Ms. Bloom’s class was reading a story and trying to find out the theme. Starlight didn’t care about the “lesson” of the story. She had just learned a lesson in life. In the blink of an eye, the world can change. A lot.

“Starlight?” Ms. Bloom asked, pulling Starlight out of her daydream. “What’s the theme of this story?”

“Uh…” Starlight looked down at the text, but her hair covered her eyes. “Um… In the blink of an eye, the world can change.”

Ms. Bloom looked at her book and nodded. “I didn’t even think of that one, but it’s perfect! Anyone else?” Starlight silently sighed a big breath of relief. She had just gotten really lucky that time. Next time, she might not be as fortunate. If Sunburst were here, he would have-

No. Starlight didn’t care about Sunburst anymore. She hated friends. And she hated him for making her hate friends. And for causing her all that sadness. If that was what a friend was, she didn’t want anything to do with friendship.

Just then, the dismissal bell rang. “Remember, everypony! Tomorrow is your graduation! Make sure to look your best, since there’ll probably be lots of pictures. After tomorrow, you’ll be moving onto the next grade, meet new friends, and have fun with old ones!” Ms. Bloom reminded the class.

“Yeah right. I don’t want any more friends. And I certainly don’t have any right now,” she mumbled under her breath.

“Starlight Glimmer!” Ms. Bloom announced, and Starlight walked forward, her hair done in a bun. She heard applause from the entire room, and she winced. She didn’t want to be in front of everyone. With all this trouble in her life, did she really need to be introduced to even more?

She was handed a scroll and a graduation hat, and she noticed her dad taking a picture of her. She rolled her eyes and walked off stage, and Ms. Bloom continued with calling out names.

Firelight hadn’t seen Starlight at all since they went home from the graduation. He went to check on her. “Starlight?” Firelight pressed his face against Starlight’s bedroom door while knocking repeatedly at it. “Chipmunk Cheeks? Why don’t you come out and we can play a game together?” he offered. He jumped at a magical spark behind him.

“No! I’m older now. I can manage just fine without anypony,” Starlight snapped, stomping and marching closer and closer to her father, who was slowly backing away. “I don’t want any comfort. I don’t want my cutie mark! I don’t want friends! I DON’T WANT THIS LIFE!”

“Starlight, you-”

Starlight groaned. “I hate my life! I hate everything!”

“Come here, silly filly. Calm down, have some cookies. I have your blankie-wankie waiting for you on the couch!” he offered.

“BUT I DON’T WANT THAT ANYMORE!” she screamed, pushing her dad away.

Firelight gaped as Starlight ran out of the door. He chased after her, but when he finally got close enough, she teleported away. Far, far, away.

Author's Note

Yes, I know, this chapter was incredibly short. The next chapter will be longer, I promise. Anyways, thanks for reading, and I hope you liked it!