//------------------------------//
// Chapter 3 
// Story: Soul Mark 
// by niightear 
//------------------------------//

She and Gilda seemed to grow closer.

Did she not realize the gray mark clearly printed on her wing, identical to my cutie mark?

Did Gilda not notice?

Did nopony notice my heartbroken expression?

The answer to all of these?

Yes.

Nopony noticed, nopony knew what happened when I'd sneak out of the bunkers in the middle of the night.

Slip to the bathroom.

And there was where I'd pull out a razor - intended so any colts could shave - and cut.

I'd quickly bandage the wounds.

And sneak back, not letting anypony see.

And then cry.

This repeated for so long...

I was starting to feel woozy almost daily, unable to focus on flight practice.

I'd almost fallen down a few times, but my animal friends helped me.

They cared.

And whenever I saw her and Gilda do almost anything, I'd feel even worse, as if my heart was getting torn out of my body.

They teamed up for partner activities.

They flew together during freetime.

They ate together at lunchtime.

While I was just in the bathroom, alone in a stall with a razor and maybe one of my animal friends.

And then, one day, it was too much.

I forgot to bandage up the wounds, and trotted back to the bunkers.

The doctor said that if I had just bandaged them up, nopony would know.

And then, I lost my balance.

I fell.

Fear coursed through my veins.

I might never get to see her again!

But as I reached a peace, one thought was in my mind.

At least she and Gilda will be happy.

And then, I heard a bellow in a familiar voice.

I could make out my name.

In her voice.