud!” Ditzy cries out, making your own ears ring. “You don’t need to talk at a normal tone, it’s right next to your vocal cords... Just whisper.” “Oh... Um... Is this good?” you ask, making sure to talk just below a whisper. “Yes. Now, lock up the post office and wait outside for further instructions.” You couldn’t help but feel a little giddy after hearing that ‘wait for further instructions’ line. Oh wow... I feel like I’m in a 007 movie... you think with a goofy smile as you walk outside of the post office, locking the door behind you. “Wipe that stupid look off your face.” You take on a more serious tone, your eyes darting around. “Ditzy? Where are you?” “I’m watching you.” “Well that’s not creepy at all...” “I thought it’d be better if I served as a lookout. Now make your way towards Rosewing’s house. And try to look relaxed. You look like you’re constipated.” Doing your best to put on a relaxed face, you walk down the streets of Ponyville, passing by all the ponies currently heading home and off to bed. “Good. You actually look like you belong in the crowd. Now, you’re approaching Rosewing’s house. The lights are out. Don’t stop, just keep walking past it. But look for any entry points. Tell me what you see.” Your eyes drift up and down the building. At first, you don’t see anything that could be helpful. The front and back door looked closed, the windows look like they had a latch, and there wasn’t any cellar. But your gaze stops and lingers on the second floor as memories of your childhood come flooding back. “She has one of those balconies with the wooden doors like my grandmother used to have.” “I don’t see how that’s supposed to help our current-” “No, listen. I used to sneak into her house on her birthday and surprise her. She never knew how, but the doors on the balcony didn’t have an actual lock, it was just a clasp. I jimmied it open with a library card.” For a while, Ditzy’s silent. Turning the corner, you walk down the street with your back to Rosewing’s home. “Do you have library card?” Ditzy finally asks. You can’t help but smile for a brief moment. “Not exactly, but I got something that could work all the same.” “Alright. There’s a park bench to your left with a newspaper left on it. Sit down and start to read it.” “Why? Why can’t we just-” “Because there’s too many ponies around still. If someone sees you up there, then the mission will have failed and we’ll scare off the Changeling.” You shrug and walk over to the park bench Ditzy was talking about and sit yourself down. “Makes sense...” you say before idly glancing at the latest news stories. “Now maybe you can answer a question for me, Colonel... Just why were you sleeping on the job?” “You really want to talk about that now?” you ask, pretending to flip the page of the newspaper. “If we have to wait? Yes. I hate silence.” You remain quiet for a few moments, just to bug her before letting out a sigh. “You forget I’m old. I’m not as spritely as I used to be and geezers like me get tired.” “You’re not old, you’re-” “Ditzy... When I was a kid, Moby Dick was a minnow. I’m old. Let’s not sugar coat it and just drop it.” “Colonel, please. You’re not-” “Just... Just drop it, okay?” you say, crumpling up the newspaper. “I don’t wanna talk about this. Now, is here anypony else around Rosewing’s place right now?” “There are a few more ponies leaving, but it looks clear. But Colonel you-” “I said to drop it. I’ll make my way up above the clouds and I’ll come down on Rosewing’s balcony. Over and out.” A heavy sigh from the other side echoes through your ears as you make you nonchalantly take off, soaring above the clouds. “Fine. But just listen to me for a second. A light just came on across the street on the second floor. Just wait a few minutes first.” You blink a few times in surprise as you settle down on the clouds. “Huh. Okay then... So, that’s what you meant before I said ‘drop it’? You weren’t trying to pressure me or force me to say anything?” “No, of course not. If somepony says to ‘drop it’, I drop it. No point in trying to force a conversation to happen. What makes you think I was going to?” “The ex-wife. She didn’t know when to stop hammering on me to have conversations I just didn’t want to. I guess I’ve kinda gotten used to it. So, thanks.” “The light’s gone out... And I’m pretty sure I just heard a toilet flush. If you’re going to make your move, do it now.” Getting to your hooves without a word, you tuck in your wings and slip through the clouds, diving towards the balcony. Extending your wings just a few feet from the balcony floor, you use them to soften your landing and touchdown with a soft thud. You smile for a moment, but it quickly disappears. “Wait, you heard that pony’s toilet flush? How were you that close? Where are you?” “Well, I was on that pony’s roof but now I’m next door.” Glancing around, you catch a flash of grey and crack a smile. “And now you’re perched on somepony’s chimney... But is that a smart idea?” “We only have to worry about other pegasi... Most ponies though are just as scared to look up as they are to look down.” “No, I meant perching on the chimney,” you say as you uncrumple the newspaper you still held. “There’s a good chance you could break it.” “Are you saying I’m fat?” You let out a tired sigh as you grip the handle of the balcony door. “No, of course not.” You try to turn the handle, but it stays still and there’s no lock on it that you can see. “I’m just saying that chimneys aren’t the most safest thing to perch on. So just be careful and watch my back, I think I can get this door open.” “Whatever you say, Colonel...” Ditzy hisses out. “Try not make too much noise when breaking in. Don’t want the police coming by, after all.” Jimmying open the lock, you step into what looks like Rosewing’s bedroom. “There you go again...” you mumble as you walk across the floor. “Just what... Huh. That’s weird.” “What? What’s going on?” “I found a safe,” you say flatly, looking it up and down. “Well, found is too generous... It’s hard to miss. Pretty big.” Ditzy lets out a tired sigh. “I wish you could actually describe something concisely... What are its dimensions in meters?” “Uhh Meters? Um, well... I have no idea to be honest. It’s just... big.” Reaching out, you grab the handle to the safe and give it a tug. “Alright then, better question... Could it hold a fully grown pony?” Looking over the safe, you feel your heart drop and nod dumbly. “Ohhhh yeah... It’s about... It’s about pony size,” you say, tugging again at the handle. “And it’s locked.” “Well open it then,” Ditzy barks over the radio. “Once you’ve cracked the safe-” “Excuse me? Crack the safe?” you ask, throwing your hooves up. “How am I supposed to crack a safe? I’m not even entirely sure how they work!” You can almost feel Ditzy’s judging gaze fall on you as she lets out a heavy sigh and mumbles something. “New training starts tomorrow. Lock picking and safe cracking. We start at 3 AM. But for now, sit tight and make sure to keep the balcony door open.” Glancing over to the door, you crack it open and stand near the wall. A few seconds later, Ditzy glides in and you shut the door behind her. “Sorry for not knowing how to crack a safe, but it wasn’t exactly something covered in basic training,” you say as you follow her over to the safe. “Now just how-” “Just give me some space and let me work,” she says before placing an ear to the safe. “I’ll have this open in less than a minute...” You watch as Ditzy plays with the dial of the safe, turning it fast, slow, and stopping every now and again to repeat the process. Leaning against the door to Rosewing’s room, you cross your hooves and sit in silence for a few seconds. Then a minute. Then five. “Didn’t you say you’d have this open in less than a minute?” you ask through a yawn. “Oh shut up... Like you can do any better. At least I can-” A thump from behind the door you leant on sends your racing. Ditzy looks to you, her eyes wide as she just stares. Another thump echoes through the room. “Oh darn it... Did I lock the door again?” “That was Rosewing...” Ditzy says with a complete look of shock. “What’s she doing here?” Acting quickly, you reach down and lock the door before slowly moving off of it. “We got to get out of here,” you say as you run towards the door as quickly and quietly as possible. Ditzy’s hot on your heels and pushes against you, trying to shove through the doorway.“You don’t have to tell me twice...” Grabbing a hold of the balcony doors, you yank them, but they stay in place. “Oh come on... Are you serious?” you ask, your heart pounding in your ears. You pull on them again, but they stay completely still. “They won’t open!” Taking a deep breath, you back up a bit and get ready to charge. “I’m going to break them.” “You can’t break the doors!” Ditzy hisses out. “If she sees that somepony was here, our cover will be blow and if she really is the changeling, she’ll-” The sound of a key sliding into the lock sends you into a fit of panic as you look for some way out. Your eyes meet with the closet and in an instant, you grab a hold of Ditzy and rush towards it. “What are you-” In one quick, smooth motion, you race towards the closet, throw her inside, and duck in with her before closing the door, just as you hear Rosewing’s door open. You squirm around the enclosed space, trying to find more room but are left disappointed when you realize the closet was only big enough for one pony; or two if they were squeezed together. In the dark of the closet, you can make out an angry look on Ditzy’s face as she leers at you. “I can’t believe you did that... Now look what you’ve done. She’s going to find us!” Bringing a hoof up to your mouth, you focus on the other room and let out a little sigh of relief when you hear the squeaking sound of a box spring mattress and a TV turning on. “Everything’s fine... It’s fine,” you say nervously as you try to back yourself up and give Ditzy some room. “She’ll be leaving to go meet her friends at the bowling alley and-” “Good evening folks, you’ve just tuned into the Sci-Fi channel where we’ll be playing all of your favorite monster movies! That’s right, from Frankenstein to the Mummy and even The Creature from the Black Lagoon, we’ll be playing a marathon all night long!” “Please tell me I didn’t just hear that,” Ditzy says as she drags a hoof down her face. “Please tell me she’ll leave soon and she’s not going to watch the entire marathon...” “Oooh, I’m going to need popcorn!” “Oh yeah, she’s gonna...” you say with a heavy sigh. “Wait. She’s going to make popcorn. I’ll make a break for it and try to get the doors open again. Once they’re open, we’ll make a break for it.” You hear the box spring squeak again and close your eyes, tracking her hoofsteps across the floor and wait until the door closes before opening it. Running over to the balcony doors again, you yank and push them, but they still won’t budge. Gritting your teeth in rage, you look over to Ditzy who was poking her head out of the closet. “I don’t know what to do!” you say as you throw your hooves up in frustration. “They just won’t open, they-” The sound of hoofsteps coming up the stairs again shuts you up and makes you race for the closet again, ducking inside and shutting the door. “I think we’re going to be stuck here for a while...” you say with a sigh of defeat. Ditzy gives you a look and slaps her forehead. “Ya think?” “Okay, gonna let that cook...” you hear Rosewing say as she settles back down on the bed. “And sit back and enjoy myself.” “I don’t get it...” Ditzy mumbles as she tries to move away from you. “She was so adamant about having friends and doing things with them. Why isn’t she going out with them?” “Maybe their plans fell through and nobody could make it... And why are you all twitchy and shifting?” “Because I don’t like small places...” she mumbles out. “I just want to get out of here and-Ah!” Ditzy gasps out and you put a hoof over her mouth and stop her from making any more noise. “Be quiet! What’s gotten into you? She’ll hear us!” “Your knee,” she says as she pries your hoof off her mouth, blushing deeply. “Quit doing that.” Looking down, you swallow the lump in your throat as you realize just what she meant by ‘Your knee’. “Oh dear gods above...” you say as you bring a hoof to your brow in shame. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry...” Turning your back to Ditzy and pressing your stomach against the closet wall, you let out a heavy sigh and shake your head. Just how can this get any worse?