Today was Silver Script’s favorite day of the week.

Every Wednesday, he got to go see his son for a couple hours while Flash Sentry was away at training. Even if it was just for a little while, every moment he spent with Dusk Star was special.

He knocked on the door to Twilight’s castle, a wide grin spread across his face.

The castle door opened to a tired and worried-looking alicorn, who smiled upon seeing him.

“Silver!” Twilight Sparkle waved a wing hurriedly. “Come in! Dusk will be excited to see you!”

“Hey Twilight! How have you been?” Silver trotted into the castle, a grin still spread across his face.

“Exhausted,” she chuckled bitterly. “With Dusk’s growing magical bursts and Flash being away much of the time, it’s been a lot to deal with. Thank Celestia for my friends! And for you.” She smiled softly and motioned him towards Dusk’s room, walking ahead of him.

“Oh, I bet.” Silver said as he followed her into the dimly-lit bedroom. “Is he awake?”

Before Twilight could respond, they were greeted by a happy cooing coming from the crib in the center of the room.

Twilight’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Someone’s saying hello.”

Silver smiled softly as he walked towards the crib Dusk lay in.

“Hey buddy, how was your nap?” He asked in a whisper, reaching his hoof into the crib.

Dusk stretched out his own hoof to his father’s and giggled joyfully as they touched.

Silver chuckled as he looked at his son. He thought he oughta be the luckiest stallion alive. Dusk was perfect, he had the cutest little ears, the most sincere smile, and the brightest eyes. Just being able to see him made everything worth it.

He looked over at Twilight, who was shifting uncomfortably. “Everything alright?”

“Well…” Twilight bit her lip, “That’s what I’ve been wanting to talk about. Flash’s training ends after today, meaning that he’ll be on leave starting today. Even after his leave, he’ll be home a lot more than he was. Just look at his schedule!” She held up a scroll in her magical grasp and took a deep breath.

“Silver, I don’t think it’s safe for you to come around anymore.”

Silver’s heart dropped. His ears rang as those words echoed in his head. He looked back at Dusk, who was still smiling and cooing as he held his father’s hoof, and he felt tears well up in his eyes. “Does that mean what I think it does…?”

“Yes Silver,” Twilight nodded sadly. “You should probably say your goodbyes to Dusk now.”

Silver looked to Dusk, laughing happily in his crib, as tears threatened to fall down his face. “I know that this might be the last time we see each other, and…” He paused and smiled at Dusk, “I just want you to know that you will always be my son. Whatever you do, no matter how many times you’ll make mistakes, just know I’m always proud of you”

Silver let go of Dusk’s hoof and started walking towards the door. “See you around Twilight.”

“Goodbye, Silver,” Twilight watched him go as her son began to whimper. “I’m sorry.”