Fluttershy woke up in a panic. Her hooves were shaking, she was sweating profusely and her heart was racing. It was not uncommon for this to happen to her, but it never got any easier.
"I had that dream again. I thought I was past this mess." Fluttershy said to herself. She felt a mixture of anger and depression at how easily she was shaken up. It made her feel as though she had no control over her own life because she felt fear at every mention of the unknown. Getting out of bed, she decided to go take a shower due to all the sweat. She looked at herself in the mirror and was shocked at how bad her mane was. It had knots in it and some bed head, but mostly just weighed down from sweating. She thought several times about seeing a therapist, but just the idea of telling some strange pony about her problems made her anxious. After having showered and combed her mane, she started her morning chores. As she completed her tasks, she found herself feeling happier and less anxious. Fluttershy found the most joy in helping others and it helped her with her anxiety as well. After finishing up feeding the animals, she made herself breakfast and started humming to herself. It was then that she heard a knock on the door. Fluttershy panicked. She thought about pretending nopony was home, but she tripped over her hooves out of nervousness.
"Hello?" The pony called from the other side of the door. "Is everything okay in there?" Fluttershy quickly got up and brushed herself off. She wished this pony would go away, but she knew that would be impossible now. She trotted up to the door and opened it, to find Rarity there with a worried look on her face.
"Oh. Hello Rarity." Fluttershy greeted her friend with relief and felt the weight on her chest dissipating. "Is there something I can help you with today?" Fluttershy enjoyed helping her friends. As long as it didn't involve anything stressful or speaking in front of others. She still had that nightmare about being attacked by a dragon after that encounter on the mountain.
"Well I was going to see about asking your assistance with setting up an event for Twilight when I heard a thumping sound. Are you alright darling? You have been rather... distant as of late." Rarity's concern was written clear as day on her face for her dear friend. Fluttershy didn't feel like talking about it. She didn't want to burden Rarity with her problems. She had tried a few times, but was afraid that Rarity would become annoyed with her. What if she didn't want to hang out with her because she was depressing to be around or would get angry with her?! What if all of her friends came to hate her and... abandoned her? No. She couldn't say it. She didn't want to end up alone.
"Oh I've just been busy with the little critters here lately. It takes a lot of work, but it's worth it to see them happy. Also, when you knocked on the door I tripped when I was trying to get to the door." Fluttershy hoped she would buy it. Rarity looked at her skeptically, but went along with it.
"Alright dear. If you do have any problems, you know you can talk to me." Rarity tried her best to reassure her because while she went with what Fluttershy said, she knew something was wrong.
"I'm not sure if I can." Fluttershy thought to herself. She was too scared of the idea of being alone. "Sure thing Rarity. If I do have anything, I'll come straight to you." Fluttershy said to reassure her friend. She hated lying, but she just couldn't say it. No matter what, she would have to deal with it on her own.
"Good to hear. Now, if you can, I would like you to be at the Carousel Boutique at 9 am tomorrow morning. I need help setting up decorations and tables." Rarity said . Fluttershy had no issues with that. There would be nopony else there and it would be quiet. Maybe even fun.
"You can count on me. I'll be there at 9 am sharp." Fluttershy stated with a smile. Rarity was relieved to hear this and felt a weight fall off her shoulder.
"Oh thank you darling! You have no idea what this means to me!" Rarity said with delight. "Also, if you wouldn't mind, I would like you to stay for the the event." This made Fluttershy a bit nervous.
"Uhm... How many ponies will be there?" Fluttershy asked.
"Oh... about 30 in total." Rarity said happily. Fluttershy's eyes narrowed, her heartbeat began to speed up and breaths became rapid.
"Oh. I uhm, I couldn't. You see, I uhm have something I need to do after helping set things up so I can't stay." Fluttershy hoped Rarity would be okay with her not going. She really didn't want to.
'Oh please, Fluttershy! It would mean so much to Twilight if you would stay." Rarity pleaded.
"I uhm, I... Oh... Okay. I'll stay." Fluttershy felt tears start to form but quickly put on a brave face for Rarity. "I'll definitely be there!" Fluttershy said with a fake smile.
"Oh thankyouthankyouthankyou!" Rarity said, absolutely delighted. "I'll see you tomorrow at 9 then dear." Rarity then left to go get things ready. Fluttershy shut the door and went to her room where she sat on her bed panicking and trying not to cry. She hadn't been this panicked since trying to get out of helping sending water to Cloudsdale with the tornado. She hated being in large groups, with ponies she had never met before no less.
"What do I do?!" Fluttershy said while fighting back tears. After a few hours, she finally calmed down and fed the animals and went to don evening chores while she thought about her situation. "I guess, I could go and try to stay. If it gets to be too much, I'll just slip out and go home. Problem solved!" Fluttershy said to herself. "After all, what kind of friend would I be if I went back on my word?" Fluttershy felt a bit of determination. Well more like psyching herself up so her anxiety didn't overwhelm her. Regardless, she was going to try!