>>42767682
She would straighten up and forces a smile, hoof on her chest, projecting her best attempt at triumph under my indifferent eyes.
"Offering money to me?
"I suppose I'll let you do me this favor--"
Call it.
Her hoof would hover over the coin, but wouldn't take it.
"What?"
"Call it."
"Why?"
"To see if you get the peanut butter crackers."
The street is empty. The majority of ponies went home a while ago.
It would be just you and her in the long stone brick, street.
Your other hand would go to your side, and the heavy hilt at your waistband would obscured by your coat.
"Call it."
She would swallow.
Maybe she would sense the danger.
Maybe she would have no idea and wouldn't be used to this sort of protracted confrontation.
It doesn't matter.
"And what happens if I don't guess it right?" she would asked warily
"Call. It."
She would look between you, the coin, and the stall.
She would pull her hooves back beneath her against herself and her shoulders would slump.
She wouldn't meet my eyes now.
"Tails, I, um. I-I think tails."
I would flick the coin and catch it, slapping it against the back of my palm.
I would peek beneath it and nod.
She would watch me, frozen. I would watch her back, judging by her slight, poorly-nourished frame how fast she could run if he needed to.
"Well done."
I would hand her the bit so that she could buy the crackers.
She would take them with not a hint of triumph, she just looks a the simple blue and green packet with the little clear window showing the slices as if she hadn't wanted them after all.
"Savor them."
She would swallow again.
"What were you going to do?" she asks in almost a whisper
"Those slices will be the best thing you've tasted all week, savor them. I would tell her
"They represent tomorrow, and all the tomorrows to follow." I would say say with a finality
"What were you going to do if it wasn't..."
She would eye the glint of metal hanging off your hip under your coat.
I would purchase my own snack - a packet of apple slices - and leave her standing there by her favorite stall.
I would think, perhaps it won't be her favorite stall anymore.
Perhaps she'll have a change of heart.
I would hope she won't. She and that stall are bonded, now.
