Wabi leaned against on oak tree, watching phonies and people alike shuffle back and forth in the cloudy, windy day. Hats were pulled down, scarves pulled up. The steady stream of bodies puffed white clouds of air like trains. Add despite the cold, Wabi sat.

He too was bundles up. His mother wouldn't let him leave the house without several layers to keep his small body warm. Hooves wrapped around a hot cocoa, steam rising to match the air puffs the people were making.

The colt liked to watch. He liked to look at phonies and imagine their lives, the good, the bad, the joys and the sorrows. He fantasized about the trials they've been through, and how they improved as people. Did they have a relative pass away? Did they fail an exam? Did they get married, have kids, land the job of their dreams? All of these events wove possibilities into their lives, and he wanted to know about them.

A mare stumbled through the crowd. Whether from exhaustion or drink, she wobbled a bit, even though her eyes were downcast. She tripped, righted herself, sighed and noted the tree Wabi Sabi sat under, choosing this spot to also be hers. As she sat down, Wabi contemplated getting up, but instead sat and waited, nerves tingling with a mixture of nosy curiosity and nervous energy.

After a minute or two, he inched his way around the tree and said "A-are you alright? You look...sad."

The mare looked up at him and smiled a disjointed smile. "Oh it's alright kid, I'm fine..." she looked away, smile wavering.

"You..you can tell me if you'd like." Wabi persisted, holding out his mostly full cocoa. The smell of chocolate was tempting. "I promise I won't tell anyone."

The mare looked back, not bothering to train her face into happiness this time. She reached out and took the drink, staring into it as if it held her answer. Finally she took a shuddering breath, and began to speak. She talked for a while, finding that this colt was easy to speak her mind to. He sat and listened carefully, showing nothing but empathy on his face. The more she looked at the kid, the more she wanted to tell him.

After what seemed like hours, but in truth was only a few minutes, she sighed, feeling lighter. Wabi Sabi still hadn't spoken, imitating a statue until he was sure it was his turn.

"If you're feeling anxious at work, I know... a few things...that help me." he said, slipping into his old way of speaking, back when he was a nervous babben. "There's one where I count....five things that I..can see. Four that I can hear...three that I can see...two that I can taste, one that I can touch. It helps me...center my mind." He blushed, looking down. "It's silly....but it works for me."

The mare stared at him, eyes widening. "You know, that doesn't sound like a bad idea." she said, putting the now empty cup down. "Kid, you're pretty smart. And helpful. I'll try that next time." She patted him on the head, and rose to her hooves.

"Thanks for your help." she said, giving him a genuine smile before melting back into the crowd. Wabi stared after her with wide eyes. He HELPED? And whats more, he enjoyed it. Like, really enjoyed it.

He'd always liked to help, maybe he'd found his special way to do just that.
Wabi jumped to his hooves, running back home as quick as his little legs could carry him. He had to look up what kind of schooling he'd need. After all, his breathing technique wouldn't work for everyone; he needed more ways to calm people down!