“Welcome to the Carousel Boutique—where every garment is chic, unique, and magnifique!”

“Erm—thank you, Rarity.”

“Don’t mention it, darling. I always aim to lend a hoof.”

“Well, erm, now that you mention it…”

“Yes?”

“Erm—I’m afraid to go to the Gala. There’ll be too many ponies there!”

“Afraid to go?!”

“Yes.”

---

I was wearing a new dress, which Rarity had made just for me.

“There you are, my dear Fluttershy—a solid-green dress with flowers and leaves for accents!”

“Erm—is this dress for the Grand Galloping Gala?”

“Yes. Do you not love it, darling?”

“Erm—yes. I love it.”

“I beg your pardon?”

I could not bring myself to speak up, so instead, I galloped out of the boutique in a hurry.

“Fluttershy, wait!”

---

“Ooh—pretty! Did Rarity make you this dress?”

“Yes. But—I don’t want to hurt her feelings.”

“What do you think of your dress?”

“It does suit me; I do love nature—and animals, too!”

“Then why didn’t you tell Rarity?”

“I tried to tell her.”

“What was holding you back, Fluttershy?”

“I’m too shy to go the Gala.”

---

“You’re back, Fluttershy! How may I help you?”

“Fluttershy has an objection to the dress you made for her.”

“Sweet Celestia! How could anypony object to such a lovely dress for the Grand Galloping Gala?!”

“Calm down, Rarity, and let Fluttershy explain.”

I trotted up to Rarity and comforted her with my wings.

“My dress will make me stand out, and I really don’t like it when everypony can see me.”

Tears began to form in Rarity’s eyes.

“It’s an easy fix, Rarity—just give Fluttershy something to hide her dress.”

---

“Oh—my—goodness! It’s perfect! Thank you so much, Rarity!”

“Customer satisfaction is my top priority, Fluttershy!”

“A dull-brown cloak with dull-green leaves on it is perfect for you, Fluttershy.”

“Thank you, Twilight. But—I’m still afraid to go to the Gala.”

“Oh, darling, don’t worry! You won’t be going alone!”

“Of course not—Princess Celestia invited all of us!”

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