Dear Rarity,

Business here in Baltimare has been booming as of lately, and we’ve been receiving a lot more requests than we can handle. We’ve gotten help, but it looks like what we have right now still won’t be enough. I’m sorry to say, but it looks like we won’t be coming home for Hearth’s Warming Eve this year. We’ll make it up when we get back, we promise.

Love, Mom and Dad

P.S. Just a reminder, but please don’t tell Sweetie Belle. You know how upset she gets when we don’t make it home for Hearth’s Warming. It would probably be best if it were something left unsaid.

Rarity settled the letter back into the envelope. She nibbled her lip as her thoughts racked up. What was she to do? Hearth’s Warming Eve was three days away. There was absolutely no way she could simply brush off the subject of their parents from Sweetie. It was easier when she was younger, but now, Rarity didn’t think simple evasion would be enough to get away from her sister.

It would be best first to hide the letter, she thought.

Rarity scanned the open room of her boutique. There must’ve been a good spot somewhere nearby. As she looked, however, an unexpected shrill voice came from behind.

“Morning, Rarity!” Sweetie Belle sang as she trotted along.

Rarity jolted back, she faced Sweetie and hid the letter behind her back. Her mouth curled into a meek smile as she gave a wave.

“Morning, Sweetie.”

Sweetie Belle stopped and raised an eyebrow at her sister.

“Is something wrong?” Sweetie asked.

“Why would you think something’s wrong, dearie?” Rarity fixed up her posture. She got rid of her awkwardly forced smile and focused onto Sweetie, who still stood silently in front of her sister.

“Well, if you don’t have anything to say, Sweetie, I must be going then. Sorry, but I had already made plans with Pinkie about Hearth’s Warming decorations around Ponyville. Could you please take care of the boutique while I’m away?”

Rarity levitated her bag of decorations onto her back, she discretely sealed the letter within the bag and made way for the door. Her heart twisted and contorted, but Rarity ignored it. She was almost outside when Sweetie Belle called from behind.

“Uh... Rarity?” Sweetie asked.

Rarity turned. “You need something, dearie?”

“Well, I’ve been meaning to ask.”

Sweetie glanced at the floor, her hoof twirled as she paused. Did she see the letter? Rarity wondered, but Sweetie Belle didn't continue after she finished her sentence.

Rarity urged for an answer. She walked back over to Sweetie, who still solemnly stared at the ground. She wrapped a hoof around her little sister, Rarity's white fur comforted them both as Sweetie glanced back up to Rarity.

“There’s no need to be worried, Sweetie Belle. I’m your big sister. If you need to talk about anything with me, don’t hesistate.”

Sweetie Belle’s face shifted back into worry. She opened her mouth, hesitant at first, but gave voice.

“Is mom and dad going to be able to make it home for Hearth’s Warming?”

Rarity expected this. She thought about it for a second and decided that it was best to go for it.

“Sweetie Belle, you know that mom and dad love you very much, correct?”

“Yes,” she replied.

“Although they won’t be able to make it home this year, they still want you to have an exciting time while you can.”

Sweetie sunk to the floor, but was caught and brought back up with a hug from her sister.

“I can promise you that they'll make it up to you, Sweetie, and if they don’t, then I promise that I will.”

Sweetie began with a whimper. She returned her hug and squeezed. Comforted, she snuggled deeper into her sister’s warm embrace.

After the both of them had enjoyed the moment, Sweetie unattached herself from Rarity.

Rarity gazed to her sister and gave a sincere smile. “Are you alright now, darling?”

Sweetie wiped the tears off from her muzzle and nodded as a reply.

“Good, now I really must be going.” Rarity got up and made way for the door once more. She was almost outside once again when Sweetie called from behind.

“Hey, Rarity?”

Rarity turned.

“Would it be alright if I went with you?”

Now more complacent than ever, Rarity’s smile grew wider. Her heart eased as she warmly looked back at her sister.

“I’d love that.”