"Perhaps friendship is something that can never truly be fully exploited."
"Perhaps friendship is something that can never truly be fully exploited."
~ Day 4 ~
Twilight woke up the next morning, feeling surprisingly refreshed. Spike was still asleep.
"Spike?" she said. "Spike... C'mon, Spike. Up and at 'em."
"Not now, mommy," Spike muttered, as if still sleeping. "Just five more minutes." Twilight giggled.
"Spike..." She gently prodded him awake. Spike noticed Twilight seemingly cheery again.
"You seem to be okay," said Spike, happy to see Twilight in a good mood.
"Yep. I slept well last night."
"No more nightmares?"
"Not this time. I may have them every now and then, but it's nice to know I have somepony I can trust. Speaking of which, my next therapy session begins in an hour."
"You know, Twi," said Spike. "With all these studies you've devoted your life to, I'm surprised you never had these therapy sessions much sooner. You could have been way less stressed. Or did you... not have time for them?" Twilight giggled again.
"You could say that," said Twilight. As she got ready to start the day, she took notice of Applejack's hat she had hung over her bed. Twilight's mood changed to somewhat sad and she sighed, but ultimately tried not to let it bother her.
Later that morning, all five of Twilight's friends were at the Canterlot train station, ready to return to Ponyville. They were all very sad, assuming that Twilight was not coming back with them. Princess Celestia, Shining Armor, and Cadance were preparing to see them off. Pinkie Pie's mane and tail were still straight and she was slightly discolored, Applejack didn't have her hat, Fluttershy was in tears, and Rarity and Rainbow Dash just looked distressed.
"I can't believe this is happening," cried Pinkie.
"It...just...won't be the same Ponyville without her," said Rarity.
"Ah guess maybe we should have known this was comin'," said Applejack.
"Yeah, but... it's still sad," said Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy just wept. The train doors opened and Applejack looked back one last time and sighed. But just as they were about to board the train...
"You girls didn't think I wasn't gonna say goodbye, did you?" said Twilight from behind. The others were surprised to see her standing there along with Spike, her parents, and the therapist. Twilight approached her friends. "You know... this doesn't have to be the end. In spite of everything, I won't forget you. At least each one of you taught me something about friendship. But right now... I just want my old life back."
"Ah understand, sugarcube," said Applejack. "But... do ya think... you could come back at least to visit us? And just say hello?"
"Yeah... sure. You may have let me down... but that doesn't mean I should." Twilight and Applejack shared a hug. Soon, Twilight's friends were on board the train as it departed and they all waved to Twilight until they were out of sight. Then the therapist approached Twilight.
"You'll be okay, then?" she asked. Twilight nodded.
"I will. I'll come back next week for my next therapy session."
"That's good. After that, we can discuss how often you'd like us to meet. Now I suggest you take things easy for this month. If you ever feel exhausted or overwhelmed, you should stop whatever it is you're doing and get some rest. And if you're ever feeling depressed or anything, make sure your friends know so they can help you."
"Thank you so much, Gentle Soul... for everything you've done for me."
"It was my pleasure, Twilight Sparkle." And they shared a hug. "I'll see you next week." Twilight then went to her brother and smiled.
"I'm sorry I worried you so much," said Twilight.
"I'm just so glad you're feeling better," said Shining Armor. "Twiley, no matter where we go, I'll always be your big brother best friend forever."
"That's forever," said Twilight, coming to tears of joy and hugging him.
"You know, it's funny," Spike suddenly said.
"Hmm?" said Twilight. "What is?"
"You know, you used to be famous for being such a bad friend."
"What are you talking about? What about my good friends here in Canterlot?" Twilight then gasped. "That's it! That's how I can start over! I still have my old Canterlot friends! They can help me! But do you really think that they think I'm a bad friend?! I've been away too long!"
"Why don't you look at it this way?" said Celestia. "You can tell them that you know what it's like to be hurt and you can all come together and share your feelings."
"I hope it works," said Twilight. "As you are my witness, I will not be friendless ever again!"