The sun beamed brightly over Ponyville, its golden rays dancing through the windows of Sugarcube Corner and painting the walls in warm hues and casting cheerful patterns on the checkered tile floor. The sweet scent of baked goods wafted through the air—fresh frosting, vanilla bean, and warm cinnamon rolls. Outside, foals laughed as they chased each other past flowerbeds, and the distant flap of wings hinted at a pegasus or two soaring by overhead. It was the kind of day that seemed to hum with joy.

Inside the bakery’s kitchen, Pinkie Pie was a whirlwind of motion, her curls bouncing as she zipped from one counter to the next. Mixing bowls clattered, oven doors swung open and shut, and the air practically sparkled with energy. Her pink apron was dusted with flour and smudged with buttercream, but that didn’t slow her down one bit. The smile on her face was as bright as the sun outside.

“Gummy! You would not believe how busy today’s been already,” she chirped, glancing toward the counter where her toothless little alligator sat in his usual spot. He blinked slowly, tail twitching just once.

“I’ve got a triple-layer chocolate cherry cake for the Cakes’ anniversary, three dozen lemon drops for Twist’s school bake sale, and one very suspicious-looking order for twelve cupcakes—all different flavors.” Her nose scrunched as she leaned in closer to her pet. “I mean, who orders that many cupcakes and doesn’t pick a theme? What are they up to, huh?”

Gummy offered no opinion, his gaze blank and eternal.

Pinkie giggled. “You’re right. Maybe they’re doing a taste test! Oh! Or a cupcake scavenger hunt! That sounds so fun—we should try that sometime!”

She gave the batter in front of her one last stir with her sugar dusted hands before sliding the tray into the oven with a flourish. The kitchen was alive with warmth, color, and the soft background music of her humming.

Ding-a-ling!

The cheerful chime of the front door’s bell rang out through the shop, clear as a bell above the bustle of baking.

Pinkie’s ears perked up, her whole body freezing for half a second. Then, with a delighted gasp, she spun on her heels and skipped toward the storefront, her voice trailing behind her like a ribbon of song.

“Ooooh! Somepony’s here! I wonder if it’s a sugar emergency, or a sprinkle-related crisis, or—” she paused mid-bounce, eyes wide with glee, “—a new friend!”

With a spring in her step and Gummy watching silently from the counter, Pinkie disappeared into the front of the shop to greet whoever had just walked through the door.