Sounds of slurping, accompanied by the loud patter of rain hitting the window. No lightening, an expected storm. A family sat around a table, eating quietly, then the matriarch spoke up.
 
”Enjoying your dinner everyone?” Fluttershy asked politely. Scootaloo tried to sink into the floor, not wanting to answer. Romeo seemed to be focused on his bowl, lapping at the gooey soup. Treehugger looked away. Fluttershy was smiling, it looked forced.
 
”It’s good isn’t it? Changeling style egg soup. I even used traditional changeling bowls.” Fluttershy explained with a soft tone. “The outfits Ms. Rarity made go well with the meal, don’t they?” She glanced towards her wife. “If only someone had worn her shawl, this dinner would be perfect.” She delicately lapped at her soup. No one spoke.
 
”I worked so hard on this meal.” Fluttershy continued. “I wish you could enjoy it too Hugger.” Fluttershy smiled softly. Treehugger sighed.
 
”I keep telling you, I’m a vegan, I don’t eat eggs.” Hugger grumbled, chewing on her alfalfa. Scootaloo focused entirely on her meal, and Romeo froze and stared at his bowl. Momma Hugger took the bait.
 
”At the very least you could TRY it, Treehugger. An egg or two won’t hurt.” Fluttershy spoke softly but sternly.
 
”I’m not gonna stop being vegan because you ‘worked hard’ on the meal.” Treehugger argued back.
 
”Does being vegan matter more than me? You don’t appreciate what I do for this family!” Fluttershy raised her voice slightly, seeming greatly offended. Romeo stuck his snout in his bowl and ate, wishing dinner time would be over so he could hide in his room. No one leaves the table until the food has been eaten, that was the rule.
 
”I go out of my way to purchase changeling inspired attire, and slave away on a hot stove to prepare a traditional changeling meal. I thought we could bond over a different culture, but nooo, egg soup isn’t good enough, is that it?” Fluttershy spat.
 
”I’m sure your soup tastes great DEAR, but I won’t be eating it, I don’t care if you had to lay the eggs yourself.” Hugger growled, growing frustrated. She should have just kept her mouth shut. Fluttershy slammed a hoof onto the table, startling her family.
 
“Why can’t you just pluck the eggs out? You’d honestly rather have alfalfa for dinner?” Fluttershy’s voice was louder now, though still somehow sounding like a loud whisper.
 
”That’s not the point! You don’t get it, I don’t eat animal products of any sort, and pulling the eggs out doesn’t make it okay to eat to me!” Hugger groaned and rolled her eyes. Scootaloo licked the bowl clean, making sure not to leave an insulting drop left. Romeo had finished his soup moments before but he kept his snout in the bowl, hiding his face with his mane. They didn’t dare look up.
 
”What’s wrong with eggs?!” Fluttershy yelled.
 
”It’s not about the eggs!” Treehugger shouted back. She stood up, some alfalfa still on her plate. Screw Fluttershy’s rules. She stomped off towards the porch door.
 
”Where are you going? Dinner isn’t over Hugger!” Fluttershy huffed.
 
“I’m gonna smoke, please don’t join me!” Treehugger Shouted. She left, the porch door slamming shut. Fluttershy sighed, exasperated, then turned to her children. Scootaloo looked up and swallowed hard.
 
“Done mama, may I leave?” Scootaloo asked in the most submissive and polite tone she could muster.
 
”Sure dear, was it good?” Fluttershy smiled. Scootaloo nodded, and Fluttershy permitted her to leave.
 
”I’m done too.” Romeo spoke up.
 
“Clear the table then.” Fluttershy commanded. Romeo did as he was told. The storm outside persisted. April showers bring May flowers.