BEGINNINGS AND ENDS

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Eternity means nothing until you're staring in its face.

So what does it mean when that face is your own?

"Talk to me, please," the pony implores. She was a princess once, back when that word had any meaning. Back when there was anyone to be a princess for. "I can't stand it when you won't talk to me."

"There's nothing more to talk about," I tell her. It's what I always tell her… for what else can I say?

Back when there was a reason to speak.

"It's inconceivable to believe we've run completely out of conversational topics."

I glare at her. "You're very bad company, you know. Of all the ponies to be stuck with for eternity…" I stop, turn away. Of all the…

She ruffles her wings in frustration. "I just can't stand this! How have you been able to stand it?" Her voice is choked with emotion.

How have I been able to… stand this?

I close my eyes. There is nothing more to see. "Years pass by like words to me," I answer boredly. "You'd think that by now you'd feel the same. But of course, you're just a disappointment as always, Princess."

I hear her move in front of me, and I open one eye against my better judgment. She's frowning, but she's not scowling; not even close.

"You aren't like you used to be," she says, but her tone betrays no accusation. It is almost mournful. "You haven't done anything crazy in forever."

"Forever is a long time, my dear." I close my eye again. "I don't need your pity, if that's what you're offering."

"Well, you have to understand my position. You won't pull any tricks, and you won't talk."

"We're talking now."

"You have to imagine how bored I am, too," she continues, ignoring me. "What would you do if I was the sullen one and you wanted some companionship?"

"That's how it always was," I snap, finally irate. "What are you trying to do to me? Does it give you joy to torment me? Is this revenge for all the times I tormented you? Well, fine. But if this is the way it's going to be, it's going to be a very long rest of time."

Her head falls, surprising me. "I'm just trying to sustain our friendship," she murmurs sadly. "I have to, or I'll… well…"

My edge softens, and I regret yelling at her. I reach out, put my arm around her. "Yes," I whisper. "Yes, I know. But you needn't worry. I may want to be alone most of the time now, but it doesn't mean I don't appreciate your friendship. Terrible company is better than no company."

She attempts to laugh, but her heart isn't in it. "Please. You think you're wonderful company."

I think for a moment, trying to consider what will cheer her.

Something that will make her forget, if only for a moment, what forever really means.

"…Have I ever told you about when I came to be?"

She glances up, curious. "You mean like… when you were born?"

I shake my head. "No, it wasn't really like that. I don't think I was born at all. Those who are born may die. I only know of existing."

She perks up more, thoroughly intrigued. I have her rapt attention; this is exactly what she's been wanting from me all this time.

For another moment, I am silent, contemplative. Where to begin?

Where it has always begun. With eternity.

I look up at the stars, as if by their brightness, I could see something from another life. Ironically, or perhaps perfectly, I begin my tale with a cliché.

"Once upon a time…"