Cheerilee was in her classroom, preparing the following week’s lesson as usual, when there was a knock on her door. She couldn’t help but brighten at the sight of the Princess of Friendship. “Twilight, hello! What are you doing here?”
 
“Hi, Cheerilee,” Twilight gave a tired smile. “Just here to return some books I borrowed.” But it was clear that there was much more on her mind.
 
“Well, it’d be a shame for you to come here and not sit a while. I just brewed some jasmine tea. A gift from my sister… also named Jasmine Tea.” Cheerilee smirked.
 
Twilight sat down across from Cheerilee and took the cup of tea that she had poured. “Thank you. I…I needed this.”
 
“Is everything all right, Twilight? The bit about my sister usually makes ponies laugh, though they usually are foals, I guess.”
 
“Well, since you asked,” Twilight sighed. “Flash stayed out late again last night. Usually he’s at guard practice with Galaxy, but lately he’s been out even after she’s home. Even she’s been wondering where he goes at night. I just don’t know what’s gotten into him…”
 
Cheerilee gasped. “You-you don’t think-“
 
“I don’t know what to think anymore!” Twilight buried her face in her hooves.
 
Cheerilee gave a resigned sigh. She got up to pat her on the back. “Well, it’s times like this us mares need to trust our instincts. Others may tell you to trust your stallion, but if you can’t trust your own gut, what can we trust?”
 
“You’re right. Even my books agree with you,” Twilight looked over at the stack of books she returned. “But…we used to be so happy. I don’t know what happened, if it’s something I did wrong. Galaxy would be heartbroken, and Dusk…he never had the chance to bond with his father. I don’t want to ruin it for them.”
 
“Well, as hard as it is, the first thing you need to do is talk to him. When Big Mac and I started drifting apart, we spent a lot of time avoiding each other. I honestly think that hurt Honey and Discovery worse. It gives them the feeling that things could get better. That feeling of hanging in limbo, in uncertainty, is enough to drive adults insane, let alone fillies and colts. And who knows?” Cheerilee grew more optimistic. “In the end, either you both agree leaving is for the best, or you start talking and regain that passion you lost. Either way, pushing this off will make things worse. And it’s not like your kids will never see him again.”
 
Twilight perked up a little. “You’re right. Delaying it will make it worse. I know what I have to do, but…it’ll be so hard. For all of us…”
 
“Well, I’m always here if you need to talk. If there’s any pony who understands what you’re feeling right now, it’s me.” Cheerilee patted Twilight’s shoulder with a comforting smile.
 
“Thank you, Cheerilee,” Twilight smiled. As the two mares made eye contact, she felt warm inside. It was something she hadn’t felt in many years. It had to be just friendship, but she definitely hadn’t felt quite this way with her other friends. Whatever her feelings meant, she was glad to have somepony to confide in.