I sighed as I approached Sweetie Belle’s door. It was left ajar slightly, likely because she knew there was a possibility I would be here. My magic pushed it open more.
Sweetie Belle sat up a bit, wide eyed at my presence.
“Rarity?” she said groggily.
She really was having a rough time of it, the poor dear.
“Hi sis,” I said. “You rest. Just wanted to let you know I’ll be here if you need anything.”
“Thank you for coming, truly. You… you know I’m sorry, right? I should never have dealt with how I was feeling that way.”
“I wasn’t at my best last week, either,” I said. “And I know you didn’t burn my dresses just because I wouldn’t let you go to Canterlot with me. But it’s water under the bridge now. You just focus on getting better, okay?”
Sweetie Belle nodded. I gave a soft smile and started to leave the room.
“Oh, Rarity?” Sweetie Belle asked as I was about to close the door. “Who takes care of you when you’re sick?”
The randomness of this question puzzled me, but I figured Sweetie Belle would explain.
“My friends sometimes make things for me or send me good vibes,” I responded. “But I guess nowadays, I’m mostly on my own.”
Sweetie Belle’s face fell.
“Does that bother you?”
Truth be told, it did bother me a bit. Most ponies I knew had somepony at home to talk to at the end of their day. Somepony to support them. But here I was living and working by myself at the boutique. But I couldn’t let Sweetie Belle know I felt that way.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Apple Bloom said that Applejack gets mad at her sometimes because the pressure of taking care of her gets too much,” Sweetie Belle explained. “I mean, I know their situation is a bit different with their parents gone…”
“I'd be lying if I said that pressure isn't hard sometimes,” I admitted. "But I love being your older sister and I wouldn't have it any other way. Don’t you worry about me.”
I didn’t want Sweetie Belle or anypony to worry about me. Because despite everything, I had a great life. And my response seemed to assure Sweetie Belle as she smiled and closed her eyes to go to sleep.
“Okay. Thanks again, Rares. I love you.”
“Rest well, my sweet."