//------------------------------// // The Abandoned Filly // Story: She Fell From the Sky // by Twi-Fi //------------------------------// “She fell… from the sky?” Quill cocked his head. He looked at the photo again. “She’s an earth pony.” “It’s a figure of speech, but she did literally fall from the sky.” I smiled at his bewildered look and added, “I will explain when we get to her.” That answer seemed to quiet Quill for the time being, but he had that unsatisfied look of ‘I’m willing to wait only so long’ on his face. My only concern was why he was so interested in her. However, before I could muse over the implications, Quill cleared his throat and tapped his quill against the ink bottle. “Right, let’s get started.” I took another sip of brandy and cleared my throat. I could very easily start this story at the beginning, but before I could start the story of my life, I needed to give him the setting. To do this, I was going to have to start out before my life on the streets, before we met, even before I left the most miserable place in Equestria. “Well... as you probably already know, my name isn’t Autumn; it was a name I took, but let me be clear, I never actually took any of those titles with the name. Those were added on by others. No, back then I was called a different name…. “From as far back as I can remember, I lived in the orphanage on the West Side. There, I had learned two things early in life: my parents abandoned me, and the ponies of the orphanage named me Snow because of my white coat.” I paused to take a sip of brandy. “Now, I was content to live in the orphanage, but like every foal there, I was waiting for that happy day to go home with a nice family. Then one day, when I was about ten, my dreams were crushed.” It was noon when I emerged from deep inside the hedge. I had spent the morning with my friend Lily pilfering from unsuspecting tourists. We ran our typical tag-team stunt. While Lily distracted a nice couple in the park by pretending to fall, and the nice ponies tended to a crying filly, I put my well practiced sticky hooves to work. Today was the biggest amount yet: ten bits. We celebrated at the nice bakery on the corner. They didn’t ask too many questions and did diligence loading up bags of pastries and sweets. And with no place to eat our prize without the other foals seeing, we took refuge in our secret hiding spot. Lily was a few years younger than me, but she was really small for her age which made her look even younger. She was the ideal pony to play the ‘happy go lucky filly who fell in the park’ part, and she played the part very well. It also helped—and there was no way around saying it—that she was really cute. She had big blue eyes, a golden-blonde mane and tail, and a fuzzy longhair white coat. “You were really good today, Lily,” I said as I rolled onto the hard ground, too stuffed to move properly. “I actually fell that time,” she replied, lying next to me. “My hoof slipped on a pebble.” In the distance the other foals were playing while others slithered about. No doubt they were running similar cons and hiding their loot somewhere. Opening my saddlebags, I saw six bits left. I quickly forked over half of it to Lily. “Your earnings, for such a convincing performance.” “Keep it.” She smiled, pushing the money back. Shocked, I pushed it back to her. “Lily, are you feeling alright? Did you eat too many apple fritters?” “No. I just don’t want it. Besides you’re better at finding things to spend it on.” She eyed the money in my still outstretched hoof. “I said no.” She seemed frustrated, and since when did I worry about paying her a share? More for me…. “Didn’t you want that princess doll?” She shifted uncomfortably and looked away. “No.” “Stop lying to me! You’re my friend, you have to tell me everything!” I jumped to my hooves ready to storm off, but to my surprise she was already standing. “No I don’t!” She cantered off before I could get another word in. All I tried to do was give her her share. Six bits never felt so heavy. Why was she so upset? Did she really hurt herself this time? Whatever, I’ll say sorry and give her more. Better yet, I’ll get the doll for her. “Something the matter, dear?” I jumped. “No, Miss Crescent,” I said looking over my shoulder up at her. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. Where’s your friend?” “I don’t know, she ran away.” I kicked at the ground. I had always liked Miss Crescent even though she was strict and wouldn’t approve of stealing. She did her best for us, and she was the only grown-up I could talk to. “I think she’s having a hard time right now. Change can be very frightening sometimes.” She pushed my forelock over my ears to look me in the eyes. “You’re her only friend….” “Change? Miss Crescent? What’s changing?” I had a feeling I knew what was coming. The dread was creeping upon me, pulling me to the ground. I couldn’t deal with this again. “She’s being adopted, dear. Those nice musician ponies were approved and are taking her in a few days.” My heart dropped; I knew it, but hearing it didn’t make things better. It made me face it head-on. Another couple of ponies came through and passed me by without a second glance. My heart pounded. Another friend I’ll never see, and she was closer to me than any other. “I know you’re upset, sweetie…” I stopped listening to whatever she was saying. Memories and feelings were building up; I couldn’t stop the tidal wave of emotions from drowning me. “It’s not fair!” I stamped my hoof with everything I had, denting the ground. “I’ve been here all my life, and no pony has ever looked at me! She’s been here for half a year and gets picked? Why doesn’t anypony wa-wan—” Losing all control, I collapsed to the ground and buried my face in my forelegs. A hoof rubbed my back. “I’m sorry, dear. Life’s not fair sometimes. I wish you all could go to good homes.” I felt myself being scooped up and held tightly. I rested my head against her warm body, sniffling. “The West Side Orphanage is a terrible place; I tried to transfer all of you to a better one in Manehattan, but it was stopped,” she whispered. “I fear it’s too late for you.” Was she crying too? Why was it too late? It was very confusing for me. Miss Crescent was nice, but she was never this compassionate. None of the ponies working there were. And I couldn’t think of a time I was held like this; it was nice—lovely. For forty precious seconds I knew what it felt like to have a mother; I knew what it was to be wanted, to be loved. She placed a soft kiss on my head, and then I was set upon my own feet, feeling nothing but the cold air around me. For a fleeting moment I felt what Lily was surely going to experience from now on, and the worst part was, I was angry with her. It wasn’t her fault, and I should be happy for her. It felt like a spike of rage, of jealousy rose up within me. But even those feelings were smoldering and dying almost as quickly as they came. All I wanted was Miss Crescent to hold me again. I wanted her to tell me how everything was going to be fine. Instead she confirmed my worst fear: I was too old. Through my time at the orphanage watching younger foals come and go, I learned I missed my chance years ago. And maybe that was my fate… to walk through life ignored. “Come line up by the swings, it’s time to go back.” Miss Crescent strode off, rounding up the other foals. Lily emerged from the bush behind me. “I-I’m sorry, Snow. I-I wanted to tell you. I’ll write you everyday,” she said with a hopeful smile. “I did want that doll, but Mr. Coda bought me one last week when he and Mrs. Forte took me out.” “You said you were at the doctor’s!” I shouted, but I wasn’t sure why. I wasn’t mad at her anymore… was I? “I wanted to tell you.” “No you didn’t!” “Did too! Miss Weaver told me not to because you’d be upset,” she shot back. That figures. My anger and jealousy over Lily’s fortune vanished instantly at the mention of Miss Weaver. If there was one thing every foal in the orphanage agreed upon it was that Miss Weaver was pure evil. And of course she was bent on making my life as miserable as possible, but I never thought she’d stoop this low. “Why that evil, old, hag!” I shouted, causing several ponies to look in my direction. “Of course I’m upset and jealous, but I still would want to know.” I took a deep breath. I couldn’t stay mad at her if I wanted to. “I’m sorry. I know you wanted to tell me. Just don’t tell her you told me.” I winked and flashed a cheesy grin. “I’m happy for you.” Lily giggled. “Sometimes I think you’re my big sister.” I smiled at her, fighting back a tear. It was one of those rare times where we shared something deeper than our dislike of Miss Weaver and the mischief we’d get into. Family was a touchy subject, so when it was brought up, it was a big deal—especially when we thought of each other as family. It meant we trusted each other completely. I hugged her tightly. “Sisters.” “Snow! Lily! Come along, it’s time to go!” Miss Crescent called to us. I didn’t say anything on the walk back. Miss Crescent’s words still loomed in my mind, and what was worse, Lily was leaving me soon. Over the past five months we grew close, and now she thinks of me as a big sister. And maybe I was; I looked after her. In return she was a friend, a companion, and I was no longer lonely. The walk wasn’t long, and before I knew it, I was back at the the gloomy brick building I called home. Miss Crescent ushered us inside where an unpleasant shadow was cast over us. “You’re late,” a voice said from the shadows. “I’m sorry. The foals were having so much fun in the park,” Miss Crescent replied. “Thieving no doubt,” the voice spat. “We’ve already spoken on that subject, Miss Weaver,” she replied. Turning to face us, she smiled. “Go to your rooms; dinner will be ready soon.” Glad to get away from Miss Weaver, I was the first to reach the stairs. Unfortunately, I wasn’t quick enough. “You!” she barked, and I knew she meant me. Miss Weaver stepped into the light. Her expression was impossible to read, but I had associated her with bad news. As did everyone else. “I want to see you in my office. Now.” Miss Crescent put a hoof across my chest, holding me in place. “They’ve just come back from the park, give them some time to unwind and maybe take a shower.” Her voice shook. It almost sounded like a plea rather than a request. “You cannot delay the inevitable. See to the others.” She gave me a meaningful look before releasing me. And with no other option, I followed Miss Weaver down a long dark hall that ended in an even darker office. My heart was pounding as I followed as slowly as I dared. There was only one other time I was in her office. It was to be punished for stealing bread from the kitchen after bedtime; my flank was sore for a week. But I didn’t let her have the satisfaction of ‘beating the delinquent out of me.’ No, on that day she made a better thief and better liar. The first thing I learned to lie about was my true feelings; I didn’t let her see me cry or beg her to stop. I wasn’t going to let her win. Miss Weaver looked over her shoulder casting a smile that made my skin crawl. Anything that had her in this good of a mood wasn’t good news for the poor foal going to her office, and since it was me, it was especially bad news. In her barren office, I stood in front of her desk. I knew better than to sit in that chair. Poor little Coal paid dearly when he sat there. “Good news,” she barked once she was sitting at her desk. I didn’t reply but just raised an eyebrow. “You’re supposed to ask ‘what’s the good news, Miss Weaver?’” She glared into my eyes. I could feel the energy burn my soul as I fought to keep eye contact. “What’s the good news, Miss Weaver?” I asked in a flat and uninterested tone. She eyed me sharply. “I said it was good news! Perhaps the cane will encourage your interests.” “What’s the good news, Miss Weaver?” I asked in the most over-the-top fake excitement I could think of. “You watch your tongue, you miserable little brat!” she spat, lunging halfway over her desk. “Oh I’d love to teach you proper respect. I’d love to train you on such matters, yes. But something better has come along.” “What’s that?” I asked, deciding to play along. Except, I had made one critical mistake, and I realized it a second too late. Faster than I could react I was smacked across the face with a ruler. “What’s that, Miss Weaver?” I repeated, ignoring my stinging cheek. “It would seem you are learning after all. Consider that a warning…. Now, as I was saying, something better than lecturing you about respect and not being the scum of Manehattan has come about. Do you remember the colt named Coal?” “Yes, Miss Weaver.” I left out the part about remembering him being rushed to the nurse with several bruises. “Well, he was adopted in a manner of speaking, and so have you.” My heart skipped a beat. I was adopted? “Who adopted me—I-I mean I’ve never met with any families, Miss Weaver.” She cracked a broad grin as if she had been waiting for me to ask that very question. “I’m glad you asked. The Fabric Consortium of the West Side offers free room and board in exchange for working in their factory. You will be joining Coal there.” My heart sank, it may have stopped beating for all I knew. Any chance of being adopted was over, Miss Weaver made sure of that. My chance at a real life was over, and remained would be spent in servitude. The working conditions in these factories were harsh, labor was in high demand, and foals were often send to work there illegally. I left the office. I had nothing to say, no will to continue on. This was what Miss Crescent feared. This is why she was so nice to me in the park, why she wanted to transfer me and the others; this place wasn’t safe. No longer hungry, I returned to my room. It was nearly deserted as only Lily and one of the new fillies were there. I didn’t really want to see her. How was I supposed to tell her I was to spend my days working in a textile factory? I could hardly tell myself, but I knew she’d get it out of me in the end. “Snow! Are you alright?” Her eyes focused on my face and widened. “Oh, no! Are you okay?” “I’m fine, it was just a light smack.” “What did you do?” she asked. She rubbed her hoof over the side of my face, tenderly tracing the stinging area. “I didn’t address her properly,” I huffed, rolling my eyes. “No, why did she pull you into her office? Did she find out about the money we stole?” It would’ve been so easy to tell her that was so; she’d believe it…. It was a ready-made excuse, but I couldn’t keep myself composed to get through the lie. And she meant too much for me to lie to. I took a deep breath and stared at the floor. “No, it’s nothing like that. I-I’m being sent… away…” “Are you being adopted?” Lily squealed. “No. That evil old—that horrible, piece of—” I couldn’t find a word horrible enough to describe her. “She sold me to the factory!” I blurted out. Lily’s smile vanished, and her eyes became heavy with concern. “No,” she whispered. “When?” “Tomorrow. And I was hoping to meet your new parents.” “Y-you can’t go; run away! You’ll never survive in there. They work you all day with little breaks, they beat you if you fall behind, the-they’ll kill you….” Lily’s eyes filled with tears. Of course escape was my plan all along, and it was probably Miss Weaver’s too. She wanted me gone and she made sure of it; one way or the other I was leaving this place. “Shhh, I’m not going to let that happen. I’m running, tonight.” “Oh, Snow!” Lily sobbed. She flung her forelegs around my neck and buried her face in my neck. “Y-y-you’re m-my best friend… a-always.” I held her tight. This was goodbye. “And you’re my little sister.” I don’t know how long we held each other, but at some point we broke apart. She helped me pack all of my belongings in my saddlebags. The entire time we were silent; the only thing accompanying me was the lump in my chest. I’d ask her to come with me, but I wasn’t going to ask her to sacrifice her happiness for me. I knew she’d do it in a heartbeat, but the life I was choosing wasn’t for her. She still had a chance for a life. “Oh wait.” Lily slid under her bed and opened a small box. She turned it over, dumping out three bits. “I was saving this… but you need it more than I do.” “Lily—” “Take it! Please.” Shaking my head, I placed the bits in my bag. My coat was buttoned, my scarf was tied, my small blue blanket, doll, and nine bits were secure in my saddlebags; everything I owned, my life, was upon my back. “Lily, someday, somehow, I promise I’ll see you again.” I pulled her into one last tight embrace, kissing the top of her head. “I’d beg you not to go—I’d beg you to take me, but we both know that that’s not the way of things. Goodbye sister, I wish you well. May the stars guide you.” She kissed my cheek and then broke the embrace. I could tell she was sobbing in her bed as I left the room. I creeped down the hall, most of the foals were still in the common room. I heard screeches of a counseling session from Miss Weaver coming from the other end of the hall. They died down as the sound of playing foals filled my ears; I silently strode past them. The front door was in my sight. I reached for the handle but stopped, sensing someone was behind me. It was Miss Crescent. She stepped forward as if she had been waiting for me. Her expression was somber and grim. Without words she said a million apologies, and I could tell she was crying on the inside. Another foal forced on the streets: the only place she knew we at least had a chance. Silently, she opened the door, and with a slow sweeping gesture, she pointed to the dark street ahead. A single tear dropped down her cheek as I took my steps through the threshold. “Make something of your life, sweetie; never give up. May the stars guide you,” she whispered, and then she shut the door. I left at breakneck speed, leaving my old life behind, never looking back, never to return.