S-Link 10 Twilight (Fail) - Normal (Draft)

Twilight S-Link 10 (N) [F]

When you enter the library today, you see that Twilight is looking off into space.

Her eyes are unfocused, as though intent on gazing through the wall in front of her and beyond to the horizon.

She seems oblivious to the world around her. Do you approach?

>Yes
>No

When you call her name, Twilight visibly jerks out of her trance. It takes a moment for her eyes to refocus, but eventually she sees you.

Twilight: [Player]! Don't sneak up on me like that.

Heaving a sigh of relief, she manages a small, shallow smile and looks away.

Twilight: Sorry about ignoring you, I guess I just had a lot on my mind.

There's a heavy, awkward silence as Twilight fiddles with her hair between her fingers.

Finally, she gives you a sidelong look.

Twilight: I heard from the McGuffin Admissions committee; do you mind sitting with me for a little while?

The two of you settle into a steady silence for a while, before Twilight finally sighs and turns her full attention to you.

Twilight: I guess I don't really have to beat around the bush at this point, do I?

When you remain silent, Twilight laughs and shakes her head.

Twilight: Come on, [Player], the two of us have been at this for a while now, so you can probably figure out what they said, right?

Twilight gives a rather stuffed sounding sniffle and huffs.

Twilight: They said no. Somewhere between the exam, my paper, and the presentation, they saw something that just wouldn't work.

Twilight: Sure, they were nice about it, but being told, 'Sorry Ms. Sparkle, you're just not what McGuffin is looking for' doesn't make that any easier.

Pressing her lips into a thin line, Twilight presses her lips into a thin line.

And then she looks up again, lower lip quivering as her eyes well with tears while her voice cracks.

Twilight: [Player], this really sucks.

Twilight's hands fall to her lap, clinging to her skirt in a white-knuckle grip.
Her body shakes with a mixture of frustration, grief, and exhaustion with each breath.

After watching for a moment, you move your chair closer and put an arm around her shoulders.

While Twilight doesn't turn into you, she doesn't try to move away either; an acceptance your unspoken offer to commiserate.

From time to time, Twilight releases her skirt to rub her palms against her eyes and give an unladylike snort of a sniff.

Eventually the moment passes, and Twilight's tremors recede to the occasional shudder.

Twilight: Sorry.

Her voice is quiet, too quiet even for a library.

Twilight: I guess I was really hoping that...

Falling quiet again, Twilight looks back down at her hands.

>Option 1 - You'll get it next time.
	Twilight laughs a little.

	Twilight: Thanks for the thought, but there isn't going to be a next time. Not for McGuffin.

	Twilight: I think I understand what you mean, though.

	Twilight: I admit, my confidence is a little rattled, but I shouldn't let it stop me, right?

>Option 2 - They made a mistake.
	Twilight shakes her head.

	Twilight: I don't think so. I've had a little while to think about it, and they may have a point.

	Twilight: I invested so much time into studying and preparing, that I wasn't taking time to be myself.

	Twilight: They may have seen that.

>Option 3 - You're right, it does suck.
	Twilight gives a sad grin and chuckles.

	Twilight: For sure. There isn't much else that can be said. I gave my all and fell short.

	Twilight: I don't know if that means I tried too hard, or not hard enough.

	Twilight: Or maybe I lost myself and tried to be someone I wasn't.

After a moment, Twilight perks up again; a bitter smile on her lips.

Twilight: Either way, I have a lot to think about now. And a lot of time to do it.

Twilight: But there isn't any reason why we can't turn this into a better situation.

Twilight pulls out her phone and pulls up the contact list.

Twilight: I'm going to call up Pinkie Pie and see if she's got a party plan for people who really need some comfort from their friends right now.

Twilight: Seeing the girls again, really seeing them, might be just what I need.

Twilight pauses as she's bringing the phone to her ear.

Twilight: Hey, if I invite you, will you come?

You nod your head and earn a genuine smile, if only a small one.

Twilight: Great. I'll let you know when and where. See you around, [Player]. And thanks for all your help.

As Twilight walks towards the door, she begins talking in a quiet voice.

Twilight: Hey Pinkie? It's Twilight. Listen, I was hoping you could help me-

The door clicks shut behind her as she walks into the hall.

You stick around for a little while longer, but when it looks like Twilight isn't coming back any time soon, you get your things together and leave.

While Twilight wasn't able to achieve her goal of getting into the McGuffin Program, it looks like she's at least on her way to reconnecting with those important to her.

You hope that, with their help, she can get over this setback.

[Broken Dream?]