"Just like that, Apple Bloom... all nice and gentle-like..."
Tiny yellow hooves placed a bouquet of orange blossoms against a gray stone with a mare's name.
"Like so?" the little filly's voice squeaked. A red bow flounced above a scarlet mane.
"Eeyup." Applejack patted the little sister's shoulder. "That's perfect."
"They smell nice."
"Roseluck grew them in her own garden." Applejack adjusted the stetson until it sat squarely on her blonde head. "According to her, they smell finer than any of the orchards that grow outside of Manehattan."
"That's nice." Apple Bloom sat back on the hilltop, blinking nervously. "You think she's tellin' the truth?"
Applejack guffawed. She patted Apple Bloom again. "Reckon so. But yer an Apple, ain't ya?" She raised an eyebrow. "You should be able to tell!"
Apple Bloom frowned. "Feels like I just can't read other ponies half the time."
"You used to insist on knowin' everything about everypony..." Applejack leaned down and lovingly nuzzled the filly through her mane. "You was like a psychic crystal ball whenever Granny or I carried ya into town!"
"Applejaaaaaaaaack..." Apple Bloom frowned and shoved the mare's face away. "I ain't a baby no more!"
"Heheheh... not from where I'm standin'."
"Shhhh! Ma and Pa..."
"Oh now you wanna be all respectful-like!"
"Yeah? So?" Apple Bloom pouted. "What's wrong with that?"
"Nothin', sugarcube." Applejack smiled. "You just be you."
"Just be me..." Apple Bloom took a deep breath, staring at the graves. "I... I can just talk to them?"
"Mmmmhmmm." Applejack nodded.
"Like... what do I say?" Apple Bloom's voice took on a somber breath. "What will it even matter?"
Applejack's eyes narrowed. "However it matters to you," she said warmly. "Be honest."
"Be honest..." Apple Bloom nodded. A nervous gulp, and she stared at the dull stones once again. "Be honest... okay." A crooked smile graced her muzzle. "Uhhhh... Hey Ma! Hey Pa!" She waved. "It's yer lil' Apple Bloom! Only... uh... reckon I ain't so little no more..."
Applejack smiled and rested a hoof on Apple Bloom's shoulder. "There ya go... yer doin' fine..."
"I... uh... I made a friend at school this week!" Apple Bloom's ears twitched. She smiled nervously. "Her name's Twist. And she's super funny and she wears thick glasses and has this silly lisp."
"Y'all hear that?" Applejack beamed at the two graves. "Our little Apple Bloom is makin' her way through the social circles!"
"But... uhm... Twist's pappa ain't got red curls like she does," Apple Bloom's muzzle scrunched. "I'm startin' to think that Twist's momma has been pluckin' seeds from the milk stallion."
"Snkkkkt—Hah hah hah hah!" Applejack exploded into laughter.
"What?!" Apple Bloom spun around, pouting. "You told me to be honest!"
"Whew-weee! Apple Bloom, wait until I tell Granny 'bout that! Just where did she leave her favorite belt?!"
"What?! No! Don't tell Granny, AJ!"
"Hahahaha—"
"Ajaaaaaaaaaaaay—!"