The storm had rejuvenated the local landscape, and now all manners of wildlife dotted the scenery. Squirrels had come out of their burrows, dragonflies zipped through the air, and some adventurous seagulls had even wandered far from their usual domain of the oceans.
Trails and Sunshine were on the train platform, seeing Dash and Twilight off. Not many ponies would be on this train, bound for the Southern towns of Equestria through some difficult mountain passes (Twilight had insisted they take a different route home), so it was fairly quiet around them.
“Dash, could we talk to you in private for a moment?” asked Trails.
“Sure,” said Dash. “Make it quick, though. The train’s gonna leave in ten minutes.”
Dash and her parents made their way behind the platform. Sunshine checked to see that there were no ponies nearby.
“So, what’s up?” Dash eventually asked.
Trails remained silent for a while before saying, “It’s hard to believe it’s been seven years since I’ve seen you, filly.” He paused. “You’ve grown a lot. Got any plans for the future?”
Dash shrugged. “Wonderbolts, if I can. I’m already local weather manager, so I can’t really climb too much higher up without switching fields.”
Trails nodded. “Alright, seems like you’re pretty set.” He hesitated for a moment. “I’m sorry for the outburst last night. I —”
“No,” Dash interrupted. “I’m sorry. I blew things out of proportion.”
“Dash, listen,” said Sunshine.
Trails continued. “We think that if it makes you happy… well… you’re welcome to pursue a relationship with Twilight.”
Dash’s face slowly morphed into a smile. “Really?”
“Yeah. She loves you, and you evidently love her, and, well… who are we to get in the way of that? Just make sure to treat her right, okay?”
Dash nodded and was about to say something, but no words came out.
“Have faith. Have courage. And more importantly… have fun.” Trails embraced her daughter tightly. “Go now, your marefriend’s probably worried about you.”
Rainbow dashed off in a flash. Her forward momentum carried her into Twilight’s body.
“Featherbrain!” Twilight said with a yelp. “What was that for?”
“Great news! My parents give us their tentative approval!”
It took Twilight a second to process what Dash meant. “That’s fantastic, Featherbrain!” she said, hugging Dash with all her strength.
After Twilight let go of the pegasus, she smiled at Dash’s parents. “Thanks so much, Trails, Sunshine! I promise I won’t let her down!”
“We know you won’t,” said Sunshine.
“Final call!” cried the conductor. "Final call!"
“See ya!” said Dash, turning back to see her parents one more time.
“It was nice meeting you,” said Twilight.
“Make sure to visit often, y’hear?” said Sunshine.
“We will, promise!”
With that, the two boarded the train, taking them on their journey home.