“Mommy, this isn’t the way home!”

Parasite galloped after her mother, who seemed to be taking a detour on their way home from work.

“You’re right, it isn’t,” her mother Galaxy Guard smirked. She led her daughter to a picnic table. “Sit and wait here for a minute. I’ve got a surprise for you.”

“A surprise?” The filly gasped. “What is it?”

“You’ll find out,” the mare ruffled her hair. “I’ll be right back.”

Parasite sat at the table, barely able to keep still as she thought of all the things her mother could surprise her with. A new toy? Tickets to a fair? Candy? She could hardly wait!

“Close your eyes!” Her mother called out after a few minutes.

The filly followed suit, and when her mother finally instructed her to open them, she couldn’t believe her eyes. There in front of her was a pile of ice cream, covered in chocolate syrup and topped with a cherry! And it was all for her!

“Ice cream? But it’s not even my birthday!”

“It isn’t,” Galaxy agreed. “This is a ‘just because’ treat. You happy?”

“Oh my gosh, yes!” Parasite hugged her tightly. “Thank you so much!”