The Life of Derpy (Head Canon)

         Years passed. Ditzy’s embarrassment at the Nightmare Night Talent show was forgotten. She would always remember that night ,but it never really bothered her as much anymore.

       It was the day she got her cutie mark. Who wouldn’t be happy about a memory like that?

       Though the worst part of the night was left in the dust her new name of Derpy seemed to stick with everyone around town. It even grew on Ditzy eventually.

       She would still have some trouble at school with some teasing and names but she was use to it. Her clumsiness and silly nature became a quality that brought happiness and laughter to other students and earned her a few new friends. It soon approached the special year. The time where all fillies and foals would graduate from school and head off for work anywhere that was needed to be another helpful soul to Equestria.

       Ms. Cheerillee looked over the whole class. It was the day before the big graduation ceremony. She gave a warm smile and said, “Class. You don’t know how wonderful and what an adventure it has been being your teacher through these years. Seeing you grow up and mature into what you are today is just the greatest thing anyone can do. Your parents have a true gift and so do you.” She paused to take a breath, “By next week you all will be out into the world doing what you do best for Equestria. Your cutie marks can lead you on that.” By now everyone had received there cutie marks, but Ditzy was still envied over being the first to get hers. “Now tomorrow is your graduation.” continued Ms. Cheerillee, “Your family will be in the crowd as you get your diplomas and then well…That will be it. Then the world is yours.” she gave a small laugh.

       Class dismissed and Ditzy walked along the road with her long time companion Carrot Top, an orange pony with a poofy orange mane.

        “So Derpy.” said Carrot Top, “What do you wanna do as a career?”

         “Oh I don’t know.” responded Ditzy, “My stupid cutie mark doesn’t help at all in that question. I’ll just have to look around for what’s needed.”

          “Are you going to move back to Cloudsdale?”

            “Not likely.” Ditzy said looking up at the sky, “It’s so peaceful and friendly here and up there it’s just so busy and crowded. Plus I here there’s this test that you have to take if you’re a Pegasus that hasn’t gotten very many good reviews. They never say what happens if you fail it.”

            “Oh yeah I’ve heard about that.” said Carrot Top, “So then no work up there then?”

            “Yup.” said Ditzy, “But I mean surely Spit Fire’s got some connections so she can help me out getting somewhere.”

            “Yeah see there ya go!” said Carrot Top. “So what do you wanna do?” asked Ditzy.

            “Oh I'm going to work for the Pony Ville Green House and Gardens."

           "Oh awesome!" said Ditzy, "I knew I could always see you going into something agricultural."

            “Well yeah!” Carrot Top exclaimed, “I’ve got a friend who’s got some connections with that.”

          “Great!” said Ditzy happily. They approached Ditzy’s home, “Well I’ll see you tomorrow Carrot.”

           “Later Derpy.” waved Carrot Top. Ditzy waved back and went inside. She climbed the steps to the top floor and went inside the apartment. Spit Fire was in the kitchen with her old Wonder Bolts uniform on.

            When she saw Ditzy she put on a wide smile, “There’s my special girl!” she said excitedly. “Hello.” replied Ditzy stiffly giving back a smile. “Why do you have on your uniform?” “Just trying it back on for fits.”

            “Why?” asked Ditzy curiously.

             “Well that’s what I want to talk to you about. Here have a seat” beckoned Spit Fire towards the table, “The Wonder Bolts have asked me to join the force again as The Head Recruiter for Incoming Members of the Academy. Isn’t it exciting?”

             “Yeah that’s great.” said Ditzy sitting down.

              “Sure is!” exclaimed Spit Fire, “but anyway enough about me let’s talk about you. So are you excited for your big day tomorrow?”

             “Uh yeah but I’m gonna miss a lot of my friends. Most of my class is going for work in Manehattan you know.”

              “Really?” questioned Spit Fire, “Do you know what you want to get into?”

              “Me and Carrot were just talking about it. She wants to work for the Green Houses.”

             “Oh that’s interesting.” Spit Fire nodded,

           “And for me I was wondering if you could help me get a job. Like you know, you being a former Wonder Bolt and all I thought you might have some connections.”

            “Well yes Ditzy!” jumped Spit Fire, “Of course I can help you.”

             “Really?” “Of course, but don’t worry about it just yet ,because I’ve spent all day baking a little gift for you.”

             “Baking?” Ditzy asked.

               “Look they're ready!” Spit Fire said as she opened the oven door and pulled out a cupcake pan filled with a dozen freshly made muffins.

             “You made muffins!” jumped Ditzy with a wide grin across her face.

             “Of course.” said Spit Fire, “Anything for the big grad, haha.” She set them on a plate then put them in front of Ditzy and sat down. Ditzy began to down big mouth fills of blueberry muffin. Spit Fire watched Ditzy intently.

             “What?” asked Ditzy with a mouth full. “I know no pony who loves muffins as much as you Ditzy. What about them make you so happy?” Spit Fire asked.

              “Oh well I dunno.” said Ditzy, “They just taste good I guess.”

              Spit Fire chuckled. “You don’t know how proud I am of you Ditzy.” said Spit Fire, “Seeing you grow up all these years.” Spit Fire broke out some tears, “Being who you are I’m just so proud of you.” she smiled softly. Ditzy smiled back.

            “Thank you Fire.” said Ditzy, “for all you’ve done for me.”

            “Hey no problem kid.” Spit Fire said, “I’ve got another little thing to tell you.”

           “Okay.” said Ditzy. Spit Fire took a breath “I’m giving this unit to you!”

           “What do you mean?” asked Ditzy. “The apartment.” said Spit Fire, ”You don’t have to worry about going out and getting a place of your own because I’ve signed the apartment to you in ownership.”

        “I still don’t understand. Where are you going? Isn’t it yours too?” asked Ditzy.

       Spit Fire sighed, “I have to move back to Cloudsdale to work with the Wonder Bolts.”

      “You’re leaving?” Ditzy asked a little taken back, “I don’t understand.”

       “Look Ditzy sweet heart.” soothed Spit Fire, “It’s no big deal. I bought my old place back and I figured you liked it here better anyways and might want a place to your own. You can visit me anytime you want. I promise.” Ditzy thought about this and gave in though a little sullen. “I guess that’s good.” She said, “But I’ll miss you.” admitted Ditzy.

        “Please don’t. I’m not really going far.” comforted Spit Fire. “Well…I guess it would be kinda fun having my own place.” said Ditzy.

        “There ya go!” said Spit Fire happily. “So when do you move?”

         Spit Fire froze and took a deep breath, “Well with the new recruiting season starts…Tomorrow...”

       Graduation day came and all the students met in a small auditorium built outside the school house. With a Stage in front of the playground and several rows of chairs placed in front. Students occupied the first few rows and parents and other family filled in the back. Every-pony was dressed in their best suit or dress while the graduating foals were in regular graduation gowns. Ditzy was seated next to Carrot Top in the front row. Everyone was talking when the mayor of Pony Ville took to the podium.

        “Mares and Stallions,” she started, “Fillies and Foals. It is my pleasure to introduce the 74th graduating class of Pony Ville and the 18th class with our beloved teacher Ms. Cheerille.” Everyone began to clap and Ms. Cheerillee began to speak as the mayor sat down.

         “It has been a great honor seeing such bright fillies and foals grow up through the years here. Seeing them mature into the hardworking and spirit minded stallions and mares that they are today. We will be recognizing each student one by one and will ask them to come up and accept their diplomas.”

          “First let us start off with Shoe Shine.” A short plump colt with a shoe polish bottle as a cutie mark rose from his seat, a few down from Ditzy, and did a little gallop up to the stage. He shook hands with mayor as everyone applauded and accepted his diploma. “Next lets have Octavia Melody.” A pretty formal looking mare with a musical note as a cutie mark walked up gracefully to the stand. Everyone once again applauded and she gave a small smile back and got her diploma.

          “I hear she’s going off to Canterlot to join an orchestral band at the Princess’ palace.” whispered Carrot Top to Ditzy. “Wow.” responded Ditzy, “What about her?” asked Ditzy as she pointed to the next mare approaching the stage. “Who, Trixie?” replied Carrot Top. A blue unicorn mare approached the stage, very proud and uptight looking, to receive her diploma.

         “I hear she’s kind of a show case pony in magic that can talk the talk ,but can’t walk the walk. I think she’s traveling around.”

            “Pst! Hey, hey Derpy!” whispered a British sounding colt behind Ditzy and Carrot Top.

             “Don’t pay attention to him.” said Carrot Top. “C’mon now I know you can hear me.” The colt continued.

              “What do you want?” Ditzy finally gave in. “Where you going off to after today? To go work with the eye doctor or at the nut house?” he and a few other colts started laughing with each other.

              “Grow up Hooves.” defended Carrot Top “Why don’t you go play in that stupid box you’re always toying around with.”

              “Hey I’m only teasing around.” He shot back, “We are’nt going to see each other much after today you know.”

              “Believe me it’s a blessing” said Carrot Top.

             “Thanks.” winked Ditzy. “Anytime.” said Carrot Top. “Ditzy.” announced Ms. Cheerillee.

             “Yes?’ replied Ditzy. “Um, come receive your diploma.” said Ms. Cheerillee a little befuddled.

            “Oh right.” said Ditzy a bit embarrassed. The colts in the back of her began laughing hysterically. “Oh shut up!” Jasmine snapped. Ditzy slowly approached the podium looking at Carrot. Carrot waved and Ditzy waved back and then combed the crowd in search of Spit Fire. She was nowhere around to be seen. Ditzy’s heart stopped until she saw Spit Fire sitting idly in the far back row smiling at Ditzy. Ditzy began to smile again and vigorously waved at her.

             “Alright Ditzy back to your seat now.” said Ms. Cheerillee. Ditzy obeyed and headed back to her seat. As she stepped down of the stage she lost balance and nearly tripped. A few ponies gasped ,but Ditzy continued on. As she sat down she looked back to see Spit Fire. She was no longer in her seat but was walking away. Ditzy wondered where she was going ,but then remembered...

            After a few names later the ceremony ended and both Ms. Cheerillee and Mayor gave a last farewell speech. Then everyone dispersed. Ditzy walked passed families congratulating there fillies and colts.

           Carrot Top caught up, “Derpy hey where ya going?” she asked.

            “Oh I gotta get home.” She responded. “Oh well my folks are taking me and a few others out somewhere in a bit. Wanna join?”

            “Oh uh maybe later.” said Ditzy, “See ya.”

            Ditzy strode all the way back to her apartment. She opened the door to see Spit Fire hurrying around with a few packed boxes. “You left in hurry.” said Ditzy softly.

              “I am in a hurry.” responded Spit Fire, “Gotta make sure I’m not forgetting anything.”

            Ditzy nodded and looked down at her feet, “Seems fine.” She said a little disheartened.

           “Hey.” said Spit Fire, “Don’t worry about it. I won’t be far.” Ditzy looked up at Spit Fire and gave her a hug, “The years have been great kid.” said Spit Fire, “I gotta go now.” she said looking at the clock, “I’ll send to come get my things.” She headed out the door then paused and gave Ditzy one last big hug and a kiss on the cheek.

          “One of these nights,” she said, “When things get all settled I’m gonna take you out somewhere nice.” With a wink she walked out the door closing it behind her. Ditzy went to the kitchen window and watched as Spit Fire flew up towards the sky. Ditzy sighed and rested her head on the window sill. All of a sudden a “ding” sounded from the oven. Ditzy walked over and opened it and gave a wide smile as she pulled out a pan full of freshly baked muffins. She looked up to the cabinet getting ready to get a plate when she noticed an envelope taped to the cabinet door.

           She pulled it off and took out a note that read, “Ditzy, you’ve been a daughter to me through these years. Seeing you grow up has been quite an adventure. I love you so much and can’t wait to see you lift your very own life off the ground.  I left you a list on the table of some people I want you to see later for a job and I left you a little gift inside the envelope. I hope this gives you a head start.”

           Inside the envelope was a few hundred dollars. Ditzy’s eyes opened wide. She had never been given so much money. The she turned to the table and looked at a list full of a bunch of business names. The not continued to read, “I’m so proud of you Ditzy always know that I’m there for you. Good luck and enjoy the muffins my big grad! –Love, Your biggest fan, Spit Fire.

           Ditzy smiled and looked out the window as she took a bite of blueberry muffin.

           Ditzy awoke in her bed and went to the kitchen and was about to say good morning to Spit Fire ,but then realized that her presence was no longer around. She had been so use to coming in and seeing her in the kitchen making breakfast for her ,but she being gone hurt Ditzy. So suddenly too. It’s like she just got up and walked out for no reason and without another word, but Ditzy knew that was not the case.

           Ditzy was a little hungry ,but instead of cooking something she just took out a muffin from the prior day and ate that. Ditzy went over to the window across the kitchen and looked out of it. Today was her first day of life... Of course not first day of living/breathing ,but the first day where the world was at her feet. She was expected to go out into Equestria and make use of herself and make a living from it. This was the real stuff. Ditzy walked over to the table where the list of job options that Spit Fire gave her sat.

           “Okay.” She said to herself, “Let’s see what we’ve got.” She scrolled down the list of about ten jobs. There was the Bank, Cloud Clearer, the grocery store, Sugar Cube Corner, the Post Office, and a bunch of other jobs that seemed a little too boring or wasn’t really nescessary.

          “Which one first...” asked Ditzy, “Hmm.  Today let’s try the bank!” Ditzy got ready to look her best and in a short amount of time was headed right out the door.

         Ditzy walked through the street and saw lots of other interesting shops along the street that Spit Fire never mentioned on the list. She thought maybe it wouldn’t hurt to try to look for work in one of them. Soon she approached the bank and went inside. She approached a grey stallion in front of a desk. “Excuse me?” she asked, “Do you know where I might find Mr. Rich?”

          The stallion gave her an uneasy look and said, “Oh I don’t work here I’m just making a deposit.”

            “Oh sorry.” she said a little embarrassed.

           “May I help you?” said the  mare clerk behind the desk, “Oh yes.” said Ditzy, “I’m looking for Mr. Rich?” “Oh yes.” replied the clerk, “He’s in his office in the back. Come right through.”

            The clerk opened a little door attached to the desk and Ditzy stepped through and went to the office. “Mr. Rich?” Ditzy said, knocking on the door. “Yes come in.” replied a deep muffled voice.

             Inside behind a desk sat a stallion with a black neatly combed back mane and three dollar signs for a cutie mark. “Hi Mr. Rich. My names Ditzy. I’m here for an interview that my guardian Spit Fire arranged with you.”

           “Oh yes Spit Fire the Wonder Bolt. We talked about a possible job interview for you is that correct?”

          “Yes sir!”

            “Very well, sit down right there.” Ditzy sat in a chair in front of Mr. Rich's desk. He pulled out a paper form from his desk. “Now we best hurry with this. I’m expecting a very important call soon.”

             “Okay.” replied Ditzy.

             “Now Derpy have you…” Ditzy cut him off. “Oh I beg your pardon ,but it’s Ditzy, not Derpy.”

             Mr. Rich looked at her with a confused look. “Yes that’s what you said before but I thought you misspoke.”

              “Oh well no it’s Ditzy.” she replied a little awkwardly.

                “Are you sure?” he asked “Um yes I’m pretty sure Ditzy’s my name.” she said with a reassuring tone.

                 “Well it says here on the form I received from Spit Fire that your name is Derpy.”

              “Oh,” chuckled Ditzy, “She must’ve gotten it mixed up with my real name. See a lot of my friends and some other people I know call me Derpy as a little nickname ,because of obvious reasons.”

              “Oh yes.” said Mr. Rich, “I noticed that. Can you see well?”

               “Oh yes. It’s just a neurological defect I was born with. But I mean sometimes my vision gets a little blurry and a can get a little off track and clumsy.”

                 “Clumsy and off track?” repeated Mr. Rich. It now occurred to Ditzy that this was an interview for a job at the bank where numbers and precise managing was done and mentioning such flaws would not be a desired aspect for such a job. But it was too late.

                  “Well.” said Mr. Rich stiffly getting up from his desk and walking to the door. “I’m sorry to say that this concludes our little meeting.” “W-what?’ asked Ditzy a little taken back.

                   “I’ll tell Spit Fire that we had a nice little chat ,but we best keep looking for a better dealing.” “But I don’t understand.” said Ditzy almost whimpering, "You never asked me questions or anything yet.”

                 “No need.” responded Mr. Rich, “One thing that you must understand and that I will give to you straight is that such qualities as yours just aren’t fit for this kind of job or any other that I know of to be honest.”

                "B-but.” stammered Ditzy. “It’s simple Miss Hooves. Having a job of any kind requires focus, concentration, and to be keen. All of which you frankly don’t seem to withhold. So with that I bid you good luck and have a nice day.”

               Ditzy frowned and slowly walked out sullenly. “Oh well thanks anyway.” she said.

               “Don’t be upset. It’s just business.” Ditzy started heading out the door. “There is a quality that is kind of jovial about you though.” added Mr. Rich.

               “Really?” said Ditzy turning back.

                “Yes, yes.” said Mr. Rich, “Your name of course.”

                 “Ditzy?” asked Ditzy confused.

                   “No no.” said Mr. Rich, “The other one. What was it? Oh yes, Derpy! The name Derpy. It’s catchy and it’s the first name I’ve heard of that truly fits its owner, besides me. Seriously though, I know of no one else who fits that name better than you. Good job!” he chuckled to himself and with that closed the door on Ditzy.

                “Oh, um thanks.” said Ditzy softly as she left...

         For weeks Ditzy interviewed for other jobs and positions in Pony Ville. She tried all other things on the list Spit Fire gave her but all turned her down because of the same reasons as Mr. Rich. Some employers had turned her down nicely ,but others were just as bitter of taste as Mr. Rich at the bank.

         Ditzy sighed, “Mr. Rich was right.” she said as she walked down the street. She passed by shops and businesses that she saw some of her fellow class mates working in. “Because of my stupid eyes I can’t do anything.” She said grimly frustrated and disappointed.

          She walked back home and as she entered her apartment she was greeted with Spit Fire sitting at the table in the kitchen in her Wonder Bolt uniform. Next to her was Carrot Top. “Spit Fire! Carrot!” she exclaimed shocked, “What are you doing here?”

         “Well I just wanted to see how everything was going. Seems like you haven’t burned down the place…yet.” She chuckled and so did Carrot Top.

         “How’s everything doing?” she asked, “How’s your little job hunt? Have you been going down the list I left you? Carrot Top here has been telling me about how great the Gardens are.”

        “Oh how’s that?” asked Ditzy. “Oh Derpy it’s great! I’m around wonderful aromas of all sorts!”

        “Oh that’s good.” said Ditzy, a little jealous of her. “What about you?” asked Carrot Top.

           “Well to be honest, both of you, things haven’t been going very good.”

            “What do you mean?” Spit Fire asked.

            Ditzy began crying, “All because of my stupid eyes I can’t get a job anywhere! They even all remember what happened at the talent show and all because of that and my problem I can’t get a stupid job. I thought it was going to be over by now and every-pony would look past this but no! Mr. Rich at the bank, Mrs. Coat, and every-pony!” Spit Fire put her hooves over Ditzy and tried to comfort her, “Oh Ditzy…”

              “Did you try in CloudsDale?” asked Carrot Top, “You’re a Pegasus and they’ve got lots of jobs up there.”

             “No.” Ditzy responded, “If I go back I’ll have to take that flying test allowing me to do anything up there and every-pony knows I wouldn’t pass that test if my life depended on it.”

              "Oh, I know!” exclaimed Carrot Top ecstatically, “You could work at the Green Houses with me! We’d be together all the time and…”

               Ditzy cut her off, “I’m allergic to a lot of things. Remember that was why I couldn’t go to the farm field trip at Sweet Apple Acres?”

             “Oh right.” responded Carrot Top, slightly embarrassed.

               “Haven’t any of your other class mates been able to help you out in any way at all?” asked Spit Fire.

               “No.” replied Ditzy grimly.

               “Ditzy, hun. You’re a smarter mare than you look like. I’m sure that there is something out there for you to do.”

              “Not likely.” Ditzy replied, “I tried everything on your list.”

               “Everything except the Post Office.” stated Carrot Top, looking at the checked off list ,then showing it to Spit Fire and Ditzy.

              “What?” asked Ditzy. “Well I mean it’s the only one that’s not crossed off.” said Carrot Top.

             “Oh, I was thinking about heading there today but thought it was no use.”

             “What are you talking about?” said Spit Fire, “You don’t know that. You should go quick before they close.”

              “Why?” resisted Ditzy, “So I can just get shunned out again?”

              “Ditzy, for me, please go.” Ditzy looked hard at Spit Fire and thought about it then obliged. “Fine.” she said, “I’ll go.” And with that she left.

              Ditzy went inside the Post Office and knocked at the door of the manager’s office.

             “Come in.” a shy voice said. Ditzy entered the room and at a small desk a very plump stallion sat.

             He was an old stallion wearing a mail carriers hat and had on a pair of large eye glasses. One of which was missing a lens.

             “Hello, I’m Ditzy.” said Ditzy cautiously entering the room, “I’m here to apply for a job as a mail carrier.” “Oh yes Derpy I’ve been expecting you. I’m Mr. Bumble, head mail stallion.”

           “Excuse me Mr. Bumble” Ditzy said, “Where did you get Derpy from? Did Spit Fire get it mixed up with…”

           “Who’s Spit Fire?” asked Mr. Bumble, but before either of them could answer Mr. Bumbled continued, “You just seem kind of Derpy.” Ditzy rolled her eyes at this ,but as she did so her eyes ended up rolling in all directions like a pair of googly eyes.

          “Hahaha” Laughed Mr. Bumble immused, “Look at e'm things go!” Ditzy was just about to turn back out the door to leave when Mr. Bumble asked, “Can you see with those things?”

         “Yes.” replied Ditzy annoyed, but surprisingly it ended at that.

          “Wow.” exclaimed Mr. Bumble, “Truly impressive.” Ditzy nodded at this awkwardly. “Now Derpy,” Ditzy opened her mouth to say something ,but closed it again realizing this guy wasn’t “quite right in the head” such like herself, so therefore she ignored it.

          “As for that mail carrier position,” Mr. Bumble continued, “There is only one position open and it is you and one other mare who also happens to be a Pegasus. The way we usually settle things like this is by having a small contest of who can mail three letters to residents around Pony Ville and report back in the quickest amount of time.”

            “Really?” asked Ditzy shaky at this.

           “Yes.” replied Mr. Bumble, “Now we’ve been getting an over load of mail lately so we must get started and determine the winner very quickly.”

            “Oh.” Ditzy was a little taken back. She was coming here for a simple interview but instead she was being told that she had to race for position as mail carrier. Since this obviously required direction and persistence, two t out of many things that Ditzy was not good about at all, things were not going good for her so far… But there was still chance being offered up she realized. It all just depends on who her competitor was.

             “All right.” said Mr. Bumble, let’s send in this other mare. Mr. Bumble pressed a button on an intercom, “Leash, could you send in Rainbow Dash for us please?” The lady on the other end responded.

              “Yes Mr. Bumble ,she’s on her way.”

               A moment later a blue Pegasus with a colorful rainbow mane came in the room.

             “You wanted to see me Mr. Bumble” she asked.

             “Yes. We are going to have a race for the new position of mail carrier. “What!” she exclaimed, “But Mr. Bumble you said that position was mine!”

            “I said we’d see.” Mr. Bumble snapped back, “and with that stubborn attitude of yours, your chances are already slim.”

           “Fine.” gave in Rainbow Dash. “Now this is your competitor.” said Mr. Bumble, introducing Ditzy to Rainbow Dash.

             “Hia!” greeted Ditzy cheerfully, “I’m Ditzy, but as everyone else does I guess you can call me Derp…”

             “Ha!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash, interrupting. ”This is who I’m up against for the stupid position? Look at her eyes!” Ditzy ignored this and continued, “I’ve heard around Pony Ville you’re a pretty good athlete.”

                “Pretty good?” snapped back Rainbow Dash, “I’m one of the best! But yeah thanks, and I know you too Derpy.”

               “Oh.”

                “Yeah I hear you’re quite the show case pony.” Ditzy assumed this remark was directed towards the Nightmare Night performance years back.

                “They still remember that huh?” asked Ditzy sarcastically.

               “Yup.” replied Rainbow Dash, "Clear as day."

               “Okay now girls, enough chat and let’s get started.” said Mr. Bumble hurriedly, “Now here are your bag of letters and here are your routes and addresses.”

                He gave each of them a satchel containing the letters and a paper attached to a clip board for each of them listing their routes and addresses.  “Now.”  Mr. Bumble paused, “Let’s make this quick so… Go!” With that Rainbow Dash bolted out of the office, through the front door, and out of the Post Office before Ditzy even left the room.

               On her way out Mr. Bumble called after Ditzy. Ditzy turned back and Mr. Bumble said, “One thing she never can really get is that slow and steady wins the race.” as he winked at Ditzy, “Good luck!”

            “Oh, thank you!” said Ditzy. Then she sprung out of the Post Office and went straight to work.