This chapter should be in complete contrast to the last. Excluding Pages 4 through 8, I want the panels to be clearly delineated with tight, precise borders. Keep negative space to a minimum. Except where otherwise noted, colors should be dark and muted—Golden’s coat should be the brightest color. Refrain from using dialogue boxes.
 
Only a few days have passed since the last chapter; the weight of what's happened is still present in Golden's eyes.
 
PAGE 1
 
1 and 2 are equal squares. 3 stretches across the page.
 
1) Close-up of Golden pressed against Mother's side, clutching her doll. Mother is looking ahead. Golden’s eyes are clenched tight.
 
CAPTION: We didn’t stay in Trottingham long after Moma’s funeral. Father said there was no point.
 
2) Shot of a carriage heading down a dirt road. A city looms in the distance. The sun is setting.
 
CAPTION: While we were on the ground, he said, we may as well visit friends.
 
3) Wide shot of skyscrapers reaching into the stars. They are imposing, and blend into the dark sky behind them.
 
CAPTION: I didn't understand how could anypony live in a city like this. There were no clouds, no weather factories.
CAPTION: Only metal.
 
PAGE 2
 
1 and 4 stretch across the page. 3 and 4 are equal boxes.
 
1) Shot of Mother helping Golden out of the carriage. Her eyes are wide as she gazes at the city.
 
CAPTION: Mother called it a vacation. I knew better.
CAPTION: Vacations were relaxing, fun. This was neither.
 
2) Close-up of Golden’s hooves. She is wearing polished black horseshoes.
 
CAPTION: This was busy,
 
3) Close-up of Golden’s mane, which has been straightened. A small white cap rests on her head.
 
CAPTION: annoying,
 
4) Wide shot of Golden standing in a doorway, now wearing a frilled white dress. She is grimacing. Her parents stand at either side, her father wearing a sharp suit, and her mother a similar white gown.
 
CAPTION: and dull.
 
PAGE 3

1 and 2 are equal boxes, small at the top. 3, 4, and 5 are made up of triangles.
 
1) Profile shot of Golden leering at the dinner plate in front of her. On it sit two daisy petals.
 
CAPTION: Each night a new town, a new set of faces…
 
2) Shot of the entire dinner table, which is lined by dozens of ponies. Draw only Golden and her parents with any intricate detail.
 
3) Close-up of Golden looking off-panel, looking dazed. The sentences “Who is the little one?” and “What a cute face!” surround her, almost fading into the background.
 
4) Golden frowns, ears flat, back hunched. “Give us a smile!” and “Where’s her cutie mark?”
 
5) Golden is looking down, teardrops in her eyes. “Already in Flight School and no cutie mark?” and “Aw, she’s shy!”
 
CAPTION: ...but it always felt the same.
CAPTION: I soon grew tired.
 
PAGE 4
 
1 and 2 each take half the page. The borders of 2 fade as the panel extends downward.
 
1) Side shot of Golden, who is still hunched. She is looking in the same direction as the panel, towards a window. It is snowing.
 
CAPTION: It was in those moments that I wished to escape.
 
2) Outside the window, looking in. Snow is falling, and the image becomes increasingly obscured as the panel extends downward.
 
CAPTION: I wished to go back.
 
PAGE 5
Full page splash. A cabin sits in a snowy field.
 
PAGE 6
Full page. Inside the house. A fireplace roars. A mare sits in a rocking chair with a foal on her lap.
 
PAGE 7
 
1, 2, and 3 take up equal space, but have no defined borders.
 
1) Moma holds Golden tightly. The light of the fireplace colors their coats.
 
2) Golden rests her head against Moma’s chest. Her face is calm.
 
3) Golden closes her eyes and smiles.
 
PAGE 8
 
The top of the page is pure white, but quickly fades into 1, which runs until the halfway mark. 2 and 3 are equal squares.
 
1) Shot of Golden sitting at the table, startled awake. The word “Golden!” hangs above her head, harsh and rough, as if scratched in with a razor.
 
2) Golden looks up fearfully at her father, who scowls down at her.
 
3) Father looks down at Golden, who stares at her hooves.
 
PAGE 9
Full page. Golden's ears and wings are limp. The dinner party continues as if nothing has happened.