An elderly pony poses as a beggar to get close to someone.
During Hearths Warming time, many kind families like to leave their doors open to poor and hungry strangers, but this can also lead to other ponies taking advantage of the situation.
One elderly pony poses to be poor so he can drop in on one family in particular for reasons reflecting upon actions of his past, and one simple wish.
Another Hearth’s Warming was just around the corner… or a week around the corner, and Ponyville was all decked up and looking beautiful.
Wreath’s and hollies were hung along the lampposts, houses and buildings were glistening with beautiful lights around the roof rims, which dazzled with beautiful colors, especially at night and when it was snowing-- the glistening of the snow would reflect the light and intensify the brightness, making it look as if all the colors were swirling in the breeze.
Gifts were being wrapped; chestnuts were roasting over campfires in the streets.
Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, and Spike were going around town collecting charity donations from neighbors and friends to help feed poor and homeless ponies.
“We sure have collected a lot of money.” said Starlight.
“A lot” is right.” groaned Spike as he struggled to lift up one of the huge bags full of coins. Twilight then levitated the bag up onto her back.
“Thanks, but why didn’t you do that before?” grumbled Spike.
Twilight didn’t bother to snark back at him. She was just so happy and full of cheer and joy.
“I just love this time of year; when every-pony is just being so generous and thankful… I just can’t get enough of it.”
Starlight smiled, sharing her friend’s glee. The past few years since her reformation only got brighter and better each year, and she always made sure to give her thanks for it.
“Hey, we better get going.” she pointed out, motioning to the sack on her back. “We’ve got to bring these to Rarity’s clothing drive.”
Rarity was hosting a drive for ponies to bring their old clothes, or blankets and curtains to her shop where they would be donated to charity, and Twilight had some old things to donate herself-- some old curtains, and blankets and capes.
“Oh, my…!” Rarity exclaimed as she gazed at the beautiful fabrics. “Why these are simply sensational. I could take them and turn them into such exquisite ball gowns, and royal robes, and…”
“Rarity… you’re supposed to be giving these away, not keeping them for yourself.” Starlight pointed out.
Rarity bit her hoof in stress. “…It’s just so hard! I see all these beautiful things and I can’t help myself.”
Spike then suggested, “Well, why not just use whatever you don’t give away and make them into new clothes.”
“Yes…” Rarity sighed happily “That way I can be even more the generous than ever. I’ll donate what I can to the poor, and make whatever is left into new things for others.
Oh, Spike… how clever of you.” and she leaned down and pecked him sweetly on his head, making Spike stiffen straight, and then sigh goofily.
Twilight and Starlight chuckled, and then went around to see all the kinds of displays of giving’s Rarity had for her drive.
More and more ponies were coming in to drop things off, and among them was a middle-aged Earth Pony, whom Twilight knew very well since she first moved to Ponyville.
“…Coin Jangles?”
He was indeed elderly, but not so much, nearing his sixties. His coat was pale brownish and, like the color of burlap, and his mane was a pale yellow due to aging. His cutiemark was that of a small sack of coins.
“Why, Princess Twilight…” he chuckle “How’ya’ll doin’?”
He then greeted Starlight and Spike too, and the trio noticed how much he seemed to be donating to the drive.
“Oh, don’t mind all this, just some things I’ve had for a long time.” he said “Table-clothes, carpets, old clothes of mine.”
“Gosh, you’d think you were giving your home with all that.” said Spike.
Twilight and Starlight noted and felt that way too.
“Ah, shucks, this is Hearth’s Warming.” replied Jangles. “I can be generous if I want to, what else is… there… to be-- Ack!” he suddenly was cringing and groaning in pain that was shooting through him.
“Are you alright?” cried Twilight.
“What’s wrong?” added Starlight.
Jangles took a few breaths and he stood upright again feeling better. “It’s alright… it’s just a small touch of colic. Oh, what a time to get it too…”
“Colic?!” cried Spike “That can be serious in ponies.”
“Shh… keep it down.” insisted Jangles “No need to let the whole town know.”
Twilight was deeply concerned, “Maybe you should go see your doctor?”
“One step ahead,” said Jangles “I already went a few days ago, and the results came in. I’m on the meds, everything will be fine.”
“That’s good to hear.” sighed Twilight.
Starlight and Spike weren’t as convinced, mostly because of the large donations Jangles had just made.
“So, do you have any plans for the holidays?” asked Twilight.
“Uh, oh… here she goes again.” Spike grumbled.
Twilight knew of Jangles, a retired banker who worked hard to help others, but he lived all alone with no family and never seemed to have one.
It was due to this that he often spent Hearth’s Warming alone, and every time since she knew him, Twilight would try to invite him to the Castle of Friendship for the holidays.
Jangles held up his hoof insisted… “Now, now… don’t you be going there again. It’s real sweet of you to offer, but I don’t want to bother.”
“It wouldn’t be a bother at all.” insisted Twilight.
“I second that,” added Starlight “No one should have to be alone on the holidays.”
Jangles smiled, but sighed, “I know you ladies mean well, but I’m used to it; been spending the holidays alone for a long time.
…Besides: my happiness is the joy I bring others.”
Twilight tried to protest, but Jangles insisted, “Now, now… It’s nice to offer, and I thank you for it, but trust me, I’ll be just fine. I’ve done good up to now for a guy like me.”
Not wanting to seem like a whining stalker, Twilight gave up. “Okay… but the offer is always open.”
Then she and her friends went off to do their business, leaving Jangles with a rather sad looking expression on his face.
He began to feel another slight jerk of pain shoot through him, but it passed quickly.
"This is bad." he thought, and then he thought back to what he just said to Twilight about his illness. "I hated to lie to her about it, but it's just better this way. I can't let any-pony know the truth."
As he prepared to leave, his eyes fell over something in one of the many donation crates; an old faded white baby blanket, with pink stripes around the top ridge.
It looked so incredibly familiar to him, and that’s when he noticed in the top right corner was a small, faded stitching of a baby’s name; “Sun Grin.”
Seeing that name and holding the blanket almost made Jangles’ heart stop in complete and total shock!
“That’s my daughter’s old blanket.” said another middle-aged pony.
Jangles turned and saw another Earth Pony standing next to him. He had a red coat, with a brown mane turning a hint of grey with age, and a mustache to boot.
“It’s your daughter’s?” asked Jangles.
“Sure is,” replied the pony. “Seems like only yesterday… it was almost Hearths Warming in Canterlot, my wife and I weren’t very happy that day…
The one thing we always to have was a child, but we found out she just couldn’t have any.
We prayed and we prayed for a miracle, and would you believe… we got one.
We found “her” on the stoop of our home wrapped in this blanket, with a letter telling us to take care of her.”
The more and more he went on, the more Jangles seemed to freeze stiff on the spot.
“Well, I guess miracles do happen on Hearths Warming.” said the father pony. “I better get home. Sun Grin’s coming to visit us over the holidays with my grandkids too.”
“Grandkids…?” Jangles muttered, and he watched the father leave the property, and saw him go to his home just across the road, and actually just a little far up the road from his own place nearby.
He had a queer look on his face; the kind one would get when planning something.
Three days later, Hearths Warming was only four days away, and more cheer and joy was bustling about than ever before.
Pinkie Pie baked her special Hearths Warming cakes.
Applejack was hauling a wagon full of hot apple pies to sell.
Rainbow Dash was leading children into playful snow-fights now that school was out for the holidays, and they were sure having loads of fun.
Twilight, Starlight, and Spike were still gathering donations as they passed by the house where the father lived, and what did they see but loving reunions of family...
Sun Grin was a lovely yellow pegasi with a long flowing mane of bright orange, and her cutiemark was that of a sun with a smiling face.
She had two cute little kids with her.
Her oldest daughter: a 4-year old red unicorn with a pink mane: Lily.
Her young son: a 3-year old beige Earth Pony with a brown mane: Woody.
The kids hugged their grandfather, and then their grandmother, Bookcase-- a Librarian unicorn with a grey coat and a faded brown mane-- Pony came out too, with big lollipops treats she had made for her sweeties, and they gave her a huge hug.
The father, whose name was Steel Pipe-- he was a plumber-- saw Twilight and co and invited them over to meet his daughter.
“Say hi to Princess Twilight, kids.” Sun said to her children.
The cute little ponies waved at her so cute, Twilight couldn’t help but giggle.
Then Sun approached the trio and bowed respectfully to Twilight. “It’s an honor to finally meet you, Princess.”
“Please… just “Twilight” will do.”
Sun chuckled nervously. This was her first time being in Ponyville, especially since her folks moved from Canterlot to settle down into a quieter life.
“She’s the finest any parent could have.” said Bookcase. “Plowed her way through school, found a job as a teacher in the royal palace, married a royal guard…”
Spike and Starlight were impressed.
“Sounds like a mega success.” said Starlight.
Spike nodded…
…And even Twilight was astounded. “It must be an honor to work in the royal palace.”
“Oh, it is…” agreed Sun, “But I have to admit, it’s nice down here in Ponyville too.”
Twilight and co had to be on their way, and bid their goodbyes.
“Feel free to stop by anytime.” called Steel “We like to keep our doors open to friends and those in need.”
“I’ve noticed…” said Twilight “And you do a wonderful thing; it helps promote friendship and good-will.”
Lots of homes around town did the same thing Steel and Bookcase did; leaving their doors wide open for hungry or lost strangers. Nobody deserved to starve or freeze to death, especially around the holidays.
Of course, the royals guards and sentries remained on constant vigil to ensure no crimes were committed.
As for folks letting the cold into their homes, it was nothing compared to special, magical device…
By placing special electrodes along the door rims, they would produce special heat-trapping barriers. This way, ponies could still enter and exit homes normally, but they could leave their doors open and not worry about the cold coming in.
Then, that very night, Steel and Bookcase had just set down a nice warm dinner for everyone, when they received a knock at their door.
“Looks like we got a hungry stranger.” said Bookcase.
The children squealed for joy as they bounced in their seats, until their mother calmed them down. “Mind your manners you two.”
The children tried to contain themselves as their grandfather answered the door.
He almost recognized who was there almost at once-- Coin Jangles.
“Good Evening…” Jangles said kindly “You have an extra seat for a hungry pony.”
“I know you, from the charity drive at Rarity’s shop.” said Steel.
Jangles nodded. “May I join you? That’s why your door is open, yes?”
Bookcase came up to the door, and took one look at the pale and semi-disheveled looking pony at the door.
“Oh, my!” she gasped “Steel, what’s wrong with you?” and then she extended her hoof to Jangles “…Please, come in. You poor dear, you look like you haven’t eaten in days.”
Jangles let out a small chuckle, “…In a way I haven’t.”
Bookcase was now more insistent than ever to let this pony dine with them.
She first led him to the kitchen so he could wash up, and then she brought him to the table, where the kids went crazy.
“Hi!”
“Hello!”
“What’s your name?”
“How old are you?”
“Are you staying with us?”
“Will you play with me?”
…Their mother calmed them down again and approached the stranger. “You’ll have to forgive my kids.”
Jangles couldn’t help by eye at the mare standing before him, “…You’re… Sun Grin?” he asked with a grin appearing on his face.
Sun was most surprised and they touched and shook hooves. “Yes…
…Have we met before?”
She found herself looking into his brown eyes, and compared them to her own, and how they seemed very similar.
Steel cleared his throat, “I… uh… told him about you when he found your old blanket at the drive.”
“Mommy was adopted.” chirped Woody
“Yeah, she was found on grandpa’s doorstep.” added Lily.
Jangles acted as if he were astounded as he gazed at their mother “…We’re you?”
Sun cleared her throat, “Yes… it’s true… I am a foundling.”
“Aw… I’m sorry to hear that.”
Sun nodded almost sadly, but then Bookcase came out with a hot dinner ready for everyone.
Everyone folded their hoofs to say thanks, and Jangles added in, “I’d like to give thanks to you fine ponies, for letting a cold and hungry stranger join you.”
The family all smiled at him, taking a small liking to his politeness… everyone except for Steel, he had forced his smiles and grins, but he was beginning to feel a little strange about the guest.
Suddenly, Jangles gasped as another shot of pain hit him.
“Are you alright?” cried Sun.
Jangles supressed the pain and it was gone again. “I’m okay… just a small stomach ache… uh… haven’t eaten in a bit.” he lied about that. He didn’t wish to tell anyone that he was sick, fearing they would throw him out-- even though what he had was not contagious.
“Come on, let’s eat.” said Bookcase.
Jangles got to sit at the end of the table, but near Sun who sat at the bottom right part of the table.
Jangles seemed to feel a bit strange sitting near her, but kept up a straight and polite manner.
As everyone talked and consumed their meal, Jangles couldn’t help but ask about Sun’s life, which she didn’t mind telling him.
“…This is my husband.” she said showing him a small picture of herself standing with him in his armor. “He couldn’t be here today, but he promises to join us when he’s off duty on Hearths Warming Eve.”
Jangles grinned almost proudly at the photo. “My, isn’t he handsome.” And then he looked over at the kids and saw they definitely had some of their father and mothers physical traits.
However… Sun also noticed that Woddy and Lily seemed to have a slight hint of Jangles style too.
“You almost look like me.” said Woody.
Jangles chuckled, “You think so?”
The family all shared a laugh.
“You know… when I was little like you, I think I did used to look like you…” he paused and leaned forth joking “…Only I wasn’t as handsome as you are.”
The kids both laughed, and Sun gave a little giggle herself.
Steel was still growing suspicious of Jangles, and the way he was seemingly prying into everyone’s lives: particularly Sun’s.
“And you’re a teacher and you live at Canterlot Palace?” asked Jangles.
“Sure am…” replied Sun “Princess Celestia is astounded by the way I handle the children of the palace staff so well.”
“Do you have a job, too?” asked Lily.
“Yes… do you?” repeated Steel. There was a note of sarcasm in his voice, but Bookcase gave him a stern look. “Of course he doesn’t, why else would he be so poor and homely looking.”
She then felt guilt about what she said, fearing she had insulted her polite guest. “Oh, I’m sorry sir…”
“…It’s no bother.” said Jangles. “I get that a lot. It’s… just what happens.”
After the supper was all eaten, another shot of pain hit Jangles.
“What’s wrong?” cried Sun, and everyone, even Steel was growing concerned.
The pain subsided again. “It’s okay…” Jangles lied “It’s just the food going through me. I can’t remember the last time I had such a wonderful meal… or ate with such fine ponies.”
Sun and Bookcase were really growing more concerned for him, and the paleness of his coat.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” asked Sun “I don’t think you should go back out there… with no home… no place to go.”
Her kids agreed with her.
“Please stay.” begged Lily.
“Stay and play with us!” added Woody.
Jangles immediately tried to sweet-talk his way out so he may leave in peace. “I really can’t ask you to do this. I enjoyed your hospitality already… I really… should… go…!! URGH!!” Another shot of pain hit him, and Bookcase put her hoof down.
“I think you need a lot more than just a meal… you need medical attention.”
Even Steel couldn’t argue with that. “I’ll run and get the doctor.” he offered.
“Please… No…!” called Jangles, but Steel had already left, leaving Jangles worried. “I can’t let my cover be blown.” he thought.
Jangles was soon resting on a sofa bed in the living room of the house, and Steel soon returned with Dr. Horse, who was almost surprised to see him there.
“What in the world…?” he started to spat, until Jangles gave him a couple of silent signals not to reveal who he was-- that he wasn’t poor, and he had no real business to take advantage of the family’s kindness.
…The doc corrected himself “…What in the world-- it’s a good thing you all sent for me.”
His acting fooled the family well.
The Doc then ordered everyone to give him privacy so he could supposedly “examine” Jangles.
“Please, don’t tell them.” Jangles whispered ever so softly.
The Doc agreed of course, not wanting to violate Doctor-Patient confidentiality, but he was still rather curious of Jangles behaviour and whispered to him…
“You shouldn’t be here, you know; especially not in your condition.”
“Please…” whispered Jangles, “Just play along. I have to be here, just this once. I can’t tell you why, you just have to trust me.”
The Doc sighed. All he could really do was give him a small shot to help with the pain, as well as lie to the family as promised when he pretended to have examined his patient.
“He’s quite alright. It was just a simple case of malnourishment pain. Er… This sort of thing happens when the patient doesn’t eat properly for a while.”
The family was relieved to hear this, but Sun Grin was most concerned. “You poor guy…” she said to Jangles. “I’ve seen homeless ponies before, but this is serious.”
Bookcase agreed, and she had a queer look on her face, which worried Steel, but she said the words. “Why don’t you stay with us tonight?”
“Yes, Yes, Please!!” chirped the children.
Jangles shook his head, “Oh, I couldn’t. Really…”
“Nonsense.” said Bookcase. “You stay here tonight, and get a good night’s sleep, and tomorrow, why we’ll all help you find a job.”
Much as Steel still has his suspicions about Jangles, he played along just in case he was mistaken in his own judgment.
“A poor guy like you won’t have a chance out there.”
No matter how much Jangles tried to refuse the offer. The family wouldn’t hear of it, especially not Sun Grin.
“My mom and dad took me in when I didn’t have anything, and I’m sure we can all do our best to help you out too.”
The children both gave sad little faces. They really didn’t want this nice stranger to go, and their cute little faces finally convinced him, “Okay, but just for one night.”
“YAAAAAAY!!” the kids squealed.
Sun giggled at her kids’ goofiness, and Jangles couldn’t help but smile at them both… almost lovingly… which Steel noted, and furthered his suspicions.
A while later, Twilight, Spike, and Starlight were on their way home to the castle after gathering more money donations.
Spike felt exhausted he lay down on Twilight’s back groaning, “No more sacks of money! No more sacks of money!”
“Poor little guy.” muttered Starlight.
Twilight held in a giggle, but then as she passed by the family’s house, she couldn’t help but notice in the window… which made her stop in her tracks.
“What is it?” asked Starlight.
“Is that Coin Jangles in there with Steel Pipe’s family?”
It was him, and he looked like he was having the time of his life, playing with Sun’s children, and telling them stories of the old days, way back when he was younger; before even Twilight was born.
The kids looked really happy, as did their mother, and their grandmother.
“I thought he always spent the holidays alone?” said Spike.
“Maybe he finally decided to change his mind?” suggested Starlight.
Twilight only wondered what Jangles was doing with the family inside. She knew they weren’t related, and that Jangles had no family either.
“Did he pass off as a homeless pony just to spend time with this family?” she wondered.
Starlight and Spike wondered the same thing.
Still, everyone looked so happy inside-- laughing and talking, rather than investigate now, and not wanting to seem like a peeper. Twilight walked off without saying anything.
“Twilight?” called Starlight as she rushed to catch up with her.
Pretty soon it got a little late, and Jangles was finishing reading a story to the kids.
“And the poor little pony showed what he was capable of doing, and he won the princess’ heart…”
He paused when he noticed they kids had fallen asleep, and he smiled at them. “…And they lived a long and blissful life.”
Sun was grinning lovingly at her kids, and she and her mother scooped them up to take them up to bed.
“Thank you so much for that.” whispered Sun “I usually have a hard time getting them to fall asleep.”
Jangles chuckled softly. “…I always wanted to read stories to little children.”
This gave Bookcase a big idea to maybe set him up with a job at the library where she used to work.
“That’s a great idea.” agreed Sun. “And if it doesn’t work out, maybe I talk him into moving to Canterlot, and maybe I can help him get a job in the royal palace.”
Soon, the kids were tucked in bed and they were sleeping like little angels, and then the grownups decided to turn in too.
Jangles would sleep on the sofa bed, while Sun would sleep upstairs in the guest room with her kids.
“I can’t begin to express how grateful I am for all that you’re doing for me.” Jangles said “…But really, don’t you think this is a bit much?”
“Not at all…” said Steel “We’re happy to help a “Poor” and “Homeless” pony, get all the help he needs.” He put small emphasis on his words, which earned him stern looks from his wife and daughter.
“Never mind…” said Steel “Goodnight,” and he waltzed upstairs to head for bed.
“Don’t mind him.” said Bookcase “Even the best of us are not perfect.”
Sun agreed. “I’ll always be grateful that you and he took me in, Mom.”
Her mother felt touched every time she said that.
“When I look at you, and I see how successful you are, I feel proud to be your mother.”
Mother and shared a warm hug, which brought a tear to Jangles eye.
The ladies felt a bit embarrassed.
“Sorry you had to see that.” said Sun.
Jangles shook his head. “It’s just so beautiful…” then he paused. “If only your real parents could see you now, I bet they’d be proud of you.”
Sun’s features saddened a bit. “…I’ll bet.” she remarked. “That’s why they gave me up in the first place.”
Jangles felt hardened, and so did Bookcase.
She comforted her daughter, “Honey, don’t do this. We don’t know for sure why you were abandoned. The note we found you with said…”
“I know what it said…” Sun cut off “But still, what if it’s just a lie? What if it’s not really true? Parents usually abandon their children because they don’t want them anymore.”
Jangles began to feel a sickening turn in his stomach, and not from his illness.
“Honey, please… not in front of him.” said Bookcase.
Sun quickly supressed her emotions and apologized to Jangles. “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to do it.”
“It’s okay.” Jangles said with a concern expression. “I can understand how it may feel.”
Sun began to feel remorseful, still believing Jangles was a homeless pony and that he was probably abandoned and given up for.
“Now, I feel really awful.”
“Please, please…” insist Jangles. “You’ve made this old pony very happy, with the generosity you’ve given, the things you’ve become and what you do for others. It gives me peace.”
He was beginning to sound like a pony on his last ride, but Sun smiled at him thankfully. “Thank you so much, and don’t you worry… I’m going to make sure you get the help you need.”
With that, the ladies bid their guest goodnight and adjourned to bed, leaving Jangles feeling rather sick with grief, and his nerves were shaking.
He refused to go to sleep, and lay awake in the dark living room, waiting until it got really, really late so that no one would be awake.
He felt he had overstayed his welcome enough, and decided to leave, but not before he quietly sat down at a small desk in the corner where there was parchment; envelopes, ink and quills, and he began to write something down…
…He then stuck it in a sealed envelope which he marked: “For Sun Grin-- Do not open until after New-Years.”
He then stuck it carefully within the decorated Hearth’s Warming tree in the living room, and then, every so quietly, he crept to the door and silently let himself out into the snowy night.
However, the split second the door had shut, did Steel Pipe come walking down the stairs, to go to the kitchen for a glass of milk to help him sleep.
He yawned deeply, and then he noticed the sofa bed was bare.
“What the--”
Then he walked over to the door and looked out through the viewing window, and he could see hoofmarks in the snow, and they were pretty fresh.
Even though the weather was snowy and cold, and he was in his pajamas; Steel decided to bundle up and go after Jangles, and demand answers.
At the very same time, Twilight had awoken herself and decided to get a cup of milk too. She usually loved to sip while standing by a window which gave a beautiful overlook of the town.
She loved the sight of the snow falling and how it made all the pretty lights on the decorated houses glisten.
Then, she saw some-pony walking through town.
“No pony should be out at this time of night, and in weather like this.” she felt, and she decided to go and investigate.
Jangles had gotten only halfway down the road towards his home. The streets were all deserted, since no pony-else would out at night like this.
Suddenly, he began to feel that sharp pain jab at him again, and it hurt… a lot! He was very careful not to groan or yell too loud to disturb anyone.
Even still, he decided to take up rest on a bench, feeling overwhelmed, not by the pain, but rather the mix of emotions he was feeling, but he felt that deep down he had accomplished what he really needed.
He rubbed his head softly with his hooves, not knowing whether to feel pleased or ashamed, but he did feel a little sad just walking out like that, but he felt he did the right thing, especially for Sun’s sake.
He felt just a little chilly form the cold, and that’s when some-pony came up to him; Steel Pipe.
“…Kinda cold out here, huh?”
Jangles was surprised to see him, and looked at his rather straight and stern face.
“Uh… yes… especially when you’re wearing pajamas under a parka.”
He was about to get up…
“Just a minute…” Steel snapped “I want some answers, and I want them now.
You’re no homeless pony, are you?”
Jangles didn’t answer, but his silence answered for him.
“I knew it…” said Steel. “You just pretended to be homeless, and yet you waltzed into my house and lied to my family and let us feed you.”
“Steel, please… listen to me… I’m sorry I lied.”
“What are you? Are some kind of mooch or a louse?”
“No, I’m not… if you’ll just let me explain.”
“Who are you really? Why did you lie to my family, and above all things why are you so interested in my daughter? You seemed to get especially friendly with her-- asking all those questions about her life, and bonding with her kids.
…Tell me.”
Jangles cringed softly, feeling it really hard to say what he was about to…
“Steel Pipe…” he said before pausing for a moment, “…I’m Sun Grin’s father.”
…Followed by a long moment of awkward and shocking silence.
Steel got a hold of himself after this shocking revelation.
“You… are Sun’s father?” he asked in disbelief.
Jangles nodded sadly, “Yes…” he then paused “I’m the one who left her to you and Bookcase thirty years ago in Canterlot.”
Steel still did not believe a word of it.
“It’s the truth.” insisted Jangles.
“Oh yeah?” sneered Steel “…Prove it.”
Jangles sighed softly, and explained, “Sun was found on your doorstep, a few days before Hearths Warming. She was wrapped up in the blanket you showed me at the donation drive.”
“So…? What does that prove?” asked Steel “You know all this because I told you it all.”
“There’s more…” said Jangles “When you found Sun as foal, there was a letter attached to the blanket, and it read this.”
He began to quote the letter from heart…
“Kind Ponies…
Please take care of my baby Sun Grin. Give her all the love, care, and things I just can’t provide for her.
I know that you are unable to have children of your own, and I feel that by doing this, I give my baby a good life, and I give you what you have always wanted.
Happy Hearths Warming: Broken-Hearted Father.”
Now Steel was convinced. He had quoted every word of the letter perfectly, but the only other people to ever know of the letter were himself, Bookcase and Sun. No one else had ever seen it, and the letter had long since been lost.
Jangles sat on the bench with his head hanging low.
Steel sat down next to him. “Why? Why would you give up your baby?”
Jangles knew he’d have to explain, even though it brought back very bad memories for him…
*Jangles POV* I grew up in Canterlot with only my mother. My father had abandoned us a little after I was born; almost as if he wanted nothing to do with me, or my mom.
We got by as best we could. I even got a job delivering papers and selling flowers to help.
My school years weren’t fun either. The kids would always tease me. Steal my lunch, throw my books in the trash, and throw mud in my face. Some would even beat me up.
“No wonder your dad left you.” they would say.
“Maybe your mom should leave you too.” “Fatherless Freak…!” I tried never to let it get to me. I tried to show what a good student I was, what a hard worker I was, but to them I was always the “Fatherless Freak.” a loser, and they would continue to torment me and beat me up.
…I would often cry alone about it, but it wasn’t the pain that made me cry. It was the fact that I did nothing to deserve all this treatment. I never bullied them, I never offended anyone, and yet they hated me!
Why should a pony be hated and picked on simply because he has no father?
I didn’t have any friends. I couldn’t trust any-pony. So I pretty much just kept to myself as I got older.
I was lonely and miserable into my college days too, and I worked three jobs to help my mother who was sick by a bad disease. I did all I could to pay for her treatments.
Then…
…Then I met her-- Sun’s mother.
Her name was Sun Wing. She was the most beautiful mare I had ever seen-- golden yellow, with a beautiful white mane, as fluffy as a cloud.
She and I met after she had been dumped by her colt-friend. He didn’t want to be married to someone who wanted to be a Wonderbolt. She could either be a Wonderbolt, or his wife... not both.
She and I seemed to hit it off well, but… we had a little too much to drink, and one thing sort of lead to another.
*POV Pause*
He didn’t bother go into further detail, but Steel was shocked.
“…Obviously you went too far.”
Jangles nodded…
*POV resume*
…She got pregnant alright. We were both very surprised, and frightened at the same time.
I took immediate responsibility for my actions, and I vowed from then to take care of her and the baby-- just adding it to my already list of duties.
Sun Wing was flattered, and astounded that I was willing to give up more of my time for her.
We didn’t tell anyone about it, not even my mother-- she was sick enough and didn’t need any stress or excitement to make it worse. What would she think-- that her hard-working, well-meaning son got a mare pregnant in a drunken scene?!
I couldn’t even tell her about Sun Wing. All I did was continue to work to pay for her treatment, and for the pony that was carrying my baby.
…Not that it really mattered much anyway, because my mother soon died in the hospital. There was just nothing they could do for her, and you can bet…the loss devastated me.
Sun Wing was hurt for me as well.
“Don’t worry…” she told me “…I’m here for you.”
It was at that moment, I felt that though I had lost my mother, I still had love, and Sun Wing and I grew closer, and closer.
..Part of me felt deep down it was more because of the baby than anything legitimate, but more of me felt otherwise.
With my mother gone, and the baby on the way, I no longer had to work quite as hard, and left two of my jobs, settling to be an accountant at the Canterlot Bank.
I made good money, enough to support my changing life.
Sun Wing even promised to find work too, after the baby was born.
…She even suggested about getting married, so we would all be a loving family.
…I loved the idea.
Soon, the baby was born, and she was the most beautiful little filly I had ever laid eyes on.
We named her Sun Grin, partly after her mother, and partly because my face ached with smiles of joy.
We still didn’t have so much money for marriage though. Taking care of a baby and moving into a home was pretty draining, and Sun Wing went off to Cloudsdale to seek employment, and she left me to raise the baby.
We wrote to each other every day. She said that she missed us both, and asked about the baby, and she kept telling me she couldn’t wait to come home, and we’d get married, and everything would be just great.
…But it never happened!
A month before Hearths Warming, she wrote to me one last time.
She said it was over, and that she had become a full-fledged Wonderbolt, and she was getting married to one too; one that promised her a full and rich career, with fame and all the glory.
…I never heard from her again.
*POV Pause*
Steel was nearly appalled beyond words.
“She just up and left you and the kid?!”
Jangles nodded, “First my father, and then she left me. Being a Wonderbolt was more important than her own kid.”
He continued with the story…
*POV Resume*
With all the plans down the drain, I was in serious trouble-- both me and Sun Grin.
The money flow was starting to dwindle, I couldn’t afford sitters or daycare for her, and I couldn’t bring the baby to work or leave her on her own.
I wanted to be a good father to Sun, but all the love and all the good intentions I had amounted to snuff. There was no way I’d be able to provide for the both of us.
I couldn’t let Sun suffer with me; not her! She didn’t deserve to suffer. She didn’t ask for all this to happen to her, she didn’t even ask to be born, or who her parents were.
It was then that I knew I’d have to give her up. I’d find her a family and give her a chance at a good life I just couldn’t give her.
I had no money to properly put her up for adoption or to get past all the legalities and stuff, but lucky for me I found the perfect couple to give her to…
…You and Bookcase.
You were both devastated. I could overhear you talking, that you just came from the hospital.
“I’m never going to have a baby, Steel!” sobbed Bookcase. “How will we ever have children? How will we ever have a family?”
“I don’t know. But I’m not giving up! We’ll find a way.”
I saw you both retreat to your home, and thought it was a nice place, and you both seemed like the right couple. A couple so desperate to have a child obviously had love to give.
…Then, that night, I did it!
I wrapped up the baby in the blanket, and attached the note to it.
Leaving my baby on that doorstep was the hardest thing I ever had to do, and it broke me more than any other devastation in the world… but I felt I was doing the right thing, for Sun’s sake, and for the two of you.
I managed to get away without any-pony seeing me, and the falling snow covered my tracks, and I saw you both take her in. Your faces ached with happy and thankful smiles like I had, and that you’d gotten your wish for a child-- like a Hearths Warming miracle.
Though I was still grieving, I knew Sun was safe, and she wouldn’t have to suffer the way I did.
Without her in my life, I was able to make money to support myself, and to help take my mind off the grievance, I packed up and moved to Ponyville, so I could let her live her life in peace.
*End of POV* The remaining flashbacks were of a sad Jangles going through his life, wondering about his little girl, and a sad song played describing the difficulties that made him give her up.
When Love… is all you have You don’t have much else to give But it takes more… Much more than love... to live
Love is strong, Love is neat It can’t buy food that you eat There’s things… love just can’t do.
Paying bills, and all that stuff, Love is fine, but not enough There’s things… love just can’t do.
Build a home, and stock it good Love can make it all worthwhile But it takes cash, as it should Without this, you’ve no style. And before you know it, You’re out on the street You’ve nothing to show it But some rags and cold feet, You realize you made a mistake, And people suffer with you It’s more than you take Or give or even do….!
Love is still, what loves does, Whatever is, whatever was There’s things… love just can’t do.
The story was done…
Steel felt really sorry for Jangles. No pony deserved to be abandoned, and the way he gave up his baby and why he did it, it felt both honorable and heartbreaking.
“But then why the act?” he asked again. “Why did you pretend to be homeless and barge in on us like this?”
“Why else?” Jangles replied immediately. “…I just wanted to see my daughter. I wanted a chance to meet with her, and see what kind of pony she became after wondering about her all those years.
Now I see… I see she’s become a bright and beautiful mare. She’s smart, and caring… she works in the royal palace, she educates kids; she even has kids-- I… have grandchildren. I got to meet them, and form a bond with them.
All I wanted was one chance-- one time. That’s all I needed.
You raised her very well. You gave her the good life I wanted her to have, but could never give her myself. You’re a good father. You’re better than I ever could have been.”
Steel ultimately couldn’t argue, and from what he was just told he was willing to let Jangles off easy.
“You know… you should tell her.”
“No!” insisted Jangles “She mustn’t know who I really am.
What… I’m supposed to her... that her mother up and abandoned her?
That I lied to her just to get close to her?”
Steel looked Jangles straight in the eye, “Or maybe you could let her know the truth; that her father didn’t coldly abandon her, and that he did what he did for a reason. She deserves that much, and then she’ll lighten up about it.”
Jangles reflected on how Sun felt, but he still wasn’t sure if he could tell her… mainly because of something else that concerned him.
“I really don’t know if I can, or if I should.”
Steel sighed. “Well, okay. I won’t say anything to her, especially seeing as you should tell her.”
He turned to head back home, “But you should know this: In a way… you really did give her a good life. You gave my whole family a nice one, because you hardly ever thought for yourself.” He paused “…But I guess nobody’s perfect.”
Then he was gone leaving poor Jangles feeling upset, twisted, and alone.
Jangles felt he could do nothing more but go home. So he got up and began to walk down the road…
…When suddenly, “…Ack! Ohh-ooh-ohh..!!” that pain shot through him again, and it was most unbearable as he clutched his sides groaning and growling, until he keeled forward flat on the ground and passed out!
He just lay there on the cold ground as the snow sprinkled on him.
He would have frozen for certain had some pony not approached right then and there.
The next morning, Starlight and Spike had awoken to find Twilight wasn’t in her bed.
They would have searched the castle from top to bottom had Starlight not discovered a letter on her nightstand.
“It’s an address…” she said to Spike, which made him confused. “Why would she go off to visit some pony in the middle of the night?”
Starlight wanted to investigate, and she levitated Spike up onto her back. “Come on, let’s go.” and she galloped for the castle gates.
“Wait… what about breakfast?!” wailed Spike.
Jangles slowly began to wake up, feeling something warm and damp covering his head-- a warm cloth.
“Ohh…!” he groaned.
“Shh… take it easy.” someone said to him.
Jangles opened his eyes to find he was in his own bed, in his own home, and Twilight was looking down at him.
“Princess… Twilight…?”
It was her, and she looked baggy-eyed and a little frazzled, but then who wouldn’t after sitting up all night with a sick pony that collapsed in the snow?
Jangles suddenly remembered having an attack and falling in the street.
“You were very lucky I came when I had.” she said, sounding rather concerned and a bit angry.
Jangles home was practically looking like a closing shop.
All the furniture was covered in tarps, rugs, carpets, and curtains were nowhere to be seen-- as he had donated them all to Rarity’s drive.
Even his kitchen was looking a bit miserable. He had hardly any food, or drinks, or utensils-- he had donated them too.
This forced Twilight to teleport back to her castle and bring back some of her own supplies to fix him up some soup and tea.
“Princess… how…?” asked Jangles. “How did you get me here?”
Twilight came clean with him, how she saw him outside in the night. “I heard you talking with Steel Pipe. I heard everything…”
Jangles looked nervous.
Just then, there was a knock at the door. It was Starlight and Spike, and Twilight let them in.
“Twilight, are you okay?” asked Starlight.
“What are you doing here with Coin Jangles?” added Spike. Then he noticed the state the house was in, “…And what’s with this place?”
Jangles clutched his bedsheets shamefully, and Twilight levitated up a small letter, which happened to be the medical report from the hospital Jangles had said he received to Starlight.
“Is this the report about his colic?” asked Starlight, but then she and Spike noticed Twilight looked a little tearful. “…Read it.”
The friends looked concerned, and Jangles looked really upset, but there was no sense in even trying since Twilight obviously knew the truth now…
And that very truth made Starlight and Spike gasp very softly.
Jangles had terminal Cancer, and according to the report he would die most definitely by the start of the New Year. Even if he would be lucky enough to make it to Hearths Warming in a few days… it would be his last.
The trio all gawked at the sick pony with hurtful expressions, while all he could do was looked down at his hooves on the sheets sadly and remark in a low tone, “…Happy Hearths Warming… many happy returns.”
Spike began to panic and begged at Twilight, “You’ve got to do something! Cure him! Make him better!!”
Twilight shook her head, “You know I can’t, Spike. There are just some things-- some kinds of illnesses that magic can’t fix, especially if it’s terminal-- too late.”
Spike and Starlight both knew this very well. It wasn’t like Poison Joke, or Pony-Pox, or even a common cold. Cancer was just one of those few things.
“How could you not tell us?” asked Spike.
“I haven’t told any-pony.” replied Jangles. “You’re the only ones who know, except for the Doc.”
A moment of silence passed.
“I just wanted to go peacefully, and not worry any-pony, especially now of all times. It’s Hearths Warming. Nobody should be miserable at this time. I don’t want to ruin the cheer and joy for others.”
“But you’re so sick.” protested Starlight “You have no pony to look after you or help you. If Twilight hadn’t helped you, you could’ve been dead by now.”
“I don’t see what difference it makes. My time is just around the corner anyway, and there’s no point in fighting it.” He paused as he gazed down at he looked at the trio bravely. “I’ve done all have to do. I’m ready to go.”
“Don’t say that.” cried Spike, trying not to break out sobbing.
Jangles looked up strangely at her, and the others wondered what she was talking about.
Before Twilight could tell them about Sun Grin, Jangles had another painful attack, and he began to cough and wheeze.
“We’ve got to get him to the hospital, now!” cried Twilight.
Starlight agreed and dashed out the door like lightning to get help.
Twilight didn’t dare teleport Jangles to the hospital; not in his condition, or it would cause him more fatalities.
Meanwhile, at the family’s home, everyone had awoken to find the sofa bed deserted.
“I can’t believe he would just up and leave like that.” said Sun Grin.
“I can’t imagine why.” added Steel, pretending to be in shock like the rest.
Bookcase was most disturbed. After all the plans she was going to make to help Jangles, he just up and left. “How could he just waltz out, and on such a night too?”
Sun began to wonder and worry where Jangles was. “In his condition, he shouldn’t be out there in the cold like that.”
Her father had no idea what to say, for fear of blowing the secret.
The kids came running through, playing like wild animals, and were heading straight for the decorated tree.
“Kids!” snapped Sun Grin, and her children skid to a halt.
“Now, kids, what have we talked about running wild?”
The children looked shameful, but at least they had stopped and hadn’t broken anything.
They sat on the floor with big thuds, giving the floor a tiny shake, causing an envelope up in the tree to fall out by Woody’s feet.
“What’s this?” he wondered as he picked it up.
“Oh-Oh-Oh… Wait a minute there.” said Steel, rushing up to his grandson so he wouldn’t try and open paper.
Woody and Lily sulked on the floor, but Steel gawked at the envelope. “This is addressed to you, Sun.”
His daughter took the envelope and read the address message on it. It didn’t take much for her and her folks to realize Jangles had obviously left it there.
“What is this?” she wondered.
“It says “Do not open until after New-Years.” said Bookcase.
Sun was never one to really disobey a warning, but she was very tempted to open it if it meant getting some answers.
Steel was now more than convinced that Jangles was behind this, and it was obvious he was trying to give something important to Sun.
He wanted to tell the truth, but he promised not to.
“Maybe I should open it now?” suggested Sun.
A long moment of silence followed as the grownups weren’t quite sure if it was right, especially Steel.
Just then, there was a knock at the family door.
Bookcase answered it, and it turned out to be Spike.
“It’s that guy.” chirped Lily “He’s with the Princess.”
Spike gave a weak smile, which then faded into concern as he looked up at Sun. “You need to come with me, Sun Grin.”
Sun blinked once. “Why? Is something wrong?”
Spike rubbed the back of his head, not wanting to tell the whole truth in front of the children. “…Well, you could say that.”
Any-pony who had Cancer should avoid stress as well as emotional baggage. Such things only spread the disease faster and cause bad reactions, which was why poor Coin Jangles was in the mess he was.
After Starlight had brought the paramedics to his home, ever so carefully, Jangles was transferred to the hospital and rushed into immediate treatment to stabilize him.
“Blast it!” growled Dr. Horse. “I knew something like would happen. I warned him not to...”
Twilight had sent Spike back to Steel Pipe’s place and asked him to bring back Sun Grin so she could be told the truth once and for all.
The only problem was that Jangles had been given treatment to numb the pain, and sedate him softly so he would sleep better.
When Dr. Horse came out, Twilight and Starlight gawked at him wanting an immediate answer.
“He’s asleep now. He’s alright… considering… But I don’t recommend seeing him until he wakes up. He needs rest.”
The ladies were only slightly relieved to hear that, but they were extremely worried for him now.
“How bad is he?” asked Starlight.
The doc hesitated and he looked rather upset to say.
“Is it that bad?” asked Twilight.
The doc nodded, “The shock nearly threw him into a seizure, and he was choking very badly. We very nearly lost him.” he paused “…But… given what he’s just been through, I’d say he’ll be fortunate if he didn’t just… well… shorten whatever time he has left.”
The ladies felt a sickening turn in their hearts and their stomachs.
Twilight tried her hardest not to show any tears of worry, but Dr. Horse knew how she was feeling.
“It is never easy when a patient is on their last ride.” he said in a low tone. Then he looked rather annoyed. “I explicitly told him… “Get your affairs all in order, and let us handle you here at the hospital.” Whatever in the world possessed him to do what he did?”
Twilight and Starlight weren’t sure if they should tell, but they did, and Dr. Horse was astounded.
“…I see.” he simply said with a look of near disbelief. “Well, at least now I understand.”
He went off to see some other patients, while all Twilight and Starlight could do was look through the window into the room, where poor Jangles lay silently. He looked so pale and miserable while hooked up to life-support.
“Do you think Spike told Sun Grin by now?” asked Starlight.
“I hope so.” replied Twilight. “This must be an awful shock for her.”
It wasn’t until about midday that Jangles finally awoke. He still felt pretty beat, but he didn’t want to sleep himself away like that.
He still felt pretty weak and used a remote to tilt his bed upward, but the nurse looked him over, feeling really horrible for him.
“You need to take it easier.” she cautioned him.
“Thank you.” Jangles replied softly.
The nurse exited, and with his door now open, meant he could have visitors, but the nurse cautioned them not to stay for too long and not to give him more stress.
Twilight came in alone.
“Hi Jangles…”
He softly turned his head, “Princess?”
Twilight walked over and sat near his bed. She didn’t ask how he felt, because it was clear he wasn’t looking good.
But she did gaze at him very sadly. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to do this to you.”
“It’s not your fault.” Jangles insisted “I’m just sick. My time is almost up.”
This only hurt Twilight more. She had known him ever since she had moved to Ponyville. He was a hard worker, and always doing his best to help other ponies, and with the banks loans he gave, he made dreams come true and gave shelters and charities wonderful donations to help the world.
“It just doesn’t seem fair that this should happen to you. You don’t deserve it.”
Jangles looked sad, but shrugged it off bravely. “These things just happen. Sometimes we just don’t get a say in life. That’s why you have to make the most of things while you can, or they’ll just up and be gone.”
Twilight knew this, and she understood it, but it still didn’t help her to see a good pony suffer, and there was nothing neither she nor any-pony could do about it.
Just then, there was a very soft knock at the door. It was Starlight, and she was with Spike… and Sun Grin… much to Jangles worry and astonishment.
Sun had a queer look on a face, a look of deep thought, and mixed with sadness, and a touch of shock.
“I think we should leave them alone for a minute.” Starlight whispered to Twilight. She agreed, and the trio left Sun in the room with Jangles.
She slowly walked over to the bed and looked down at the grim pony.
Jangles looked up at her, and he could guess from the look she gave him, “You know…?”
She nodded, trying to hold back a tear or two.
“I just can’t believe this.” she said in a shocked voice. “…You’re my real father?”
Jangles nodded very grimly.
Sun turned round and walked over to the window facing outside, and rubbing her front hooves against her aching head.
Then she turned back and asked, “Why? Why didn’t you just tell me?”
Jangles looked deep inside, trying to think hard of how to put it.
“Sun, believe me, I wanted to tell you; I really did…” he paused “…But in the end, I just couldn’t find the words.
I mean… just suddenly popping into your life when you never really knew me, and I never knew you. It’s like we can't just instantly form a bond or a relationship. We can never really make up for all those years.”
Sun looked at him, and he could see the tears coming to her eyes.
“And you didn’t want to tell me because you knew it could never work between us.” She hinted towards his inevitable and oncoming death.
Jangles felt a tear coming to his eye now. “…Ever since I gave you up, I hurt every night, every day, wondering what was happening to you and if you were safe.”
He looked up at his daughter trying not to burst out crying, especially in his condition. “I’m sorry, Sun. I’m sorry for all this.”
A sad but visible smile came to Sun’s face. “No… I’m sorry. I’m sorry for everything you went through.”
Jangles looked at her in near shock.
“I was told everything, and I know why you gave me up.
“I’m not saying “I’m glad you did.” but I just know why.”
It looked as if they two were really starting to form a real bond and understanding for each other. Jangles actually felt warm inside.
“I’m not saying “I’m glad I gave you up” either…” he said tenderly. “But it’s clear to me now; I really did give you the good life you have, and I’m proud to have known you, and see what you are today.”
Sun’s tears were falling hard down her face now.
“…Knowing that you’re alive, and that you’re going to be fine,” he continued “…It gives me joy.”
Quivering with tearfulness, yet deep gratefulness and understanding, sun couldn’t help herself, and she very slowly embraced him, and he actually found strength to hug her warmly.
“Daddy…” she sobbed.
“…My baby.” he peeped softly to her as he rocked her softly.
They just sat where they were, enjoying this moment as long as it could last.
Outside the room, Twilight and Starlight were watching tearfully.
Spike bit on his claw trying to fight his own tears, but it was no good, and he hugged Twilight by her leg, and she sat down and hugged him warmly, and Starlight joined in too.
Sun didn’t bother to tell her kids about Jangles, not wanting to upset them at their young ages. She wanted them to have a good and happy Hearths Warming.
“What happened to Mr. Jangles?” asked Lily.
“Is he ever coming back?” added Woody.
Sun could only handle it as best she could. “I’m not sure we’ll ever see him again. We can just hope that he’s gone someplace better, where good things happen to good ponies.”
The kids bought her story, but only Sun and her folks knew the truth.
Sun would go out every day she could to visit her real father in the hospital, feeling she wanted to make his last moments special.
Coin Jangles looked so happy, even in his declining moments.
Sadly, he didn’t make it to Hearths Warming!
…Early in the morning, December 23rd, he died in his sleep. Sun was positively heart-broken, so were Twilight, Starlight, and Spike.
When the rest of Twilight’s friends heard, they felt equally as hurt. They knew Jangles well too, and were devastated to hear of what happened to him.
It was very hard for Sun to keep a brave face over the holidays, even when her husband came down from Canterlot to join them.
Sun told him what had happened, and made him promise not to tell the kids.
Every-Pony still did their best to have a good Hearths Warming, and not let Jangles’ passing affect them too much…
…But each and every night, each and every one of them, even Steel and Bookcase would say a prayer to him, and praying he was indeed in a better place now.
The Funeral was held just before New-Years, and Steel and Bookcase watched over the kids so Sun and her husband would attend the service, along with Twilight and co.
Even though it was still early, Sun opened the envelope her father had left her. It turned out to be a will he made out. He had given her his home in Ponyville as a little get away place, or if she ever thought of moving to Ponyville sometime.
He had also enclosed to her a cheque which amount to his entire life savings and retirement pay.
Sun felt so touched that she cried a few tears. She would deal with the house another day; after she rested up and found time.
As for the money, rather than keep it, because she and her husband were already financially fine with their careers. She decided to donate the money and start a new charity funding to help find cures for cancer.
She did it all in the memory of her birth-father, but she didn’t tell anyone, again, for the sake of her children.
Only her adoptive folks, her husband, and Twilight and Friends knew.
Hearths Warming would come and go, and it couldn’t be ignored… even during the holiest, brightest, and jolliest time of year, anything could happen-- good or bad.
All anyone could really do was to be prepared for them, and learn from them.