“Guess who graduated from Wonderbolts Academy?”

”Momma!” Skydancer sped to the front door with Starflower not far behind. “You passed! Does that mean you’re a Wonderbolt?”

“A Reserve, but yep! Took the test and everything!” She sat down and opened her forelegs wide. “C’mere you two!”

As happy as she was, Storm Strike only felt remorse as her twins entered her embrace. Remorse for all the resentment, bitterness, and doubt she had felt all those years. Remorse for seeing them as burdens who would only get in the way of achieving her dreams. And remorse for not being the mom she should have been.

”I’m sorry…” Storm whispered shakily, holding her kids tighter than ever before. She now realized that they were blessings, not burdens. She had been so wrong before.

”Momma? What’s wrong?” Skydancer pulled back to look at her.

”Are…are you crying?” Starflower asked softly.

”I’m just happy, is all.” Storm brushed a wing across her eyes and ruffled the twins’ manes. “Now who wants to go to Hayburger to celebrate your Momma getting in the big leagues!”

”I do!”

They all laughed and headed out the door to celebrate this big accomplishment for all three of them.