Two weeks ago, I read a short story review over at Carol’s Notebook. The story was Ponies by Kij Johnson. It was nominated for the Nebula award and I can see why. Just reading Carols review of the story impacted me. Of course, I had to read Ponies for myself.
Barbara and Sunny got an invitation. They were so excited!
“You and your Pony ___[and Sunny’s name is handwritten here, in puffy letters]___ are invited to a cutting-out party with TheOtherGirls! If we like you, and if your Pony does okay, we’ll let you hang out with us.”
Sunny wants so badly to make friends with other ponies. It doesn’t matter to him if his wings are cut off so he can’t fly anymore, nor that his horn will be cut off too. He wants to be able to talk, socialize, and play. Barbara, wants be part of tTheOtherGirls. She will finally have friends.
“And then it’s time. TheOtherGirls and their silent Ponies collect in a ring around Barbara and Sunny. Barbara feels sick.”
