And so, I took time away from the situation, away from everything. With my crew assisting me where they could, I was able to rest easily since I knew that they could handle things while I was away. Away where? That was indeed the question. But if I was absent--at least for a little while, I could no longer be linked to anymore possible conflicts that would arise in the immediate future. That way, my integrity and Cozyβs reputation could both be kept intact. It was more or less a tactical retreat to avoid further unnecessary damage.
Oh, and of course, I was bringing Cozy along with me. It was going to be a family-oriented vacation so that we could all spend some time together away from the craziness of the world.
Though, when I approached Cheerilee about it, she was more concerned than excited.
β...Pale! There you are!β she cried out and greeted me with a hug as soon as she opened her front door. βYou startled me when you disappeared from the party. I heard about everything that happened. Are you okay? How is therapy treating you?β
βJust fine,β I said as we broke off the hug, βI have to attend once a week after my vacation is over. I just wanted to let you know what I intend to do.β
Cheerilee waved her hoof. βWait, wait! If I clear my schedule...and get Limestone and Treehugger to handle the earth pony lessons...do you mind if I go with you and Cozy? It might be a better experience if weβre all together. Plus...we can take time to discuss our future, maybe?β
A novel idea. Cheerilee was very supportive of me and what I wanted to do. But of course, she knew that I couldnβt accomplish these sorts of things on my own. So if she was with me, then maybe things would get much better.
β...Absolutely. Iβd love to have you along. To be honest, Iβm feeling kind of...weak mentally. So to have you there with me as we help Cozy with her problems would be stellar.β
She giggled. βHehe! Oh, and speaking of which. Where exactly is this βthereβ youβre referring to? Do you even know where you want to take your vacation?β
Admittedly, no. All that I knew was that I just needed to take one. The exact destination wasnβt exactly important. But maybe...ah. That was a good idea.
βWell, why donβt you pick?β I offered, βIβve honestly been around Equestria so many times that I donβt exactly have a βdreamβ vacation location. But if you picked, itβll be nice because you get to have your dream getaway while I just...get away, so to speak.β
Her eyes lit up. βOoh! Iβve been waiting forever for somepony to ask me what I want to do for a change. Wait right there, and let me go get my bucket list!β She chirped, and raced back inside.
Wait a minute, bucket list? Just what did she intend to accomplish before she died? And why did she already make one? Whatever the case, I hoped that we could accomplish those things together if she was willing.
Moments later, Cheerilee returned with a sunhat on her head and a pair of shades. βThere we go. Iβve always wanted to go to Sireβs Hollow. Iβve heard that itβs super relaxing there because of the new spas, the food, oh, and their Winter Festival is going to be held there soon.β She handed me a brochure that contained the information.
Sireβs Hollow...oh, yeah, I remember. The place where Sunburst was born and Stellar Flare had become the mayor. According to what I saw in the pamphlet, the Winter Festival--held before Hearthβs Warming--looking to be a nice, excitable affair with snowball fights, snowpony contests, lots of warm treats to eat, and songs to sing. It sounded like the perfect place to take Cozy as well. Oh the fun we could have there all togetherβ¦
I read it over, and nodded. βWell now, that sounds pretty nice. When do you think youβd be ready to go?β
βTomorrow, of course,β she replied as she looked herself over in the nearby standing mirror in her hallway, βItβs almost like our first honeymoon of sorts, if you catch my drift,β she shot me a teasing glance from within the mirror.
I blushed, and cleared my throat. βRight well--ahem. Thatβs good to know. Iβll go do some more research and let Cozy know weβve decided on where weβre going, alright?β
βGot it. Oh, would you be a dear and shut the door for me? I have to get ready.β
βOh, no problem,β I waved as I closed her front door. βSee you then, Cheery!β
And so, I went back to Cozyβs house. Once there, I explained the situation which involved where Cheerilee and I had decided to take the vacation. Oh, and the fact that Cheerilee was going to attend as well, of course.
βWhat? Mom--er, Cheerileeβs coming too?!β she asked with a gasp as she flapped her wings. βAh! This is perfect! Flurry and I were talking about where her family went on vacation. She said they went to Sireβs Hollow once and had a super fun time!β
What an adorable thought. I chuckled in response. βHeh. Did they now? That sounds good. At least we have a reputable source regarding how good it is. This will be a perfect getaway for all of us. No fighting, no conflicts, no scary monsters, and no worries.β I sighed, and looked down at the floor. βWeβve all been through a lot in the past...year or so?β
βHey, donβt start worrying about the past,β Cozy suggested as she put a hoof to my cheek, βLetβs focus on the future and the path we make for ourselves. Together.β
I held back some tears, and smiled at her as I looked into those soft ruby eyes of hers. β...Oh you...certainly. I wouldnβt have it any other way.β
It was time to take a break.
I wish it was that simple.
π It's nice to see Cozy ecstatic about a family vacation as well as easing my worries about her reaction to certain things. And Cozy shouldn't be bashful about calling Cheerilee 'Mom'. I think it's really heartwarming and it really shows that she has another figure in her life now that cares about her.
Good question.
π So heartwarming!
π Agreed.
10575164
As much as I agree about the break, you may have a point. Nothing is ever that easy especially with the current threat out there.
10575164
We all do... π
10575168
Yup. She's about to experience something she has never experienced before. Cheerilee is just as excited too. Let's hope Pale can handle them...
10575177
Dude, again, when you put emojis like that on display in the comments, I'm liable to get suspicious of mischievous behavior. π Not that I fault you for it, of course. You're the author after all.
10575200
LOL. You read too much into things. Things will be fine, I'm sure.
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π Alright, Spiky mustache, I'll take your word for it.