Tell whoever came up with the idea that "love is the best cure" that that idea's full of horseapples. I prefer friendship. The obligations are lower and you don't have to share all your time with someone else. Even though you usually miss out on the sexy bits, I'd say that friendship is in every way, better than love. It's great for ponies like me, who have to spend much of their time working and the rest of it training. Okay, there aren't many ponies like me. But you get the idea. It's also great for if the pony you love can't love you. Ever.

It's just not allowed. I've heard that the situation is getting better, but it's not perfect. Even if it was, I don't think she'd love me. She's a traditional type of pony. And even if her silly traditions didn't get in the way, I think she's like me. She just doesn't have the time for that kind of commitment. And she doesn't really want one, I think. It's just not really part of her nature. Or mine for that matter. But then, why do I want this? Why do I want to embrace her, draw her close to me and then lock lips? Why do I want to take her up here and show her all of the most romantic places? Ugh, I just realized how sappy that sounds. Reminds me of Rarity. Or maybe my mom. She liked that kind of thing.

If my mom was here, she'd probably have snuck up behind me and read this letter as I wrote it. And then she'd somehow get me outside and somehow get me to tell her who the pony I "fancied" (her word, not mine) was. I wish I could ask her for advice, but there's no point in trying to raise the dead. Twilight told me so. Mom's death broke my heart for the first time. I'd rather not break it again. Perhaps that's why I avoid relationships, for the most part. (This friendship thing kind of snuck up on me.) I don't want to get hurt. Not again, not ever. I may be a thrill-seeker (although I don't like the label), but that kind of thrill's off-limits to me. I think mom would understand, but if she was alive, I don't think I would need to tell her. Perhaps I'd already have asked out my crush. (And no, I won't say who she is. Just in case she (or much more likely, Pinkie) somehow gets her hooves on this. I don't think she'd read it (she's not that kind of pony, I don't think), but you can never really be sure. You can never truly know anypony else. Huh, that sounds like something Twilight would say. I hope her eggheadedness (is that even a word?) isn't contagious. I don't want to suddenly start having to sort everything. I like my house kind of messy. It feels less sterile and more lived in. I'm not sure if she'd understand. (I mean the pony I like, not Twilight.) Just another reason why we can't be together. It's a very long list at this point.

I suppose that's just myself rationalizing. (I sound like Twilight again. Help.) I don't want to try so I just make up reasons that I can't. I'm just a great big coward. No I'm not. I fought Discord without breaking a sweat. I wasn't even scared. Then what's so difficult about this?! It's not rocket science! All I have to do is ask her a question. And it's a pretty simple question at that! I'll do this tomorrow. I promise. I'll finally get a real answer. I'll finally free myself, I guess. An answer is the only way to cure me of this situation. I suppose that's true.

-RAINBOW DASH