"It's looking pretty, she says. Her high ending tone hinted that she has something else she wants to say.
I move the knife and sigh. Too much color here, not enough there, and once again, I'm not entirely satisfied with the result. I have a hard time seeing anything as a 'happy accident', but it's time to address the furry grey Limbatp in the room. "What's on your mind, Medi?" I ask, then feel a bit rude that I didn't acknowledge her comment but cut straight to her unspoken subject.
There's a pause. It's too long for her. I set down my knife and stretch. She launches up from my shoulder in a flurry of flapping wings and perches on my easel in front of me.
"Hearts and Hooves Day." She says. It's not a question and yet it is. I hate it when she does this.
"It's in eight days." I say simply. It's all I can think of anything else to say with nothing else to go on.
Medi bites her lower lip. "We haven't done anything for a while. Me, you, BigBug, C-Star, Joe: We have all been strangers."
I nod. "You're feeling lonely?
Medi nods. "We used to have fun adventures." Her perch is higher than me, yet it still feels like I'm looking down on her when she gives me her sad-eyes.
I sit in my chair and bring up that special tab that she loves so much. I hear her wings flap and the next moment she's on my shoulder, pressing against my neck in excitement. "What are you going to say?" She askes excitedly as Derpibooru fills the screen.
I reach up and stroke her impossibly soft fur, then I stand and carry her out of the room. "Why don't you wait out here, Medi."
"No! Don't wanna!" She pouts when I set her in her doorless, towel-lined, birdcage.
"Medi, this is a bit like Christmas, isn't it? It's supposed to be a surprise. You don't want to know beforehand, do you?
She's not happy. Even as I see her reluctant agreement in her expression. "Fine!" She grumps. I'll stay here till you're done."
I go back into my studio and set at my keyboard:
Hey guys! Medi's feeling alone and neglected; she'd really like it if you all would do something for her on Hearts and Hooves Day. You have a week! A short story, A piece of art, a pic of you donating blood, but please, no puppies, kittens, or any live animals!
Let's show the little grey flyer some love!