There I was, sitting in the chair of my corner desk wasting time doing nothing. When I think about it, it almost seems like I live at that desk. This time though there was one difference. I was actually somewhat happy. Recently, I’ve had two clients. That’s more than I could say about any other given week. Sure, it wasn’t enough to pay any bill, but it was enough to afford more than a cup of fruit.
Maybe, if I get a few more clients, I might start having to use my calendar for once. Better yet, keep a roof over my head. What would one do in this town if they’re homeless anyway? I haven't seen any shelters, let alone any homeless ponies.
My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door. Turning my head to look, I saw a butter yellow mare walk in. she had a light pink mane and tail, blue eyes, and wings, a clear indication of being a pegasus. Just like any other pony, she was about half my size. I noticed that she was shaking a little.
“Um, Miss, are you alright?” I asked. She looked over to me and stopped shaking.
“Hello, d-do you w-work here? She stuttered kinda shyly, hiding the majority of her face behind her mane.
“Yes, I do. I own this establishment.” I answered. Then, she approached the counter. She uncovered her face and I saw that she was crying. “Wait, what happened?” I asked. Thinking quickly, I continued. “ On second thought, just follow me,” I instructed. The yellow mare did so and followed me as I lead her to the room in the back.
Usually, I would only be thinking about what new environment the back room would become as I lead my client into its walls, but my mind wasn’t centered around that this time. This time, I only had concern, though I wasn’t sure why. Sure, it was the right thing to do and all, but that didn’t feel like the case this time. No, instead I felt compelled to do this.
As we entered the room, I noticed that this time it was outside. Not just that, but we were in a forest of some kind on a mountain. The door leads out directly onto a dirt path. Looking over to where the chairs were supposed to be, I saw a single bench.
“Please, take a seat.” I requested the mare, who was looking highly confused. Nevertheless, she obeyed and took a seat on the bench, as did I. “First, let me introduce myself. My name is Anonymous, but please call me Anon.”
“Oh, okay Anon. I’m F-Fluttershy.” she stuttered.
“Okay, before we begin, I am obliged to tell you that I’m also obligated to tell you that I am required to keep all information about you and everything you say to me a secret unless it’s life threatening, then I have to report it,” I reported to her. She nodded in response.
“Um, how are we on Mt.Ebott?” Fluttershy asked, taking a deep breath in very much the same way one would when trying to taste the air.
“We’re not. We’re still at Ponyville, in the back room of my establishment.” I paused for a moment to look at her bewildered expression before continuing. “The room is enchanted to take the form that will comfort my client.” I finished with a simplified explanation. She gasped.
“That’s amazing!” she exclaimed. I could almost see stars in her eyes as they sparkled in the magic made sunlight.
“So, you love nature? That’s cool. I’m a simple guy myself.” I noted, seeing her lighten up a bit.
“Oh, yes. Very much,” she confirmed.
“Good. That’s very good. That’ll help you discuss why you are here a little easier.” I pointed out. She let out a heavy sigh, like one a stressed mother would let out, looking like a lost puppy that won't stop following you.
“W-well, one of my animal friends went into the Ever Free forest. He was killed by a pack of Timber Wolves.” Fluttershy explained, almost sounding like her vocal cords were refusing to work.
I leaned forward, raised a hand, and patted her head. She flinched at the contact at first but soon relaxed. She even started to press her head against my hand. My guess is that she was pretty desperate for comfort. Eventually, she stopped practically nudging my hand and I stopped in turn.
“ thanks, I needed that,” Fluttershy said in a sincere voice, despite it still being a little wavy.
“That’s alright. Whether it be a relative, a friend, or even, a pet, a loss is still a struggle. I don’t know if you are religious or believe in a better place, but that’s not what’s important.” I paused to organize my words.
“If not, then what is?” she asked. So, I decided to let my words come naturally.
“Well, it’s important to accept that the day will come for us all to die. There is no changing that. What we can do is accept and move on. That is how life works. It wouldn’t do your mind any good to dwell. It helped me to think of it like this way.” she looked straight into my eyes with her ears perked up at this point. “If everything lived forever, then it wouldn’t be living. That would be just existing. What makes a life valuable is what you do in it. It’s up to you to make life worth living. Everything has an end. The question is, how do you want to end it?” as I finished, Fluttershy looked like she was in a mental conflict with herself.
“I’ve….never thought about it like that before,” she said.
“Well, you would be surprised what most don’t think of when their mind is stuck on a single matter,” I informed her. I got up. “ Come on, I believe that should settle your trouble so your session’s up.” Fluttershy got up as I spoke. She followed me out of the illusionary room and into the lobby. Then she turned to me.
“Thank you,” she said. She reached under her wing with a hoof and took out a coin pouch. “How much do I owe you?”
“Ten bits,” I said. She put the payment in my hand and left.