The six Pies trudged through the flat plains of the rock farm. Memories— of happy and sad, fun and boring, extraordinary and mundane— flickered in Pinkie’s mind as she passed each grain of dirt and rock. Many of the more fond memories were filled by an old mare, one even older than Cloudy Quartz. This one shared the same rose coat and gleaming blue eyes that were inherited by Pinkie. Beyond that, the mare also carried a smile and an energy that was striking for her age. She was like a dream filled with sunny skies and green, rolling hills.

Such recollections polarized her, which contradicted the small smile she was maintaining on the outside.

“Never stop smiling, Pinkie.”

That beautiful, exuberant voice rang in her mind like a pleasant songbird on a tranquil morning. It was soothing, but it wasn’t enough to fill the emptiness.

“I know, Granny.” Pinkie said in her head, “but sometimes it’s so hard.”

As she moved along, more scenes surfaced from the deep oceans of memory. The same mare occupied them, filling Pinkie with warmth and chill simultaneously. She tried so hard to envelop herself in the cheeriness those wonderful past days brought, but darkness seared through every image, thrusting her back into reality.

“Happiness heals all sadness.”

It was her voice again, with all of its grace and wisdom in tact.

“When everything feels sad and black, smile or laugh. But if you can’t do either, then it’s always good to be around your friends and family.”

Pinkie took a look around her family: her parents and her four sisters. Even without her body there, the picture still felt complete. As if by magic, everything in her mind lit up.

“We’re all here, Granny,” she replied.

She then realized that she and the family were entering a part of the land that was seldom visited. In the desolate corner she saw a tall oak tree, healthier and larger than the brand of dying ones that scattered the rest of the plot. Surrounding it were thirteen engraved stones. Some of them bore crystal clear epitaphs while the messages of others have deteriorated by time and erosion. Luckily, this one fit the former description. Every letter imprinted on the stone was newer than the ones of the others.

The six Pies all stood before it, staring at the name, the dates, and the words “Giggle at the Ghosties”. They were all in a line, however Pinkie stepped closer to the stone until she was able to look down on the inscribed words.

“Hi, Granny,” she gently said with a grin, “I can’t believe it’s been a whole year….we’ve missed you dearly…..”

She coughed out a giggle, which took more out of her than she hoped. Her head completely collapsed, causing her eyes to face the dirt. It took a strong effort to prop it back up to the epitaph.

“Sorry…..I know that you told me to stay happy, but I just told you that it can be hard….very, very hard sometimes,”

Pinkie paused again and looked back at her family, who were all focused on her. The simple sight of them made her smile. It was just the boost she needed to continue.

“But you told me that as long as you have those you care about and the ability to smile, it’ll all be alright. Even the darkest of days can be brightened by smiling with your friends. And even when they aren’t around, I know that you’ll always be with me,”

She raised her foreleg and touched her chest.

“,in my heart.”

Pinkie was smiling at her beloved Granny. The skies were gray, but she felt under the sunniest sky. Turning back to her family, she hugged her mother.

“That was very sweet of you to say,” Cloudy said while embracing her daughter.

“It’s true, Mom. Not just for me, but for everypony.”

Pinkie jerked her head around to see the other four staring at her.

“What are you guys doing?” she said, “Group hug! Everypony!”

It took some effort, but Igneous awkwardly walked over to her daughter and wrapped his forelegs around her. Pinkie’s sisters followed him and clumped around her.

“So, giggle at the ghostly,” Pinkie sang passionately.

“Guffaw at the grossly,

Crack up at the creepy,

Come on, everypony! Sing along!”

“Whoop it up with the weepy,” everyone sang.

“Chortle at kooky,

Snortle at the spooky,”

“And finally!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Laaaaaaaaaaaugh!” everyone sang, causing them to giggle.