Sunset Shimmer sat on her sofa at her table, watching her diary intently, as she had for most of the day. Her concentration was barely interrupted by a knock on her door.
“Come in. It’s open,” she said sharply.
The door opened and in came Rarity, simultaneously tired and slightly sweaty from having to walk several blocks on a unusually hot and muggy day, yet also with a bounce in her step, as she carried a thin but sturdy rectangular red box labelled ‘Ferrus Roché’ tied with a white ribbon.
“I have officially completed my last final exam of the school year,” Rarity said with a hint of triumph in her voice. “And… every trick you taught me made that test so much easier. For the first time since at least junior high, I feel like I did truly well.”
“That’s excellent,” Sunset replied without much emotion.
Rarity cocked her head, realizing immediately something was off. “Dear, what are you doing? I mean, obviously you’re staring at your old diary. But… why?”
“To be honest, I’m not entirely sure.” said Sunset. “I don’t know what I’m expecting.”
“Then… may I please sit next to you?” Rarity asked gently, still clutching the box.
“Go ahead. It’ll be slightly less exciting than watching a brick weather,” Sunset replied. A quick glance to her left prompted her to ask, without emotion, “What’s that?”
“He said… seventeen times on the… No. Today doesn’t feel right,” mumbled Rarity, more to herself than Sunset, her grip on the box loosening.
Sunset shrugged. “Okay,” she said with zero affect.
Rarity seated herself on the sofa to Sunset’s left, pushing her box away to the table’s far side, deliberately out of reach. Her eyes slowly moved from the diary to Sunset’s face and back several times. Sunset, staring intently at the tome, did not notice. Suddenly, the diary vibrated gently, lighting up with a faint purple aura. Sunset practically lunged for it and threw it open to the first blank page, where a message slowly began to appear in exquisitely penned gold runes. Sunset read it silently…
You were forgiven ten years ago, and then again twice more as I learned of your noble actions in that strange world. Never doubt that I am proud of you, even though it seems you are destined to always take the difficult path through life. Stay well, my bright Little Sunshine.
“What does it say?” Rarity asked gently, placing her hands tentatively on Sunset’s shoulders.
Sunset said nothing, simply smiling widely as tears rolled down her face.