Fluttershy was determined to help that family of ducks. Going around would have been far too much of a trip for the ducklings tiny legs, so thru the square it had to be. It was smack dab in
the middle of Ponyville, give or take, and it was already very busy. She knew it was likely for her to bump into somebody else, or for one of the little ducklings to get stepped on! So
Fluttershy steeled herself to the crowd and courageously, with more patience than most could summon, lead the duck family across the square.

“Just keep your eyes this way, it’s going to be okay. I’ll guide you thru.” she said just above a whisper. It’s what she would have wanted someone to say to her before wading into a sea of
colourful, crushing hooves. Fluttershy was already feeling anxious from the crowd, so helping out the ducks was working for her as much as she was helping them. The tiny fowel train weaved
around the fruit and vegetable stands and made a beeline for the other side. Fluttershy reassured them as they neared the other side of the square. She convinced herself that if anything
happened, a well-meaning smile, an apology with soft tones and simply moving along would do the trick. “Alright little ones, this way.. this way.. Momma Duck you’re free and clear.” she
said calmly..

In her peripheral, Fluttershy saw that the ponies were clearing a way in the crowd. She smiled and continued on. Besides, nobody is so self-centered that they can’t possibly not realize that
other people are doing things, important things, besides just walking around, right?

“HEY!” Fluttershy heard it first before bumping into.. feathers? It was too late, she was too focused on the ducks and doing her best to stay focused on not panicking from being in front of
everyone in town as it were.

“Please excuse me.” she said with a quick glance back. She was expecting a pony but instead she had found a griffon. Just.. right here in the middle of Ponyville.

“I was walking here!” was all the griffon exclaimed before Fluttershy could finish. The creature overshadowed Fluttesrhy with large flared wings and an overbearing attitude. The pegasus
cowered back at the sudden blaring of the griffon’s complaints.
“Oh.. um.. I’m.. I’m sorry..” was all she could stammer out under the griffon’s outburst. Her guard was already down, all she could do was back away. “I.. I was just trying-”

Mocking tones drowned out Fluttershy’s apology, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” the griffon squeaked an while rolling her eyes. “Why don’t you just watch where you’re going, doofus?”

The ducks scattered to the four winds, along with Fluttershy’s confidence.
“But.. b-b-but… I.. I..”