Dr Wolf's Hurting Helpline

Dr. Wolf was completely embarrassed after his first time on air. He had somehow gotten trolled by Discord and then had to explain that he's a physiatrist and not a medical doctor several times. The only bit of good he was able to do was when a young colt asked him how to deal with feeling alone when his father isn't home. Even with the small bit of good he did, he still felt like a complete and utter fool. The worst part of it was the fact that it was Luna's idea and she'd definitely ask him about it. Doc dreaded going to sleep that night, but even though his spirit was willing his body was weak.

Dr. Wolf opened his eyes to see Luna standing in his dream in her formal appearance. "Doctor, we need to talk."

His heart dropped as he faced the princess of the night. "Uh, I can explain what happened..."

Before he could finish Luna picked him up and wrapped him into a hug. "Huzza! Your radio hour is a hit with the ponies! Critics call it funny and insightful, you should be proud!"

Doc's eyes were now widening, and it wasn't just because he was being crushed by an alicorn's hug. "Wait! You're not upset about what happened?"

Luna chuckled a bit as she set him down. "Doctor, as much as we wish that Discord wasn't your first caller, you kept your cool and tried to be helpful. I was glad that the child called so you could show how much you truly can help."

Doc looked embarrassed by it. "I just thought I'd be dealing with some more serious stuff."

Luna shook her head as she smiled. "I don't know much about what the kids are doing nowadays, but this is something that is being listened to by thousands. You should expect some less extream problems."

Doc's heart was racing as he learned that the failure of a first call was a major hit. "So... I'm not in trouble?"

Luna laughed as she gave Doc a strong pat on the back. "Nonsense. We all can't wait to hear how you help your callers next week. Keep up the good work."

As Luna flew off Doc was left alone with his jaw dropped. He stood there for several minutes before he could speak. "What just happened?"

Dr. Wolf spent the rest of the week trying to keep his normal routine. He did start noticing a few more ponies coming in, but besides that nopony addressed his new radio show much. He knew that Luna supported this, but he didn't know if he was doing any good.

Finally, it came to the day when he'd have to broadcast again. He was dreading the idea of messing up again and only being known as a fool. As he was trying to collect his nerves to step back into his recording studio he felt somebody hug him from behind him. He turned around to see his wife standing behind him. She had a gentle smile on her face that gave a sense of confidence. It was almost like she was saying, "Don't be afraid. I trust you."

Doc smiled as he hugged her back. There were many days when he asked where he would be without her. A part of him wished that he'd be able to go shopping with her, but the last time he went grocery shopping he came back with two tubs of cheese curls. Never let a hungry wolf do the shopping.

When his wife left Doc made his way into his seat and tried to clear his mind as he waited for his time slot to open up. He knew that he had to block all fear and doubt from his mind. As strange as ponies can be it was still his job to help them.

He cleared his throat as his clock counted down and his show started. "Greetings and welcome one and all. I'm Dr. Wolf and this is the Hurting Helpline. If you need help with any problem then call me at Nothing's changed, I don't know it.. Let's go to the phones now one line one. Steady Hoof, you are on the air."

The voice that replied was a young and child-like one that belonged to a colt. "Uh, hi. Is this the hurting helpline?"

"Yes, it is. Tell me what's wrong. What hurt or hang-up are you struggling with?"

"Hang-up? You need me to let go? How does this work?"

Doc quickly regretted his choice of words. "No, sorry. Just tell me what's on your mind."

"Well, I'm having problems with my cutie mark. I heard about a club in Ponyville that works with stuff like this, but I live too far away."

"That's alright, and I thank you for your courage. So what part of your cutie mark are you struggling with?"

"All of the kids in my school says that it's weird and creepy. Everybody calls me names and all the grown-ups give me strange looks. I'm tired of getting picked on over it."

"I see your hang up here."

"You need me to hang up?"

"No. Sorry again for that. Listen. Your talent is nothing to be ashamed of. Maybe the other kids just don't understand how gifted you truly are. A lot of kids tend to do this when they feel confused or if they feel like yours is better and want to find some form of equality. It's a wrong mindset. I believe if kids can learn to find contentment and learn to focus on building themselves to be better then this problem would fade away. Tell me, what is your cutie mark?"

"A kidney."

Doc's jaw dropped as he tried to understand what he heard. "Uh... Can you repeat that?"

"It's a biologically accurate kidney."

Doc had to pause as he tried to picture this strange sight. "Um... when did you get it?"

"During an amazing biology class. I'm top of my class in it."

Doc had to think about it for a few moments as he did want to help encourage him. "Well, you might get strange looks for a while, but give it about ten years and your job is going to be bringing you a bunch of bits."

An excited voice replied. "You think so?"

"Trust me. Doctors make a bunch of bits. Just keep studying, and try to keep making friends. I'm sure that if you put your mind to it you'll be an amazing pony one day."

"Wow, thank you, Dr. Wolf!"

Doc smiled as the child hung up. He always loved the feeling of being able to help ponies, but he knew he had to keep going with the show. "That child has a bright future ahead of him. Now we are going to line two with Johnson. John, you're on the air."

This voice was deeper, gruffer, and still male. "Uh, hey. You're that Wolf feller, right?"

"Yes, it is. Tell me what's on your mind."

"Well, I wanted to ask about when cutie marks take place. I'm currently getting impatient."

"It only happens when a pony understands what their true calling is. I understand how much you want to see your child gaining..."

"Uh, I was talking about mine."

Doc was shocked when he heard this. It sounded like an older pony was on the other end of the line. "Sir... How old are you?"

The voice now sounded panicky. "Uh, I'm thirteen!"

Doc could quickly tell that he was being lied to. "Now Buck..."

"I'm ten!"

"I cannot help you..."

"I'm a baby!"

"If you don't tell me the truth."

There was a long pause on the other end of the line. "... I'll be turning fifty next week."

Doc couldn't believe his ears. There wasn't a pony alive who remained a blank flank for that long. He didn't like the theory that he came up with, but he had to try it. "Uh, what race are you?"

"I'm a griffon. I live outside of town though."

Doc sighed as he realized what was going on. He quickly reached for the controls to his radio. "Uh, I'm going to put you on hold for a second. Now to everybody who's listening, I've got a fifty-year-old griffon on the line who apparently has never been told that only ponies get cutie marks. This is something that I've actually haven't dealt with and I'm trying to think of how to break it to him without embarrassing him."

"I'm still here." Doc's heart stopped as he realized that he somehow pressed the wrong button. The confused Griffon was now asking questions. "Is this some form of radical therapy? Because you're hurting me right now."

Doc knew that it would be a little too awkward to explain on the air, so he had to play a card he hoped he'd never had to use. "I'm going to put you on hold for a while and I'll talk to you privately later."

As Doc placed him on hold one thought ran through Doc's mind. "Celestia, give me strength."