//------------------------------//
// Chortle 
// Story: When Laughter Turns to a Sob 
// by Mocha Star 
//------------------------------//

Pinkie was sitting in the park on a bench.  The sky had a few clouds, and she'd actually requested a few extras to be put along her route to and from her current location to Sugarcube Corner.  She laid down taking the whole seat for herself as she sighed heavily.  Her smile had left her several minutes before and she looked flatly across to the pond,where the few birds and ducks swam freely.

She let a quiet whine leave her as she rolled over and winced while squeaking loudly in restrained pain.  She placed her hooves to her left side and exhaled a pained breath as the ache faded.

"These aren't as fun as I said they'd be when they started..."

She looked to the blue sky and took in a deep breath, regretting it slightly as a different pain stung under her sternum this time.

"I guess I should go to the doctor and have them look me over.  I bet I've been eating cupcakes for too many meals again.  The Cakes keep telling me to have a variety, but they're so good."

She smiled finally as she raised her left legs and let the weight roll her off the bench with much less pain.  Walking oddly calmly she made her way back to Sugarcube Corner, under as many of the clouds as she could.  The heat of the sun had recently started to make her feel nauseous which was one of the last things to drain her exuberant energy.  

"Hi Pinkie," a stallion cheerfully chimed as he passed, only to get a nod in return.  He glanced around to a few other ponies who began to murmur.  

Typically a reason for Pinkie to perk up and bounce to the group asking her way into the conversation.  Her response was what they were worried about and several ponies nodded in response.

Why is everypony nodding?  I wish I could ask but I feel so tired.

"Pinkie, can you help me with something?  I really need your help," an elderly mare, dressed in a light yellow dress and purple hat, asked walking up to the pink mare.  

"Sorry but I'm really tired today."

"Oh dear it won't take but a minute," she quipped back, turning and pushing Pinkie to her right and at a house with it's shades drawn.  

That's kinda silly to have the windows closed on such a nice day, Pinkie thought as she felt a slight surge of energy.  She hopped but when she landed she regretted it greatly.  Pressing a hoof to her left side she stopped and hissed at the pain.

"Darling, is everything alright?"

"Yeah, just a cramp," Pinkie said exhaling and calming herself, "I'll help how I can."

The door creaked open as the elder mare used a spell from a horn hidden under her hat.  The purple aura didn't even go noticed by Pinkie who was focusing on taking each step forward.

"Surprise!" 

The lights and curtains shone light across the room and two dozen ponies popped out of every place there was to hide, all throwing party favors and confetti at Pinkie.  

A hush fell over the crowd as they looked at her in the light.  Her body looked fine but her face was slightly thinner, her eyes wore bags under them, and her smile wasn't present.

"Pinkie?" Rarity said softly, disrobing and casting her hat and dress aside like an old towel, as her friends came to look closer at her.

"Wow Pinks, you look really, uh, great?"

"Hush Rainbow Dash," Applejack scolded, "Pinkie, ya look sicker than a dog that's eaten a dozen salads.  What's wrong darlin'?"

Pinkie started to raise her head to stand taller as her rear became heavier than her legs could hold and she fell to her flank.  Barely supporting herself with her forelegs she forced a smile as her face seemed to drain of color and life.  

"Th-thanks ev'ry pony.  I feel better already."  Her eyes rolled up as her eyelids closed and her forelegs gave.  Falling to the floor she was caught by Twilight's magic and surrounded by a dozen ponies all wondering what had just happened.