A Wonderbolt's Tail

"Faster!" Spitfire barked with her usual harsh voice, making me squint my eyes and push on faster and faster. It was a Monday night, and I wanted more than anything to just go home. But I still had twenty laps to do.

"You alright?" I glanced over my shoulder and saw Lightning Streak fly up to me with a caring look in his eyes.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" I tried my best not to look weak, despite how tired i was. I had been practicing all day.

"No reason," Lightning Streak shrugged and acted nonchalant. He knew not to mess with me.

"You two! Quit the chatter and finish up!" I groaned as Spitfire continued to order us until, at last, we crossed the finish line for the hundredth time that day.

Soon, every Wonderbolt was packing up their things and flying away. My best pony friend forever, Misty Fly, stayed behind to wait for me.

"I'm going to ask Spitfire for the day off tomorrow. I just can't do this every day!" I told her as she landed next to me.

"Do you think she'll let you?" Misty Fly questioned, raising her eyebrow.

"She can't force me to come," I rolled my eyes and trotted to Spitfire's office. After knocking on her door, I waited patiently. But no answer came.

"Spitfire?" I called, opening the door just a crack. The office was empty. But the window was open.

"Why would she fly out the window instead of using the exit...?" I wondered out loud. "Maybe she didn't want anypony following her..."

I was interrupted as a loud voice boomed. "WHAT do you think you're DOING?!" I spun around with wide eyes and saw Spitfire walking through the doorway. I noticed she had a twig stuck in her mane and... Was it just my imagination, or were her eyes... Red?

"S-sorry," I stammered. I knew how angry the captain could get if I didn't play this right. "I shouldn't have come into your office. I just wanted to ask you for the day off tomorrow."

"Ha! You think I'll give you a day off for being the weak pony you are? Think again!"

Her comment stung. Sure, I was small for my age. But that didn't mean I was weak. Or did it?

"Sorry for asking, captain," I looked at the ground. "Where were you anyway? Why weren't you in your office?"

"Oh, i was... Thats none of your buisness!" Was that alarm i saw in her eyes?