There was a knock at the door, and Dinky opened it, surprised to see one of her schoolmates in the doorway. What’s more, it was Sweetie Belle, the friend of Scootaloo and Apple Bloom that had gone missing for a week. Having no idea why she would be visited, Dinky waited as Sweetie smiled in greeting.
“Hello Dinky. I know you have many questions, but if you could ask Ditzy to come outside so we can chat together, that’d be great. I have a few things I need to discuss.” Smile still firmly planted on her face, Sweetie waited as Dinky gave a slow nod, and called to Ditzy. As the mare approached, curiosity in both’s eyes.
"Do you mind talking with me for a moment? It's very important." Glancing between them, Sweetie was all business.
“Well uh, sure.” Giggling, Ditzy closed her eyes, tilting her head as she gave a smile. Nodding once, she pointed toward the park. Following it, Sweetie noticed a very familiar seat, and felt a pang of pain in her chest. As they walked over to it, Sweetie could feel their stares. Once both were seated, Sweetie breathed in, and out.
“I know you lost your job last Monday, and you got a job on Thursday again, but I wanted to make sure you were okay. I had visions while I...was away. And those showed Dinky worrying she would go hungry. So I just…” Looking down, Sweetie bit her lip. Ditzy stood up, crouching and and lifted Sweetie’s muzzle up, giving a gentle smile.
“Sweetie, do you really think the town would let us starve?” Bringing Dinky into a hug, Ditzy chuckled as a small whine came from her daughter. Looking at this, Sweetie felt a huge weight on her heart lift. In retrospect, she should have known Ponyville was too kind to let Ditzy and Dinky starve. Looking toward the sky, Ditzy’s smile became sad.
“When we first moved here, there was a day we ran out of money. My poor Dinky here was forced to go hungry, so I swore to make sure she never had to suffer it again. I worked hard, but time and time again I couldn’t do the simplest of jobs. Eventually, ponies found out. My poor Dinky had confided in one of the fillies at school. I think her name’s Silver Spoon?” Tears began to leak from Ditzy’s eyes, hidden by her blonde hair.
“Regardless, ponies came to us and offered their help. So whenever money get’s a little tight, we normally go over to one of their houses and have a wonderful meal. Even my parents send money sometimes. I am trying desperately to raise my daughter, I only wish I could give her more.” Wiping away the tears, Ditzy hugged her daughter tighter than before, and the two were silent. Wiping some moisture from her own eye, Sweetie gently placed a hoof on Ditzy’s shoulder.
“How did this happen? I mean surely there’s something you’re good at. Why can’t you earn a living doing that?” Eyes meeting, Sweetie wanted to know, knowing how much pain she would be bringing up just for asking. But there had to be a reason, surely?
“When I was freshly born, I came down with an illness that would have killed me,” she spoke, looking back toward the sky.
“The chances of me surviving were, according to the doctors, 0.000069%. Desperate, my parents sought the aid of the Princesses, who gave them a single hope. A spell that would give me incredible luck. Of course, this spell had a very large downside. Facing the odds, my parents agreed, knowing what they were dooming me for.
“It raised my luck to absurd levels, and I managed to pull through. I gained my Cutie Mark the moment I was completely healed. It represents my fragility, and serves to remind me how lucky I am to be alive. Little Dinky here would not have been born if it weren’t for its effect either, so I can’t hate it.” Giving a scornful look to the sky, Ditzy quickly washed it away, gently brushing Dinky’s hair.
“I’m sorry,” whispered Sweetie, looking down. Ditzy merely shook her head, chuckling.
“Don’t be, it’s no one’s fault. It was simply fate, pure circumstance.” Releasing Dinky, Ditzy watched her run off to play. The two watched for a time, before the three began to head home. Pulling out a piece of paper, Sweetie held it out to Ditzy as they paused in front of the door.
“While I was away, I looked into the future and saw me giving you this Ad. I foresaw you getting this job, and keeping it.” Watching the paper being taken, Sweetie let a smile fall on her face, pulling out a second slip.
“And Dinky? Here’s a job delivering newspapers. It’s very easy, and wouldn’t be much work. You can earn money so that if ever your mother runs into problems, you can rely on what you’ve saved.” Looking to them, Sweetie’s smile turned almost motherly.
“And you are always welcome over for dinner at our house too. Rarity loves company.” Finished speaking, Sweetie looked to Ditzy. Tears stinging her eyes, Ditzy put the job Ad away, and brought Sweetie into a bear hug.
“Thank you. Thank you so much.”