I Hear You: A Story About Overcoming Anxiety

Chapter Three

   Fluttershy had a strong dislike for the cafeteria- not because of the way it looked, not because of any of the posters on the walls, not even because of the way it smelled. She didn't like it because of the chatter of the students echoing around her. No matter which way she turned, the voices were still there, echoing ominously. 

   Fluttershy sat down with her friends and they greeted her warmly. 

   "Hi, Fluttershy!" Sunset Shimmer said. "I hope you're doing better than yesterday."

   Fluttershy shuddered nervously. "Honestly, so do I." 

   Fluttershy's friends exchanged a confused glance, but reluctantly decided to drop the matter. 

   "So Spring Fling is coming up soon," Sunset Shimmer declared. "I've decided to go with Flash Sentry. We're on pretty good terms again after making amends. Does anybody else have plans for the dance?"

   "Pinkie Pie asked me to go with her before lunch," Twilight announced. "She had her confetti cannon and everything!"

   "And she said yes!" Pinkie Pie added. She wrapped her arms around Twilight's shoulders. "That's the important part."

   "Ooh, that's wonderful!" Rarity exclaimed. 

   "I agree," Sunset Shimmer mentioned. "Anyone else?"

   "Indeed," Rarity replied. "I'm going to the Spring Fling with Applejack as my date!"

   "Whoa, you and Applejack?" Rainbow Dash said. "Wow, who would've thought?"

   Everyone else chuckled.

   "We're happy for you," Twilight said. "I'm glad that you two are going together! I think it's going to be a lot of fun!" 

   "Are you going with anyone, Fluttershy?" Rarity asked. She just had to know all of the romantic details. 

   Fluttershy slumped down against her seat. "Oh no, I couldn't. A dance? That's just... too much. There's so many people there, the music is too loud, and there's just..." she let out a whimper. "So many people there!"

    "Wait... so what you mean to say is that you're not going to come to the Spring Fling at all?" Rainbow Dash asked. "You could at least and come and hang with us!" 

    Fluttershy quickly shook her head. "I can't go, girls! I just can't! I'd rather be in my room where I'm alone and everything is nice and quiet. Unless... I get scared. Then I'll call one of you... Promise to keep your phones on full volume when you go?"

   The other girls nodded and assured Fluttershy that they'd keep their phones with them at all times. Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief. 

   Sunset Shimmer sighed. "We're disappointed that you don't want to go, but... we understand. One step at a time."

   "Thank you, girls, for understanding," Fluttershy said. She frowned. "I feel like a letdown and a wet blanket all the time."

   "That's not true, Fluttershy!" Pinkie Pie encouraged. "You're lots of fun!"

   "Thanks, Pinkie," Fluttershy whispered. 

   "WHAT? I CAN'T HEAR YOU. IT'S TOO LOUD IN HERE."

   "I said... thanks," Fluttershy said, even more quiet than the previous time. 

   Pinkie Pie waved her hand. "Oh, never mind! You couldn't even hear a party cannon go off in here if you tried!"