[Satyr] One-Shot: Hope returns to /mlp/ (commemoration)

"Get out! You can't be here!"

These words kept ringing in your ears as you ran home, tears streaming down your face. As you barged through the front door, you barely caught a glimpse of your parents snapping their heads up to look at you before pounding up the stairs and into your bedroom.

You threw yourself onto your bed and smothered your face into the pillow. Tears flowed like rivers as your muffled sobs filled the room. You weren't sure how much time had passed, but you felt a weight on your shoulders, and you turned your head to look at your father sitting on the edge of the bed.

Anon was smiling at you as he rubbed your back comfortingly. "Shh, shh. Come on, now. What's wrong, Hope?"

You choked back a sob and croaked out, "I w-*hic* went to Sugarcube C-Corner to *sniff* get a cupcake and... a-and..." You pouted a few times. "Mrs. Cake told me I w-wasn't allowed there anymore!"

Dad brought a hand to your face and wiped your tears away with his thumb. Still smiling warmly, he said, "Oh, I'm sure she didn't mean that at all." You adjusted your position to sit on the bed next to your father as he continued, nodding his head toward the door a few times. "Your mother and I were just about to head over there for something. Why don't you come along and we'll sort things out, hmm?"

You looked up at Anon. His expression was tender and caring; his smile was warm and his eyes twinkled with sincerity. You really couldn't have asked for a better family. Sniffing the last vestiges of sorrow away, you meekly nodded and inclined your head to look at the floor. Anon ruffled your hair playfully before standing up. "Come on. Go get washed up quick and we'll go."

Anon left the room, leaving you sitting on the edge of your bed. After a few moments, you got up and went to wash your face in the bathroom sink. Soon, you and your parents were walking down the street and arrived at Sugarcube Corner in short time. Lyra turned to nuzzle your cheek and said, "Stay here for a moment, dear. We'll call you in once we've talked to the Cakes."

You hugged Lyra and mm-hmm'd your acknowledgement, then stood against the wall as she and Anon walked inside. About ten minutes later, she poked her head out the door and beckoned you inside. You weren't prepared for what happened after crossing the threshold.

"SURPRISE!" came a raucous announcement, stopping you dead in your tracks. Noisemakers and cheering filled the room as ponies popped up from behind each table. Stuttering and failing to get out all sorts of whys and whats, your head turned to take in everything. Cakes and pies and all manner of sweets adorned each table. Streamers and balloons were hung everywhere, and a blast of confetti filled the air, colored bits of paper raining down onto the floor along with a cotton candied pink pony.

"Happy birthday, birthday girl!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed excitedly, blowing on a noisemaker. "I heard your mommy and daddy in here talking about your birthday coming up so I decided to throw one of my patented perfectly pinktastic Pinkie Pie parties because it's not every day that you turn ten years old and that deserves a super fun celebration!"

Anon and Lyra approached as Pinkie bounced happily away to entertain another group of guests. Anon kneeled down and both drew you into a hug. "Happy birthday, Hope," they beamed in unison. "We love you so much."

The shock of the surprise had all but disappeared, and you eagerly returned their embrace. Through an ear-splitting smile, you giggled, "I love you, too, mommy and daddy!"

As the three of you broke the hug, Mrs. Cake trotted up to your little group and stopped in front of you. "Hope, dearie, I'm so sorry about what happened earlier," the confectioner fretted. "I tend to get a little frazzled when we're setting up a Pinkie party -- so much baking and decorating! -- and I just didn't want the surprise to be ruined for you. Can I ever make it up to you?"

You didn't even need to ponder the situation as you stepped forward and wrapped your arms around the mare's neck. "Don't worry, Mrs. Cake. I forgive you."

She patted you on the back. "Happy birthday, Hope." She wore a smile when you pulled away, and suddenly gasped. "Oh dear, I still need to put the finishing touches on the birthday cake!" As she excused herself and rushed through the saloon doors into the kitchen, Lyra gave you a nudge forward.

"Go on, Hope. I bet your friends would like to spend some time with the birthday girl."