Prologue
"Faster, Daddy, faster!"
Jason was barely hanging on as I galloped across the center square of Ponyville.
"Daddy, where are we going?"
The sound of my hooves hitting the dirt were strangely relaxing, despite their repetition.
"To get a cake for the birthday boy!"
There was only one place to get a cake in Ponyville: Mr and Mrs. Cake's shop. Ever since I was a child, the place was a haven for the best treats this side of Equestria. I was ecstatic to pass down the tradition. My, what a beautiful and serene day it was. The robins were out and about, happily singing a tune that filled me with joy. Other ponies were walking around as well, similarly enjoying the atmosphere.
"We're almost there, Jason!"
When we arrived, I could instantly recognize the glorious aroma of newly baked cakes. It was just as I remembered it. On display were colorful works of art, so mesmerizing that a part of you felt guilty to eat it. Then you tried a little, and it was so tantalizing that that feeling was washed down with icing. Also there was my charming and stunning wife, Grace and my other son, Shaun, who traveled here earlier to place the order for the birthday cake. Finally, it was time to indulge and enjoy this time. "Jason, why don't you open your presents?"
That was one of the best days of my life.
It was also one of the worst.