Turquoise Edge was in a bar full of ponies, but she felt more alone than ever.

She had nobody left to turn to. Ma and Dad, Mel, Holly and Fafa, her own job…she had lost everything. No, pushed them all away. This was of her own doing and she blamed herself. And what was left of her life now? Nothing, that’s what. Nothing but moping around, sleeping, or getting drunk. She’d even stopped bathing or doing her hair, for Celestia’s sake.

Honestly, Turquoise wondered why she continued on. She couldn’t bring herself to end it all herself, but if she dropped dead right then and there she would be fine with that too. Her life was worthless, anyway. Now, all there was left to do was drown herself in alcohol.

”’Nother bottle, bartender.”

”Another?” The young stallion asked with concern. “You’ve been here almost every day, ma’am. Already had two bottles tonight. Why, you can’t even talk straight! Don’t you think you’ve had enough?”

”Jus’ shuddup and take my money,” She slurred, clumsily throwing a hooffull of bits at the bartender, who reluctantly slid another bottle towards her.

She immediately took a gulp and sighed. There was a certain comfort in the noise of the bar and the stinging aftertaste of whisky. It was never enough to make her forget the pain, but at least it helped her get her mind off of it. At least it helped her stop feeling, if for just a little while.

”Who’s ready for a little love tonight?”

Turquoise took another swig of the bottle, tuning out the bar singer. She didn’t care for the music. In fact, that was the last thing she was here for. It was only a terrible reminder of a certain somepony, one she didn’t want to think about.

“There she goes, she’s the one for me…”

The mare’s ears immediately pricked up. That tune was…familiar. Like she’d heard it somewhere before, like she’d felt it somewhere before.

“And that’s the reason why, I’m in love…with my best friend…”

Even in her drunken stupor, it all came rushing back to Turquoise. This wasn’t just any song, this was their song. Her and Mel’s song that she’d just given to someone else like it meant nothing to her. Like she meant nothing to her. She didn’t notice she was crying until she felt her face grow damp and the bartender’s eyes on her.

”Ma’am?” He furrowed his brows worriedly. “You okay? You sure you want more of that?”

“N-none of your business!” Turquoise stomped on the table, prompting the young stallion to immediately trot away. Her last bottle of whisky toppled over and spilled onto the table—no more drowning memories now. Overwhelmed by the music and the emotions, Turquoise buried her head in her hooves and sobbed quietly.

Suddenly, a soft wing brushed against her shoulder.

”Sucks, doesn’t it, losing everypony you love?” The voice was soft and understanding. And also…familiar.

“Huh?” Turquoise jerked her head up. She could hardly see through the tears and the drunken blur, but the pale green coat and the pink-and-red mane of the mare before her were unmistakable.

“Holly!?”

”Been awhile, hasn’t it?” Holly chuckled softly. “You don’t look so good, Momma. I may not know everything that’s happened, but I think I can guess. Mind telling me about it?”

Turquoise took a hard gulp, trying to keep herself from choking up. She reached for a bottle but immediately put it aside once she realized it was empty.

”I-it’s all my fault, Holly. I let my own problems get in the way of everything. It’s why Mel…your Mum moved on with somepony new…” She brushed a hoof across her eyes, “And it’s why you and Fafa ran away, wasn’t it? I was a terrible mom and a terrible pony, Holly. I don’t blame you for liking your stepdad more-“

“Momma, stop.” Holly gently but firmly put a hoof on Turquoise’s shoulder. “You ain’t a terrible mom and you ain’t a terrible pony. Never was, never will be. And Mum’s husband? He’s nice, but I don’t even call him Dad. Neither does Fafa. He doesn’t compare to you.”

”R…really?”

”Yes, Momma. I love you so much. And I’ve missed you. I wanted to save a seat for you at my and Candy’s wedding, I really did, but with her Momma kickin’ her out and all…well, that’s a different story.” Holly looked down sadly.

The wedding. Turquoise’s heart sank as the realization came to her. She wasn’t even invited to Holly’s wedding. She’d been such a bitch that Holly had good reason not to invite her, but still. It hurt.

”Anyways,” Holly continued, “I can’t imagine what you’ve been through. Grandma and Granddad passin’ away? Gettin’ divorced? I shoulda been there, Momma. Fafa and I both. Nopony deserves to deal with that alone.”

Even as Holly brought up all these terrible memories, Turquoise somehow felt…better than she had been. Maybe it was something about the wing over her shoulder or Holly’s comforting words, but Turquoise felt, for once, that she wasn’t alone. There was somepony there for her. Somepony she had to apologize to.

Holly’s eyes widened as her mother started to cry again. “Momma? Are you okay?”

”I don’t know, Holly. Just…thank you.” The drunken mare sniffled. “Thanks for showing up for miserable old me. I fucked up big time, and I know I don’t deserve this, but thank you. If you can give me another chance, I’ll do anything to make it all up to you. But I know it’s probably too late, so…” Turquoise bowed her head in shame.

Holly paused for a moment. “Well…I know I’d be willing to give you another chance. Candy too. And…I think a special little somepony would love to have another grandmare in his life in a few months.”

”Grandmare?”

”Eeyup! You’re gonna be a grandmare. Candy and I are expecting a lil’ one of our own. And I know he’d love to get to know you, the strong, brave mare that raised me. What do ya say? Come home with us for the night, maybe?”

Turquoise smiled as Holly helped her out of her seat, her first genuine smile in a long time.

”Yes, Holly, I’d love that. Let’s go home.”