//------------------------------// // Suffering in Silence // Story: Alone in Equestria // by Kerberos //------------------------------// "Anon, Flash just proposed! Isn't it great?" You were shocked to hear the news. Twilight and Flash have been together a little over four months, and to be honest, you really didn't expect them to last this long. “That is really great! I can't wait for the wedding.” Twilight reached her legs around you for a hug. After she was satisfied witht the hug, she let go. "I can't wait to tell the girls!" “Well don't wait on me, go tell them.” You didn't need to tell her twice. She ran right into town to spread the news. After she was out of your site, you slumped your shoulders. The rest of her friends were dabbling in their own relationships, but it didn’t hit you till you heard the word 'proposed.' Looking back, you never took the time to find someone for yourself. You were always too busy getting yourself set up in town, trying to make a name for yourself. A while down the road you gave up waiting for a human long ago. That’s when you were hoping to maybe start something with one of your friends, but, as always, you were too slow. But, someone would turn up for you. There is always someone for each person/pony. Right? One by one, all of your friends found stable relationships. You were still looking for someone to fill that space in your heart. But, that had to wait when you attended Twilight's wedding. It wasn't anything over the top like Cadence's Then again, Twilight wasn't a princess. The ceremony was still like one out of a story book. After the ceremony, you all went to the reception. It was arranged by Pinkie, so you knew it was going to be good. However, you ended up sitting at the bar... alone. All the other ponies brought along dates. Hell, Applejack even brought an apple. It was really awkward when she asked you to scoot over to make room for it before the wedding. Anyways, you were just wanting this day to be over. There was always comfort for you at the bottom of your glass. Even though you were feeling down, you made sure you didn't bring anyone down with you. That would be selfish, especially at a wedding. The DJ then asked for everyone to clear off the floor so the bride and groom could have a dance. You didn't turn around. It would only make you feel worse. If only there was someone special for you... It has been a month since the wedding. They seemed pretty happy together. Pinkie got engaged to Cheese. It was a match made in heaven. You remember when she was bouncing all over Ponyville as soon as she put the ring on. The other couples were getting closer as well. Big Mac was taking more time off from the farm to meet with Fluttershy. Soarin and Rainbow were constantly taking flight trips together. Rarity and Fancy Pants were starting to set up their own shop in Canterlot. As it turned out, Fleur de lis was just an associate, not his wife. Applejack's apple went rotten after three weeks. She even held a funeral, claiming she would never love again. Once again... awkward. You were still alone on the sidelines, watching everyone's life take a turn for the better. Life was never easy on you. You ended up going through the motions just to get through the day: wake up, eat, work, come home, eat, sleep. This was your life, and how you wish it would change. The time finally came for you to go ready for Pinkie's wedding. You really didn't want to go through another one, but you were one of her close friends. She would have be devastated if you didn't show up, and it wasn't like you to stand in the way of other's happiness. Even if it harmed your's. The wedding was party themed... big surprise~. The actual ceremony didn't last too long. However, the reception was a different story. Any time cut out of the actual wedding was put into one of the greatest receptions ever. You still found yourself sitting alone while the rest of the ponies have a good time. Applejack actually brought a pony as her date. You think his name was Trend something. Either way, they were having a blast. There wasn't any alcohol to ease your pain either. Well, no alcohol that they were serving. You made sure to bring a flask just in case. Your non-alcoholic cider soon became hard cider. As you watch other ponies dance, you sipped on your drink. Is this what you were reduced to? Having to drink in order to be happy for your friends? You just didn't know anymore. Time moved on and the rest of your friends get hitched. You turned towards the bottle more and more times to help relieve the pain. Twilight had a baby recently. Her name was Starlight. When you saw Twilight and Flash cuddled up with their newborn, you had to get out of there. You ran straight home and slammed the door. Sliding down the door, you silently wept for the future you will never have. Then came a knock at your door. You could hear Rainbow outside. "Anon! Are you in there?" You held your breath. Maybe you could talk to h- "I didn't think he is home." The voice of Soarin stops your thought process. You didn't want to be known as that whiny guy who complains that he was always alone. No one likes that guy. Rainbow sighed into the door. "I guess not. Why did he r..." Her voice trailed off as she and Soarin went to look for you. Once you were certain that they were gone, you locked your door. You didn't want any surprise visits. Walking into the kitchen, you took out a bottle of whiskey and a tall glass. This wasn't the first time you have gone home to drink your sorrows away. It was the first time ponies actually tried to check up on you. You popped off the lid and filled the glass. Capping the bottle, you raised your glass high and downed the liquid. It burnt going down, but it was a burn you were familiar with. You didn't know how much longer you can take being alone. At this rate, you didn't know if you were going to give up... or your liver. The next day, your friends literally broke down your door. You were already having a pretty bad hangover and the noise wasn't helping. "Anon! I know you're in here!" You covered your ears and groaned. Moving off the table, you popped your back and stumbled to the entry. Standing in your now permanently open doorway was Rainbow and Applejack. Outside the door, you could see Soarin and that Trend guy. You probably should learn his name for once. Seeing the two stallions outside made your mood worsen. "What?" Your voice came out with a hint of spite. "Why did you run out yesterday!?" Her screaming was not making you feel any better. "I needed to do... something." The apple obsessed lie detector didn't believe you. "You're lyin' Anon. Just tell us what's wrong." Your blood pressure spiked and caused you to hold your head in pain. The two stallions were leaning in, trying to get a grasp on the situation. You didn't let them. "I just need to be alone for a bit." With that, you walked into the bathroom and locked that door. You popped out some pain pills and sat on the toilet. "Come on Anon. Talk to us." You reply with silence. This was something you never wanted to deal with, especially hung over. A few minutes passed before you heard a sigh followed by the sound of hooves leaving. Another week goes by. Another lonely and depressing week. You fixed your door and cleaned yourself up for your job... that you no longer had. Turns out, missing one day of work could get you fired and get some shitty teenager to replace you. Well fuck it! You didn't need a job! You didn't need friends! You didn't need… Y-You don… You cried yourself to sleep that night. It just wasn't fair. Why couldn't you be happy too? What about you made the universe hate you so much? You couldn't even bring yourself to drink anymore. It didn't numb the pain like it used to. One evening, you were mopping around your home when you got an idea. If you couldn't be happy here... why stay? You packed up some essentials, nothing more than food, water, some clothing, and a few bits of supplies. It would be better if you headed out in the morning, it was already late. You curled up in your bed, taking your time to fully appreciate a mattress. You woke up with the sun in your face. This was not how you wanted to start your day. Rolling off the bed, you grabbed something to eat. You didn't want to use up any of your supplies, so you ate what little food you had left. Once you finish up, you grabbed your bag and walked out the door. You didn't bother closing it, there was no point. Stopping at your mailbox, you saw a letter poking out the side. It was bright pink, so it came from the party mare. Curiosity got the better of you and you opened it. Confetti shot out of the envelope. You would never figure out how she does that. Looking over the letter,you saw that they were inviting you to a party. It was probably just some party to show off their special someponies. Too bad you wouldn't be making it to this one. You dropped the letter and headed towards the Everfree Forest. Maybe the universe will have some mercy and let some creature eat you. But, you knew that wasn't going to happen. That would be too easy.