Dash - Loss of Hope

>You slip out of the bed, making sure you move slowly.
>Even so, the gentle whisper of the quilt sliding over your skin wakes Rainbow, and she silently drags the covers back up to her chest.
>You tuck her in slightly, and give her a kiss on the cheek.
>She doesn't stir, and you hope she's gone back to sleep.
>Gently, you pad out of your bedroom, and through to the bathroom.
>The whole house is new, as you couldn't really live in a cloud mansion, and it shows.
>You catch your feet as you pass into the bathroom, but a quick hand to the side steadies you.
>Picking through the wash basket, you find your worn trousers and a crumpled shirt.
>Tugging on yesterday's clothes, you get yourself ready.
>It had to be done, sooner or later, and you couldn't really give this to Dash.
>Heading into the second bedroom, you pick up the bundle, and hold it to your chest.
>You slip out the house, shut the door carefully, and head off the town.
>The journey doesn't take long.
>It's only a few minutes, and you get there.
>The newspaper offices.
>The secretary gives you a small smile as you come in.
>"How is she?"
"Fine, considering."
>It's nice, living in a small town.
>Everyone knows each other, and looks out for each other.
>You put the bundle down on the desk, and fish in your pocket for the scrap of paper.
"Just... I thought it best to deal with it now."
>The mare nods.
>"We're all here, if you need a hand. Everypony knows it's going to be difficult on you two."
>You return her smile.
"Thank you, honestly. I... I... Can I just leave it all with you to sort out? I don't think..."
>She nods, and nuzzles your hand.
>"You just leave it to me, I'll get it all sorted."
>You leave.
>Even though you know it's there, you can't avoid looking in the next day's paper.
>Two pages in, you spot it.
>"For sale: Baby clothes. Never used."