Twilight shifted uncomfortably, but Pinkie continued to just stare at the doll. The next day, I convinced the nurse to help me do something to make her feel better. After they wheeled Clover away to physical therapy, we went around to all the nurses and doctors asking them for anything they had for parties. Once we explained what we were doing we got a lot of support. Nurses brought out bags of candies theyd been using as snacks or holding onto for holidays, and many people went to the cafeteria to round up some more food. It seemed everyone was really excited. I didnt notice it at the time because I was so focused on getting everything ready, but I didnt cry at all that day. I wanted everything to be perfect.
 
Eventually, after an hour or two, Clover was pushed back into the room and was greeted with a big shout of surprise! by everypony there. Oh, she was so happy. Wed filled her bed up with flowers and cards and candy and cake and balloons. Dozens of balloons! It was like a real party, and it was all for Clover. We played games and had some music and even helped her to have a chocolate cupcake shed told me it was her favorite flavor. Nurses came and spent their lunch breaks with us, and we always had doctors and visitors coming in to see what was happening, so there was always a big crowd. I dont think I remember Clover ever being so happy. For the first time since the fire, I felt happy too. I felt alive every time she laughed and smiled.
 
Lifting her head, Pinkie gave Twilight another grin, her blush returning with a vengeance. I, uh, dont know exactly when I got my cutie mark, actually. It happened sometime during the party, but I was too distracted coming up with games we could play with Clover while she was stuck in bed. Near the end, one of the nurses asked me about it, and thats when I realized what had happened, she said, glancing down at her unblemished flank. Thats when I realized that I still wanted to make ponies happy. It made me feel good to see other ponies laugh and grin and have a good time. And that night, I didnt cry once.
 
Wow, Twilight exhaled with her own warm grin. Even in a fake world created by some shadowy evil, Pinkie Pie is still dedicated to her friends and those in need. She wiped the moisture that had gathered at the corners of her eyes. Wow, she repeated. That was quite a story.
 
Oh, its not that great, Pinkie replied humbly. I just felt like she deserved something to cheer her up.
 
Still, I think it says a lot about you as a pony, Twilight continued as she rose to her hooves, eager to push her point home. You did all of that to give a single day of happiness to a pony in pain. You were willing to talk about something incredibly painful, just to fill in a few gaps in my memory. Even the fear thats keeping you in the hospital is based around the concerns that you might accidentally hurt another pony.
 
Twilight Pinkie began, holding Smarty Pants up in front of her embarrassed face as if to ward the praise away.
 
I mean it; every word. Youre something special. Youre my best friend, and I know youll always be willing to help others in need. Youre not a bad pony. Youre an amazing pony. Twilight pretended she didnt notice a few tears roll down Pinkies cheeks as they hugged. Dropping Smarty Pants beneath her Pinkie hugged her back, the two embracing beneath the afternoon sun.