>Last day of rehearsal and it’s a another beautiful day.
>Though you heard that there is a schedule storm sometime in the next few days.
>Regardless, your spirits are far from dampened.
>You greet the random ponies you pass by on the sidewalk.
“Wonderful day to you!”
>Some greet back in kind or even nod.
>A few just ignore you.
>They just don’t understand your happiness.
>You pass by some shops on the way to hall and stop.
>Normally you don’t just go shopping for no reason.
>Today however, you feel the need to treat yourself.
>Later of course, have to go to rehearsal.
>Shaking your head, you continue to trot to the hall.
“Maybe something nice, like a new necklace? Or a bracelet?”
>Could get both, though one is already expensive.
>Should be fine, it’s not like your finances are suffering.
>Before you get too caught up in thinking, you see the hall.
>Several ponies are just entering, one of which is your new friend, Feather.
>You quicken your pace to meet with her.
“Hey there Feather!”
>She quickly turns to you and smiles.
>”Oh, hello Connie.”
>From what you can tell, she looks far better than the previous days.
>You trot alongside one another and talk.
“Last day before the concert, are you excited?”
>Feather smiles, but it’s a little forced.
>”Yeah, kinda. I’m mostly nervous.”
>Poor thing.
“Why’s that? You’ve played before an audience before, haven’t you?”
>She sighs.
>”I have, just not one this big. Plus this is my first real concert here in Manehattan.”
>You forgot about that, time to help her out.
“It will be fine Feather, you’re worrying too much.”
>She gives you a look.
>”You say that, but I’m not so sure.”
>You both reach the main area, and you touch her wither to reassure her.
“We were all nervous before our first concert. This may not be Trottingham, but I assure you, this isn’t much different.”

>Feather looks a little happier, and takes a moment to breath a sigh of relief.
>”Yeah, you’re right. Let’s do our best.”
>You give a small cheer and smile at her.
“That’s the spirit, onward to victory!”
>She smiles back and you go to prepare.
>Like always, you will treat this as if you’re live before an audience.
>Quiet takes her place and the songs begin.
>The music pours from the group.
>You can feel the emotion in each note.
>That’s one reason why you’ve always enjoyed playing.
>How it can express oneself through music.
>With rehearsal nearly over, you contemplate writing your own music.
>Sure you’re never written before, but you feel so inspired.
>Careful now Connie!
>Almost lost focus, that would’ve been disastrous.
>With the last song finished, you can say that was perfect.
>You feel without a doubt that the concert will be a success.
>Many of the members talk amongst themselves.
>You decide to approach Friedrich.
“So Friedrich, what do you think?”
>He looks to you with the same stoic look he wears.
>”I think it went well.”
>As he starts to tend to his things, you feel a little annoyed.
“Well? That was perfect, what could’ve been better?”
>He talks to you while he puts away his violin.
>”Perfect might be overselling it. There is always room for improvement Connie.”
“That’s true. However, I am certain the concert will be fantastic.”
>Friedrich turns back to you, his face unchanged.
>”It likely will, all of us do our best. Well, most of us do.”
>For the first time in a while, you feel angry.
“We all do. I don’t know why you can’t see that.”
>This time he fully faces you.
>”Like I said, room for improvement. Why are you getting upset over this?”
>Feeling your anger rise, you step closer to him.
“You always act like you’re above everypony, always saying they don’t do enough.”
>He takes a step back and looks greatly confused.

>”I’m not above anypony, what is wrong with you?”
>Just as you’re about to unload on him, you see that several members are staring.
>What are you doing?
>No, seriously, what are you doing?
“I...I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me.”
>You take a step back, and feel a little shameful.
>Friedrich looks concerned.
>”If I said something to offend you, I am sorry, but.” He pauses, and looks around. “Perhaps you’re letting the stress get to you.”
>Is he right?
>No, you’re not stressed.
“I’ll be fine, thank you Friedrich.”
>He nods and picks up his things.
>What caused this?
>You shake your head.
>Things are fine, you just need to get some fresh air.
>So you go find Feather, the two of you can talk and practice.
>That’ll help clear your head.
>She just finished getting her things together.
“Hey there, ready to go practice?”
>Feather’s face lights up.
>”Yeah, sure.”
>The two of you head out, though you have a nagging feeling in the back of your mind.
>Feather takes notice of your silence.
>”Is everything alright?”
>Her words draw you out, and you give a smile.
“It’s fine, I was just overthinking something. Everything is okay!”
>She gives you a half smile, but nods.
>Instead of hailing a taxi, you remember seeing that jewelry store earlier.
>You head off with her following you.
>”Where are we going? Are we not going to take the taxi?”
“To the store, I thought about picking up a necklace or something.”
>She looks confused.
>”Uh, okay. Hope that doesn’t dig too much into practice.”
>You giggle, there is plenty of time.
>She is worrying too much, like you were.
>As you reach the store, you have another idea.
“How about I buy you something?”
>Feather gives you a look.
>”Why? We haven’t known each other that long.”
>You look back at her.
“I’d like to think we’re friends. Besides, it will help take your mind off things.”

>She looks unsure, but finally smiles.
>”I’ll just look around, if I see something, I’ll tell you.”
>You eyes dance across the display cases and the nearby store owner trots over.
>>”Can I help you ladies?”
“Seeing if anything catches my eye.”
>She nods along.
>>”Anything in particular? Maybe something for a loved one?”
>You pause, and turn to her.
“Actually, could you show me your bracelets?”
>She nods and quickly leads you over to a case.
>Before you, many bracelets of different designs are laid out.
>Each are so pretty.
>Also quite expensive.
>This is a treat for yourself, it’s not a problem.
>One catches your eye, a silver bracelet with a emerald gemstone.
>You point to it.
“This one is lovely, could I try it on?”
>She smiles, and brings it out carefully.
>You slip it on easily, you can hardly take your eyes off of it.
>Without a doubt, you will buy this.
“I’ll take it.”
>As you’re paying, you see Feather approach.
“Find anything you want?”
>She looks uncomfortable.
>”No, not really.”
>Looking around, you bring her over to the same case you were just looking at.
“How about one these? We could get a matching pair?”
>She shifts for a moment.
>Finally she nods.
>As you both head back to your apartment, she starts talking.
>”That was quite a bit of money you just spent. Especially for somepony you haven’t known for long.”
“It’s not a problem, really. Like I said earlier, I consider us friends.”
>”Okay. I’m sorry, this is just a little unusual for me.”
>Are you really overdoing this?
>Everything is fine, your finances are good, this won’t be a problem in the slightest.
>Need to stop getting distracted.
“It’s fine, you’re worrying about this too much.”
>You reach your apartment and look over your mail.
>Several letters from friends and family.
>Can’t wait to read them later!

>You practically fly up the stairs.
>Feather has to move a bit faster to keep up, but you both reach your apartment and enter.
>”Not to sound rude, but how is it you have so much energy?”
>You’ve been questioning that for yourself on and off.
>So, you shrug.
“I’ve been this way as of recent, I’m not worried though. I feel perfectly fine.”
>She nods, but looks concerned.
>You set your mail down on the desk and head into the living room.
>Unfortunately there isn’t much time left to practice, but a little won’t hurt.
>You both pull out your violins, and you look through some pieces.
>One catches your eye and you show it to her.
“How about we start off with this one?”
>She looks over the sheet briefly.
>”Alright, I’ve played this one a few times before.”
>Bringing your violins up, the song starts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BywnzKojQvU
>This was one of your favorite pieces.
>A few more songs you play together.
>But sadly she has to go.
>You wish she could stay around longer, but you understand.
“Goodbye Feather.”
>She gives a small smile.
>”Goodbye Connie, thank you for today.”
“You’re welcome.”
>The door shuts and you head off to look at those letters.
>You approach your desk and look through quickly.
>Letting out a sigh though.
“Not one from Eri yet, she must be busy.”
>You get to writing back each letter, and figure you should write Eri again.
“Wouldn’t hurt to send her another, maybe she didn’t receive the last.”
>Finishing up, you set aside the letters for tomorrow.
>It’s here you realize you haven’t planned out everything still.
“Am I stretching myself too thin? No, that can’t be. I always have a schedule to follow.”
>You look outside the nearby window at the Manehattan night sky.
“Tomorrow will be fine, I have done many concerts before and each a success.”