[to Sweet Leaf] The convention ended last night and there weren't any distributors left that I cared to have lunch with today. I didn't have anything else to do, so I took the earliest train. I didn't want to leave you to handle the shop alone longer than I had to. ("I can handle myself. You know that.") I do know. But I've also worked the counter alone and I know how hectic it can get. Just because you can do something doesn't mean it's enjoyable. One pony working a two pony job is hard, no matter how you look at it. I love you too much to leave you with that burden for too long.

[Firm and suspicious towards Sweet Leaf] That was your friend, right? ["Yes, she was."] She's the one who came in earlier. The one who brought you the newspaper? Why would she do that? Why would she bring you of all ponies a newspaper depicting exactly what she was? ["...she needed someone to talk to."] [Softly accusatory] Someone she could relate to. [Resigned sigh] Sweet Leaf, I know you're one of them. I've seen you. ["You couldn't have. I've never..."] I need to know. Are you my wife? Am I your husband? What are you really after? [condensed and adapted from the actual script]

[Firefly has revealed herself near the climax of the story. Firefly: "You're an idiot. Standing in front of a viper, trying to hide your fear. What makes you think I won't bite?"] I'm afraid because I believe you could. I'm standing here because I don't believe you would. I don't believe you and my wife are two separate creatures. The experiences we've had, the laughter, the sadness, the pain we've gone through together; I don't believe you can be someone for four years and yet claim to be someone completely different underneath.