//------------------------------//
// 11. 
// Story: The Mystery of Applejack's Parents 
// by Musical_theatre_demon 
//------------------------------//

Bright Mac walked into Sweet Apple Acres, gulping. He was afraid of how Granny Smith was going to respond, but he knocked on the door anyway. 

"Hello? Who's there?" Granny Smith said, slowly making her way to the door. 

Applejack, Big Macintosh, and Apple Bloom used all their strength to push her away. 

"You should really let us handle this, Granny," Applejack said. "You are gettin' pretty old." 

"Hmph! Old, my flank! How is it you youngsters have all this energy to do useless things?" Granny Smith said, trotting away. 

Applejack went to the door, smiling. "Why, if it ain't Dad," she said. "How are you? How are things?" 

Bright Mac smiled. "I'm good. Your mother's doing well too," he said. "We're just... going through some difficulties right now." 

The Apple Siblings' faces fell. 

"What kinda difficulties?" Applejack asked. 

"It's nothing," Bright Mac said. "You deserve a life of happiness that we cannot give you." 

"Why's that?" Applejack asked. "What is this about happiness that you can't give us? What is that supposed to mean? If something is goin' on, I deserve to know as your daughter!" 

"Applejack, it's for the best," Bright Mac said. "You'll find out later." 

He turned away and left, closing the barn doors behind him. Applejack, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom watched in sorrow. They felt like they'd never find out until they were gone. And that was true.