Sophie had felt odd all day. No she was not sick but just felt bad. Her dad picked her up at school early for the Christmas Holiday and she tried to talk to him, but he said "it's probably time for your monthly." He was a doctor and was just so casual about things, she rolled her eyes. She knew it was not time for that!

She felt like the world was going to fall away all day. As they drove up the long drive and the house was in sight her stomach lurched. She opened the car door, her dad hit the breaks as she jumped out. She was sobbing, tears wear running down her face as she collapsed at Eyore's head. She looked into his eye and knew that he was gone, dead, beyond the veil. Her pony she had since she started riding was dead in the front yard, outside her own bedroom window.

Her dad was on the ground with her, rocking and crying too. He loved animals deeply and always grieved openly for the loss of them. This was ok and all but what she needed was her mother! Mom was at work and would not be here for hours. She was alone and empty for the Holiday!