[Satyr] Hope's Goodbye

>Day Goodbye in Equestria.
>You can only watch in despair as Hope sobs into Manny's chest next to the trains platform.
>Lyra places her hoof in your hand, knowing the feeling you are going through.
>”A-And you better write back when you get my letter, okay?”
>Hope is still babbling as Manny nods.
>”I will Hope...”
>”Promise!”
>The Minotaur is silent, causing your daughter to cry harder.
>You look to his mother, who is in a similar state.
>His father however...
>The bastard is looking at your daughter with such contempt.
>”Manfred! Hurry up, we're going to be late.”
>Both his son and wife's faces give that same begging look.
>'Just a little longer.'
>Bastard.
>Betty had told you the whole story.
>It turns out her husband had only moved to Canterlot since it would help his brother's business, and he did so grudgingly.
>Manny was just a toddler then, no older than fourteen months she said.
>He was spoiled, in the sense that Canterlot protected protected him from most of the harsh childhood experiences most Minotaur go through.
>Betty loved Canterlot since it gave her son a chance to grow up in peace.
>The moment Von Karma's brother wrote saying they could relocate to a big city in Minotaur territory though...
>He didn't think twice to uproot his family and get away from the species he loathed so silently.
>What monster does something so selfish to a woman he claims to love and his own son?
>You wish there was something, anything you could do to help everyone being hurt by this.
>... But the law is on his side.
>If Betty divorces him, he would get custody of Manfred and be free to cut her out of his life.
>This garbage in front of you has the final say in this poor boy's life.
>Hope's crying grows as Manny lets go of her, walking on to the train next to his father.
>”No!”
>You grab hold of her arm as she tries to run on with.
>”Dad, please! I don't want Manny to go!”
>Betty places her hands on her son's shoulders, rubbing them as her tears fall freely.
>”I'm sorry Hope! We'll always remember you deary, I promise!”
>Hope tries to pull harder.
>You pull back, bringing her in for a hug.
>”Please! Don't go, please?!”
>She wraps her arms around you, gripping into your shirt as she stains it with tears.
>Holding tight, you bear her screams as the doors to the train slam shut.
>She tugs and tugs, trying to break free from your grasp.
>Lyra comes behind you, wrapping herself hooves around Hope's neck in a mother's embrace.
>Hope's sobs continue as the wheels turn, taking her best friend away from her.
>You watch in to the window as the chubby Minotaur breaks free from his mother's hold, running up to the window to get one last look at his friend.
>He may not understand what you are about to do.
>But it does not stop you from nodding and mouthing a 'thank you' to the boy who brought such happiness to your baby girl's life.
>He didn't see her as pony or human, and certainly didn't treat her differently through unintentional or intentional means.
>He saw her as Hope.
>His friend.


>Day Fatherly love in Equestria.
>Walking into the house, you drop your briefcase and look for Lyra.
>She is in the kitchen, drinking a cup of coffee.
“How was Hope?”
>Your wife sighs, shaking her head.
>”She still hasn't left her room... she... she started crying last time I knocked, asking if you weren't coming back either.”
>You run your hand down your face, sighing as you do.
>The girl is heartbroken.
>A person she saw as a brother was ripped from her life.
>No warning.
>If only to let the children enjoy a few more blissful moments together.
>You walk over and kiss your wife's forehead, avoiding her horn.
“I'll go talk to her.”
>She nods, lip trembling as she looks down to her cup.
>Stepping up the stairs, the house is filled with an unsettling silence.
>You stop in front of Hope's doors.
“Hope?”
>Knocking on the door, you receive no response.
“Hope, daddy's here if you want to talk...”
>You wait outside the door for any sign of movement.
>Nothing...
“Please, Hope... let me in?”
>After a moment, you hear the sound of her bed squeak.
>Hoofsteps make their way slowly to the door and you hear her lock change gears.
>Opening the door, you are immediately met with a hug from your daughter.
>She sniffles, head buried into your stomach.
>One look... one look at how she is breaks your heart.
>Eyes red and poofy, tears no longer able to fall.
>Her lip trembles as she hics ever now and again.
>Hair is a mess, lacking her signature clips.
>You lift her chin and look her in the eyes.
“Hope... I know this is hard, losing Manny.”
>It turns out you were wrong, as fresh tears start to form.
“It may not sound calming now... but you still have him.”
>Your words settle the girls tears, keeping them from falling.
>She is still in a despair filled state though.
>Taking a knee, you look deep into her eyes.
“Here...”
>You place a finger above her heart.
>She clenches your hand and holds it as she presses her body against yours.
>”I-I-I don't want him to just be here though... I want him to be back.”
>You place your free hand on the back of her head.
“I know... I know...”
>She holds you like this.
>Tears stopped, but the pain remains.