Boom!

A firework went off above the Canterlot castle, the sparkling shimmers illuminating the night sky into a burst of colors. My ears flicked back and forth as they continued to blast loudly, passing the midnight hour in Equestria.

As I sat atop the roof of the building, I watched with wonder as the celebrations continued into the night. The castle was hosting the Grand Galloping Gala, celebrating the thrivement and prosperity of friendship in Canterlot and Equestria. Hundreds of delegates, ambassadors, and regal creatures were, in all likelihood, there.

As for the guards, most of the responsibility tonight would rest upon the Night Guards and those who worked the evening shifts in the Royal Canterlot Guard. A prime opportunity to experience it upfront and enjoy the festivities inside the castle.

bam!

sigh “Wish I could go this time….”

I stared at the roof underneath my hooves and slumped as those thoughts buried further into my mind. After diligently performing my duty as Alex’s personal bodyguard for the week, the alicorn princesses decided to give me the night off, and I took that as my chance to get some rest.

boom!

But after realizing the fireworks show was also happening tonight, it was already too late, and I had to settle with sitting atop my condo and watch from afar.

“...”

I should be there, I thought. My ears heard the exploding fireworks crackling, with brilliant flashes of colors blooming every few seconds. The sky was nearly as bright as during the day and would likely keep the residents of Canterlot and its neighboring regions up for another hour.

Meanwhile, I sat there and closed my eyes. The cold wind breezed across my fur, keeping my emotions at bay. Even though I was much closer to the event than my hometown, I could still go, but only when my father was a veteran of the Royal Guard. They had decided not to attend anymore since age was catching up with them, and sadly…that determined I wasn’t going.

boom!

I should have gone home then, I told my mind. At least spend the night with my parents. Spend time with them peacefully and not be…a ‘hindrance.’

bam!

“...No,” I muttered. “No…I am not a hindrance. Shove those negative thoughts away, Swift.” I extinguished the agonizing worries I had thought up and decided I had had enough. The day had wound down considerably, and tomorrow would be another tiring day for me and Mr. Alex.

As I collected myself, I crawled back over to the open window atop the triangular roof and began to climb through. Just as I had landed on all four hooves-

bam!

“...”

I closed my eyes and sighed heavily. These latest events from this year have brutally traumatized me…and now? It was feeling no different than before my therapy sessions had started. It haunted my psyche every day.

How am I supposed to get over it?

“...”

‘When’ will I forget?

Boom!

I peered up one last time as another fireworks display exploded over the castle, emitting a light green and white color palette over the city streets. My eyes blankly stared as I rested my hoof underneath the window, preparing to close it.

Bam!

sigh

“...maybe next year.”

click!

Author's Note

Happy New Year! You'll definitely get that chance next year, Swift. Keep your head held high and be proud of yourself. Be...happy.

As always, feedback is appreciated in the comments below. See you in the next one!

-Harpy