It was now or never I thought to myself. I put down the quill to re-read the letter. Here is what it said:
To whom it may concern,
I remember when I had first heard your voices. As I lied there in the hospital bed nearly covered in bandages, you guys were there. I'll never forget that. I didn't even know you, yet you decided it was best to come and see me. All my life, I had been on my own. No one to call a friend let alone a father or mother. But you guys felt like family. My prejudices had once again been proven wrong. Go figure. But while I don't write this for sentimentality, I write this for thanks, forgiveness, and as a final farewell.
The adventure we had endeavored was certainly a period of bonding and friendship, but I have found no reason, no actual chance to stay here in Ponyville. I know it's not really much, but I am leaving twelve bits. I am leaving that here for all of you as a thanks for all you have done for me. Actions I would never forget.
As I said before, I also ask for your forgiveness. I've never seen anyone quite as forgiving as you guys. So I ask for forgiveness as you try to understand that my staying here would simply be the wrong choice. I would not have the capability of supporting myself and, frankly, I still feel things need to be done. One day, I might be able to revisit you all. But for now, I take my leave. Time has a tendency to catch up to us. I know that, so as you read this I hope you know too. I hope you don't take your time for granted. It's too important for that.
-Volt
I put down the letter one last time. All I had was the candle light in the darkness that flickered as even the lightest of winds passed through. I looked back at the twelve bits on the desk. It was all I had. But was going to leave it for them. I hadn't used it for a while anyway. Maybe I'll get more sometime.
Astheno hopped onto the desk and looked up at me. I smiled at her. I couldn't help, she was just too cute. "We got to get going soon." I said. It didn't sound right, though.
Did I say it wrong? I don't think so. Then why did it sound wrong? I picked up the note and read it again. Everything was a go. I just had to get up and walk out the door. But for some reason, it didn't seem that easy. What if I could stay?
But how would I get a job? Where would I live. I want to say I'll cross that bridge when I come to it but will I be prepared for that bridge when I do come to it? But maybe, just maybe, I could do something with twelve bits. Maybe I could stay. But do I want to?
I picked up the note and smiled. "Might as well try." I said to myself. I crushed the note until it was a little insignificant ball of paper and ink. I turned in my seat and saw that there was a trashcan about five feet away from me. I decided to have a little fun. "Hay, Astheno? Ten bits says I'll make this shot."
Astheno looked at the trashcan for a moment while I bunched the ten bits into a pile. Astheno hopped over and pulled out two more bits, one in each talon, and put them in the pile. I couldn't help but laugh at that. Of course I had to be quiet about it so I don't wake Twilight. "Alright. Let's see now."
I took a few seconds to aim the ball at the trashcan. I finally took my shot. It didn't go exactly where I wanted it to go. But I didn't matter, I had made the shot anyway.
I picked up the twelve bits on the desk and dropped them back in my knapsack. After that, I got up and trotted downstairs, quietly. I fell on the crunch and fell asleep.