Of Bats and Sparrows

by Silver Inkwell

Sixteen

Present Day.

Ding-Dong.

Alice and Aster looked up from the book, “Are you expecting company today?”

“No, I go over to my friend’s house, they don't come over to me.”

“Well then, it must be the mail because I have nopony coming over today.”

“Mail is never delivered on a Sunday.”

Silence filled the room, “Let’s just check the door, shall we?”

Alice checked the door but saw nopony else that was there.

“Nopony was there,” she said.

“But there was something left for us,” he said picking up a letter.

“Apparently, it’s from the Ponies for the Ethical and Equal Treatment of Changelings, Bat Ponies, and Other Creatures,”

“How interesting,” he said sarcastically.

“We’re formally invited to attend a dinner next week and we can even speak there too since it is a formal meeting and all.”

“Dress requirements?” he asked.

“None, why?”

“Just curious, that’s all,” he said.

“It also says that we should bring a friend,” she continued.

“Ha, they’ll be lucky if we go at all,” he retorted.

“Why though?” she said.

“Well, why should we go?”

“We have to represent our race, I mean what if no pony else shows up?”

“Eh, fair point, but seriously, next week? Couldn't they give us more time?”

“You’re lucky it’s not the day before you know.”

“I know, it’s just that…”

“What?”

“Nothing, never mind, I might tell you later,” he said.

“Very well then, as you wish,” she said.

“So, we are going then?”

“Correct, bat ponies may be equal citizens, but we’re still not treated that way.”

“Ha, that’s so true, but imagine how much worse it was back then.”

“Indeed,” she said turning to the book, “Hey, you don't think…”

“What?”

“Well maybe we could show the book to the convention?”

Aster's eyes lit up, “That actually sounds like a wonderful and brilliant idea, it’s actually really incredible what you think about sometimes, Alice.”

“Thanks, but there’s no need to compliment me.”

“Hey, I’m your brother, that’s what my job is supposed to do,”

“Basically,” she said.

“Yes, basically, you’re right as always.”

“Indeed, so, should we keep reading then?”

“After you, sister.”

Months passed for me my dear friend, Rachel has loved me very well, and soon enough I plan to propose to her, let’s just hope that it goes well…