While this story is set in continuity with What My Destiny is Telling Me (and, by extension, The Final Conversation), it can be read on its own, as there is a quick recap of the first story in the text.

Sunset Shimmer's world changed, very literally, the day she fled through a magic mirror and became stuck on the other side. It changed again shortly afterwards, when a desperate search for shelter landed her at a home that, at the urging of their eldest daughter, took her in as family.

Sunset knows she owes a lot to Rarity, not merely in giving her a home but in helping her grapple with the darkness that lay inside her. Yet she still struggles to find solace in her new realm, the unicorn mind within her still struggling with being trapped in a human body -- and worse, potentially adjusting to it. Rarity can see the turmoil in her sister, and wants to help, but knows it's not going to be an easy conversation to have.

But it's a necessary one, for both their sakes.

Set in an alternate universe in which the timeline diverges after Sunset leaves Equestria. This story also deviates from the depiction of Sunset's past as portrayed in the comic The Fall of Sunset Shimmer; some details of said past are instead depicted in The Final Conversation.

Pre-read by The Sleepless Beholder and Dewdrops on the Grass. Written for the Bean's Writing Group prompt "Stargazing".

This story is dedicated to Ninjadeadbeard.

Cover art from a piece by SarcasticLeaves, who could not be contacted as they are no longer in touch with the MLP fan community. Should they contact me and request its removal, I will oblige.

Featured on 2/28/23-3/4/23!