Waking up was a difficult task. Facing the harsh sunlight that drifted in through the window… the young filly always hoped for a thunderstorm. Thunderstorms soothed her, somehow.
She rolled out of bed. Brushed her hair like her mommy taught her. Did the breathing exercises her Daddy had shown her, the calming motions to keep the anxiety away. Then, she went through her mental checklist.
Be sure of myself.
Do my best.
The depression and anxiety are not my fault.
I can beat them.
I can reach my goals if I stay positive.
Smiling, Lightning Dust pushed her worries away.
The park was beautiful today. As Twilight walked along the airy, twisting pathways she passed other Ponyvillians, who gave the young alicorn the same warm smiles and nods that they would on any other bright fall afternoon. And why wouldn't they?
Twilight knew she might never see other ponies in the same light again. Not now. Twilight wondered why Celestia had waited so long to tell her. She hadn't asked.
The ponies she walked among were forever transformed in Twilight's mind. They were as ephemeral as the autumn leaves, now that she knew the truth. Now that she was immortal.
