“C’mon, Mary... I thought you didn’t want to go to the Academy.” Doni really didn’t know what to say, he couldn't remember ever seeing a time when Mary was sad.

“Yeah, but…” Mary looked out the window at the cloudy sky. It was always raining in Siniad’s Forest, so Mary had never seen the moon, but she had heard stories of it- this giant orb that shone in the night sky.

“It just sucks watching my friends go every year, ok?” She wanted to say more, but her throat felt tight and her eyes burned. Doni didn’t say anything at first, but she appreciated his warmth next to her.

“I get it...I’ll miss you too, Mary” Mary gasped, snapping to look at Doni’s smiling face.

“Oh Doni, I-” Mary didn’t have a chance to finish what she was saying, the door to Doni’s room opened and the shadow of Mother cast from the flaming orb behind her was unmistakable. Mary leaped to her cloth covered hooves, but Doni stayed on his pillow, smiling up at Mother.

“Mother, I’m so sorry I’m out of my room this late. It’s just….” Mary trailed off, looking from Mothers darkened figure to her friend's goofy grin. Doni giggled a little and scratched the back of his head.

“Oh, hello Mother. I- uh didn’t realize it was that time…” Doni laughed again, seeming a little nervous. Mother stepped into Doni’s room, her blazing orb following behind shifted to the center of the room. Mother’s faceted black eyes glittered and her hooves clacked softly as she moved.