CLOSING ACT
Cadance decided to treat everyone to a dinner at the V.I.P restaurant, and invited Sun to sit with them.
She and the others solemnly promised not to let slip out what Sun did, slipping the potion in a drink, or it would cost her her job.
Sun didn’t feel too much like eating. Her heart wasn’t in the right place, and none of the others could blame her.
“You know, despite your weariness, you should still eat.” said Rarity.
Sun only shook her head, “I’m just not hungry… Too upset. I made a real fool myself, and I put others in danger.”
No one could argue with her, especially not Spike or Cadance.
Rainbow still had a hard time trying to make up what she thought of Strings. “The guy sounds like a jerk for not wanting to give you a chance.”
“Don’t go writing him off so easily, Rainbow.” said Twilight. “It can’t be ignored, he tried to be subtle about things, but I can’t get over that he’s living a life of such self-destruction, and he’s refusing all chances to pull himself up.”
Shining Armor sighed. “Well, one thing’s for sure, we’ll have to cancel Strings’ appearance at the gala. Like the doc said: he’s in no condition to be performing.”
Fluttershy felt miserable in so many ways, especially for Strings. “It’s incredible he managed to hang in and hold his feelings so long, but the fact he doesn’t want our help makes me worry about him.”
Applejack felt the same way. “We can’t just force it on him. We already sort of did, and it only made things worse for him. Besides, he’s stubborn as a burro with a cold in its head-- he’s made up his mind he won’t give up on Cadance or move on.”
Rarity cleared her throat. “Aren’t we all forgetting of poor Sun here? Her heart has been horribly shattered. What do we do for her?”
It was surprisingly Sun who answered, “…Nothing.”
Everyone turned her way.
“What do you mean “Nothing?” asked Pinkie.
“There’s nothing we can do. I’m just going to have to reconcile myself that I can never win Strings’ heart. He and I are friends, and that’s all it ever will be.”
Twilight was shocked by what she was saying. “Are you sure you want to just give up like this?”
Sun felt her heart aching, but she felt she was doing the right thing. “Strings is in the hospital because of my carelessness with the potion, and trying to convince him to change will only bring him more suffering, more pain, and more misery.
…I can’t do that to him, and I can’t do it to myself anymore either. The more I keep trying, the more heartbreak I cause myself.”
She shut her eyes tightly as two tears fell.
Cadance felt really sorry for her. She of all ponies knew that sometimes loved expressed itself in sacrifice, and having to let go if it wasn't to be, or if it was unwanted to be.
Shining Armor felt crushed for Sun. “If that’s what you really want.”
Sun wasn’t really sure if it was, but she felt it was the right thing to do.
No one said a thing after that.
By the time it came to leave and head home for the night.
Spike wanted to give something to Sun-- the fire ruby he intended to give to Rarity.
Rarity gawked at the sight of of. “That… that gem must have cost nothing-less of a fortune.”
Spike cringed, feeling upset about no longer giving it to her, but he felt this was right.
“Why are you giving me this?” asked Sun.
Spike hesitated and rocked back and forth softly trying to find his words. “I… I wanted to give this to some-pony else.”
He tried his hardest not to even make a slight motion or look towards Rarity, but everyone was able to read him like a book, especially Rarity, whom felt touched, which slowly faded into realization she wouldn’t be getting the gem now.
“I think need it more…” said Spike “You’ve been hurt, and even though you made me and Cadance act like fools, I;m still sorry all this is happening to you, and I think you should have it. Just my way of saying “I forgive you” and I’m sorry for what happened between you and Strings.
…But just know: You are loved by many, and whether you believe it or not… you are still be special. That goes for all of us.”
By this time, his speech was so profound and lovely, Twilight smiled proudly. Cadance and Shining Armor embraced softly with loving smiles, and some of the others, especially Rarity, had tears in their eyes.
Easily Sun felt ever so touched and heartfelt by this lovely sentiment, she cried softly.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you.” said Spike.
Sun assured him, “These are thankful tears.” She partially lied, as part of it was sadness, but she was very thankful with the gift and she hugged him softly, letting her tears fall softly onto his back.
Spike almost felt like crying himself, while all the others could just gawk happily.
Then, when everyone finally managed to get Sun home, assured she wouldn’t do anything hurtful or crazy…
On the way back to the palace, Rarity spoke to Spike. “That was the most beautiful gesture I ever have seen, Spike.”
Spike could tell that she guessed the gem was for her, and he blushed. “Sorry I can’t ever give it to you now.”
“Never you mind. What you did for Sun was just heart-warming. I consider that the best Hearts and Hooves gift ever… at least… to an extent.”
She leaned down and gave him a huge smooch to the cheek, causing him to melt-- fall-- onto the ground giggle goofily.
Everyone else could only smile.
Over the next two days every just kept to their own, still setting up for Hearts and Hooves, but nobody said a thing about anything that happened the other day, wanting to keep the embarrassments low.
Cadance made it official that Strings’ appearance was canceled due to him being hospitalized, which badly disturbed the citizens of the empire. They were really looking forward to hearing Strings’ music, but they all felt very sorry that he wasn’t well.
“These things happen” they all brushed it off.
Unfortunately, no one was permitted to visit Strings in the hospital, via Cadance and the Hospital’s orders. Strings needed plenty of rest to get back into shape, and they all feared visitors wouldn’t be good in his condition.
Strings didn’t feel up to seeing anyone in any case-- too ashamed and too hurt to do much, still reflecting on all that had happened, and the feelings that were hurt and confused.
However, since his heart-attack was non-too serious, as it was only a shock attack, and he spent the past couple of days resting quietly, in-spite of his emotions, he was released from the hospital, but under the doctor’s orders he was to at least try and receive psychiatric help, and also recommended to take a break from his music career, which still included no performing at Hearts and Hooves day.
To make it even more helpful, they had him relocated to Mare-isota, where he would get the finest treatment available and so his home in the Crystal Empire was locked down for a short while, and all his mail and messages were canceled.
Cadance knew about this as she was first informed of Strings’ transfer, and Cadance was sure to tell everyone else about it.
“I’m so glad he’s getting help.” said Fluttershy “He’ll be okay, won’t he?”
“Of course he will.” said Pinkie “Mariesota has the best doctors in all of Equestria. Strings will be okay soon.”
But Twilight shook her head and informed her, “No, Pinkie. It won’t be soon, and it may not be ever.”
She knew what she was talking about, combining Strings’ sad tale with her study of psychology of emotions. “Some ponies can get better from this kind of trauma… but some ponies can’t.”
Her brother agreed with her. “Whatever does happen, it’s up to Strings. I hope he makes it.”
“So do I.” said Cadance.
There was no way of knowing how long it would be until any of them ever heard from Strings again, and they all could imagine hearing one of his songs describing how he felt: “Haunt You Everyday!”
Only time would tell if he would make it.