What Could Have Been

        The sun had only just begun to rise in Ponyville, but Rarity was already working. She was working on finishing a dress. It wasn't exactly anything noteworthy, the pony commissioning it specifically wanted something that was "pretty, but not eye-catchingly so". That was difficult, and Rarity wanted it to be as perfect as possible. She was making this dress for Princess Cadance, who along with Shining Armor, was to be going on a short vacation soon.

        From what Rarity understood, Cadance didn't want to draw attention to herself; this vacation was to be a break from Cadance's official duties. Rarity was currently adding some subtle embroidery, almost the same, bluish color as the dress itself. The dress was made of a durable, lightweight fabric, and would completely cover Cadance's wings. It was intended to project the idea that she was just a rich unicorn tourist. Shining Armor was to wear a hat at all times. Rarity had designed and made that hat for the previous week, which had unfortunately cut the amount of time she had to work on the dress short. She was proud of that hat. It was simple and functional, but had its own kind of elegance.

        Rarity put a few finishing touches on the dress' embroidery and stood back, looking at her work. She walked around it, seeing it from as many angles as possible. She felt that it didn't quite compare to the hat, but it was good enough. Not everything was going to be exceptional. Rarity had managed to finish the dress before her deadline. It was due the next day...Rarity catches a glimpse of the rising sun out of her partially obscured window, realizing that it was the next day and that the dress had taken her much more time than she thought. Upon realizing this, Rarity felt tired. Rarity felt that she deserved some rest.

Rarity awakens a few hours later, but not of her own volition. Instead it's Sweetie Belle, who's shaking Rarity.

"Stop..." Rarity is still tired and tries to go back to sleep, but Sweetie won't let her.