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Sunset Shimmer was sitting in the waiting room of the Canterlot Mental Health Clinic, waiting to be seen by her therapist, Dr. Hart. Her adopted human parents, Sunfire and Yin Yang, had increased her sessions to two times a week after all the recent trauma and emotional turmoil she'd been through. For that, Sunset was thankful for her parents.
Today, Sunset chose to wear a fuchsia crop leather jacket with a matching graphic crop top, chic miniskirt, and chunky sandals. Her locket and magic necklace adorned her neck, and her disguised crown was used as a scrunchie to hold her hair in a high ponytail.
Finally, Dr. Hart came to get her, and they slowly walked to her soothing office. It was relaxing because she'd painted the hues of colors only seen during the Earth's sundown. The pretty sounds of nature coming through the Siri also helped put Sunset at ease.
Like always, her therapist offered her some flavored water and a healthy snack before they began talking. Only a few people realize how hungry and thirsty one can become during therapy.
Dr. Hart first cleaned her half-moon classes and fixed her dark red fishtail braid before addressing her client. “So, Sunset, it's been a while. From your parents' email, I know you've been through several ordeals lately. Do you wish to talk about them?” she asked kindly.
“Yes, but promise you'll actually listen to what I'm saying and what I'm feeling. Too many mental health workers don't truly listen to what their clients are saying. And I want to know I'm being treated like an individual instead of a statistic blank face.
“You already know I've always listened to you. Still, if it makes you feel better, I promise to be extra diligent today with my listening. So please tell me what's going on in your own words?”
“Well, two huge ordeals have happened to me in the past few months, and I'm still trying to process them. One was when this girl I didn't even know used a magical rock to steal everyone's good memories of me.
I had NEVER done anything to this girl named Wallflower Blush. However, her actions have led me to a place where I'm doubting myself again. Everything I say or do. It's caused a few trust issues.
For three days, I was in a living hell with everyone treating me like dirt because that girl wanted to take all her anger of her own bad luck out on me. I can completely understand being alone and struggling with anxiety.
I explained to Wallflower that I understood loneliness. I also understand being shy and having social anxiety. My friend Fluttershy is constantly dealing with hers to achieve her goals.
Still, Wallflower set out to destroy my life! Even then, I was expected to apologize for not noticing or being nice to someone I didn't know. And this was after she revealed she had used the Memory Stone to wipe the memories of every time she messed up or embarrassed herself.”
“It sounds to me like, in this situation, it's Wallflower who should've apologized. Furthermore, recognize that it was her own fault for her problems, not yours. Did you end up apologizing?”
Sunset shook her head. “No, because once everyone's memories, including my own, were returned, my parents gave her a serious lecture, as did my boyfriend, Sunrise. My parents always went to have a chat with Wallflower's parents over the weekend.
Regardless, it was traumatizing and left severe emotional wounds within both my heart and soul. Again, I'm starting to doubt that I can trust anyone, even myself.”
“I can see what something like that would cause those feelings. While most of this world still refuses to believe in magic? I've worked with you long enough and seen you pony up to know you're telling the truth.”
“I'm glad you've told that to the rest of your colleagues, or you'd be out of a job,” Sunset replied gratefully.
“Indeed. Have you ever felt compelled to apologize in situations requiring the real instigator to apologize?”
“Would you believe I was stuck in a time loop for three straight weeks because Postcrush was using a magical watch to repeat the day till they had a perfect performance?”
Dr. Hart laughed, “Sunset again. I'm well aware of your former life and magic. So don't pretend or joke that I don't understand it. So tell me? Who was everyone during those endless three weeks making you apologize to?'
“First off, I love all my friends for who they are. However, I couldn't help but get extremely aggravated with Pinkie Pie at the concert ground. The fact she couldn't behave like a mature adult or at least not do clownish antics kept grating my nerves through the time loop.”
“I imagine. I understand she's very enthusiastic, but there are times and places where we need to act more seriously. Plus, be aware of the rules. Or I'm guessing you got thrown out a few times because she couldn't act like a mature young lady?”
“Exactly! Everyone kept saying I was the problem, but did anyone confront Pinkie about her vastly inappropriate behavior? Again, I love my friends and wouldn't want to lose them ever again.
However, I'm tired of always expecting to apologize or forgive. The Rainbooms have gotten too lenient with forgiving others. My mother, Sunfire, says that forgiveness needs to be earned, which means taking responsibility for your actions and acknowledging them.
I've worked my butt off to become a better version of myself. Yet, my friends need to grow and learn as people as well. I wish they see it shouldn't fall all on me!”
“I do agree with you, Sunset. Would doing a few group sessions with your friends help? Again, you can't bottle up your emotions. Nor is ignoring a problem going to make it go away. If you keep putting it off, it will only exasperate it and make it more challenging to solve.”
“I think I could really use that. Are we at our time?”
“Unfortunately, we are. Still, I will see you again in a few days, and we can talk more about each ordeal then. Until then, try to remind yourself you are worthy enough as you are. Furthermore, you shouldn't have to be the only one to apologize, either.”
“Thanks, Dr. Hart. See you in a few days,” as Sunset exited the room so she and her parents could return home.