//------------------------------//
// An Unwelcome Respite 
// Story: An Apple Alone 
// by Blue Thrush 
//------------------------------//

A single tree stood tall and mighty upon a hill. Her treasures were intact on her branches, glistening bright red beneath the shining sun. Water from a recent rainfall that had taken temporary residence in her leaves continued to sprinkle out onto the earth below, where the tree had grasped on tightly with long, thick roots. She stood overlooking vast fields and hills blanketed with many others of her kind, some whose treasures were gone, others who were still painted in shades of green, red, and yellow. A gentle breeze served to expedite the exodus of moisture from the tree’s healthy foliage, but she would not be going anywhere.

From her days as a little sapling, to the present where she towered over her kin, the tree had always overlooked all. Her gratitude was unending towards the one who traveled so far and expended much effort to plant her at this very spot. The one who came to visit, to laugh, to cry, to sulk, to cheer. The one who brought others along, to show off the tree’s beautiful bark and strong branches.

The one who was, at this very moment, attempting another visit.

Legs filled with lead, a young mare approached at a snail’s pace. She seemed to require all of her focus to simply get one hoof forward, but appeared determined to reach her destination. She didn’t understand why exactly, but somehow she knew that if she could reach that tree — her tree — all of her problems would evaporate along with the remnants of the earlier rain shower.

The pony’s gaze remained focused on her prize, never wavering, never blinking. No matter how much it hurt, no matter how much effort was required, she was going to make it. As she completed another painful step forward, she noted a small bird coming to a rest on her tree, daintily perching on the edge of a thin branch. It cocked its head one way, then another, then turned to stare at the encroaching equine with a curious look. Its beak parted, but the pony heard nothing. With ears now perked forward, she focused harder to hear what the bird had to say.

*beep.*

The mare tilted her head curiously. What an odd birdsong. The creature appeared spurred on by the single audience member, and opened up once more.

*beep. beep.*

In the blink of an eye, the bird was perched on the pony’s ear, bending over and singing right into it.

*beep. beep. beep.*

Apple Bloom’s eyes fluttered open weakly. Her cheek rested against a soft, white pillow, which felt cool and comforting. The rest of Apple Bloom was hidden from view, under a large purple comforter. The bed she rested on felt a little foreign to her, but she was barely conscious enough to take notice.

*beep. beep. beep.*

Apple Bloom’s free ear twitched at the continuing monotone that was emanating from... somewhere. The small, enclosed room bounced sound around haphazardly, throwing off perception and leaving Apple Bloom’s still-awakening mind frazzled. As she continued to laboriously open her eyelids fully, something clicked.

The beeping was that of a heart rate monitor. Apple Bloom was in the hospital.

Why would she be there, Apple Bloom wondered. She had no time to rest, since there was a big test the next day. That meant no crusading, and that usually meant no serious bodily harm.

Wait, she thought groggily. That wasn’t it. It was... Applebuck Season! She and the family had a lot of work to do! 

...No, it was too early for that. Applejack led that corral, and was always on top of things. No, what Apple Bloom had to do was something else. She knew that she was supposed to be doing something... something important... Apples... Applebucking... A harvest...

Apple Bloom’s eyes shot wide open as memories came flooding back. She was on the ground. Unable to move. Everything going black. She gasped at the vividness, only to cough weakly in response to the involuntary reaction. She moaned pitifully, the beeping in the room becoming more rapid. Her thoughts raced back to the last thing she remembered. Why had she fainted...?

Apple Bloom flinched suddenly as a sharp prick of pain poked her under the covers. Right, that’s what it was. She was almost afraid to look and see what damage had been done, daintily lifting her covers to peek at the injury that had blighted her applebucking efforts. When she finally managed to lift the blanket high enough to see, she sighed, disappointed. She saw her leg wrapped up in a sterile bandage from her hoof to her hock. Apple Bloom groaned and let the blanket fall, along with her head and her spirits. She took a couple deep, slow breaths, worn out from the simple act. 

So sleepy... It was taking the young mare every effort just to keep her eyes open, and even that was a losing battle. In a few short moments, the beeping slowed as the young mare fell right back into a deep, and this time dreamless, slumber.




It looked like not much of the day had passed when Apple Bloom woke up again. She blinked her eyes open slowly, letting out a large, unabashed yawn as she attempted to stretch her weak forelegs. Unlike last time, she at least had the strength to rotate her head around, to look around the room. She didn’t notice anypony, the single bed in the room taking up most of the space. What she did notice was the sterile smell in the room. Fitting for a hospital, she figured, though she did rub at her snout idly to dispel the sharp odor. The door to her room was closed, offering nothing useful to Apple Bloom when she scanned over it. All she could garner from her observations was that the hospital was, in fact, staffed. She was able to pick up faint hoofsteps from beyond the door when they could overpower the beeping coming from what she figured was her own monitor.

“Where...” she stopped herself, rubbing at her throat. Her voice sounded croaky and dry. To her dismay, she didn’t find any water nearby, and didn’t have the strength to leave the bed. “Where... is everypony?” she wondered aloud, though her voice was barely above a whisper. Surely somepony had found her and brought her here? To her surprise, she got a response.

Two paws perched onto the foot of the mattress, followed soon by Winona’s head, peeking up curiously. When she saw Apple Bloom awake, she barked twice and clambered up onto the bed, wobbling across the uneven surface and laying down beside Apple Bloom, smothering the young mare’s cheek in affectionate kisses.

“H-hey! Hey Winona...” Apple Bloom said, beginning to reprimand the collie on instinct, but quickly discarding the idea in favor of not ruining the moment. She leaned into the kisses gently, reaching her forelegs around Winona to hug her closely. “Ah’m alright, girl, Ah’m here an’ all better... Ah think.” Winona simply lay there as she was cuddled, elated that Apple Bloom had finally woken up. She kissed Apple Bloom on the cheek a couple more times before simply settling down beside the pony, while Apple Bloom began petting her.

Apple Bloom kept up with the pettings for a moment, getting drowsy again. She was just nodding off when a knock jolted her awake. Before she could say anything, the door swung open. A sky blue stallion with a brown mane and tail entered, dressed in a simple lab coat and floating a clipboard in front of his face, just below his eyes. He strode up with purpose to Apple Bloom’s bedside, looking down to the younger mare. He set the clipboard aside and smiled warmly. “Good afternoon, Miss Apple Bloom,” he said in a crisp, calm tone.

Apple Bloom looked up to the doctor and offered a small smile in return. “Howdy, doc,” she responded, placating a fidgeting Winona by resuming petting. “Do ya’ know where my Granny’s at? Ah woulda thunk she’d be here...” She looked out the window for a moment, gaze distant. The cloudy day was not offering her any encouragement.

The doctor’s smile never faltered. He looked to the curtains and shuttered them, seeing the adverse effect the weather was having on the young mare. “Your grandmother left not too long ago, to take care of a few errands, I believe,” he answered. “She’s been by your bedside the whole time otherwise. Her and your pet, too,” he said, giving Winona a humorous glance, “despite hospital policy.” He cleared his throat. “But now onto you, Miss Apple Bloom. I’m glad you’re awake now. How are you feeling?” 

Apple Bloom shrugged with one side. “Ah’m alright, Ah guess, but Ah feel pretty worn out. Hoof’s a bit itchy too, though Ah’m guessin’ ya’ know all about mah little injury.” 

The doctor nodded in affirmation, before lighting his horn up in a glimmer of taupe. The beeping heart rate monitor was silenced, much to Apple Bloom’s relief. He pulled back Apple Bloom’s covers gently with his magic, down just past her belly. He then levitated a stethoscope out of his coat pocket, donning the instrument and placing the chest piece on Apple Bloom’s now-exposed barrel. Apple Bloom flinched upon contact, but was too weak to really move all that much. The doctor furrowed his brow a moment as he worked, repositioning the chestpiece a few times to listen in on Apple Bloom’s heart and lungs, before pocketing the stethoscope. Apple Bloom stretched out her forelegs and fought back a yawn, unsuccessfully. “What’s yer name, doc?”

“Proctor,” he answered curtly, taking a pen out and jotting a few notes down on the clipboard.

Apple Bloom giggled softly. “Hey, that’s fittin’! Rhymes was doctor!”

Proctor exhaled slowly. “So it does,” he acknowledged, moving the conversation forward and giving Apple Bloom another smile. “I suppose you’d like to know what happened to you?” He gently removed the covers from the rest of Apple Bloom and revealed the bandaged leg.

“Ah sure do,” she said with as much enthusiasm as she could muster, which didn’t amount to much. She peered down at herself curiously, letting out a small cough in the process. “Ah’m parched, though. Could Ah get somethin’ ta drink?”

“Of course,” Proctor nodded, calling out for a nurse to fetch some water. He then cleared his throat once more and stood up straighter. “Miss Apple Bloom, you’re recovering from an infection. One that seemed to originate from the exposed wound located on your right posterior coronet. Said wound was already mostly healed, but what got into you had already made it in. We’ve cleaned and sterilized it, though at this point it’s healed itself up on its own.” Proctor paused a moment to reference his clipboard, then quickly resumed. “Now normally this particular strain isn’t terribly harmful, perhaps causing some pain to radiate from the infected area before being eradicated by your own natural defenses. However, your body’s immune system was in a weaker state due to a large amount of strain on your system: Your body had no energy to defend itself.”

Apple Bloom’s eyes went wide as Proctor explained. That made it sound like whatever got into her was going to do some serious damage. “What kind of infection? Is it bad now cuz of me bein’ so tired? Am I gonna get really sick?”

Proctor smiled down at Apple Bloom and shook his head. “Not at all, Miss Apple Bloom. We were able to clear out the infection and made sure that you were recuperating. Once you fell unconscious, and with a little help from us, you were able stave off the infection safely. And given our findings stemming from observing you,” he tapped the clipboard, “you’re as healthy as an ox.”

Apple Bloom sighed in relief, smiling brightly. “Well that’s good news! Why am Ah so tuckered, though? It’s only…” she squinted at a clock on the wall “...’bout an hour since Ah reckon Ah fainted. S’pose Ah don’t know exactly when I did, but it hasn’t been that long.”

Proctor frowned. “Miss Apple Bloom, you’ve been here for quite some time, and asleep for most of it, in fact. You’re healthy, but understandably still tired from the recovery processes.” He paused a moment, hesitating. “You... were brought in yesterday, approximately 25 hours ago,” he informed, double-checking his notes. “Ah. 26 hours ago.”

Apple Bloom’s mouth fell open. “What?! Ya’ mean it’s... Wednesday?!” She flailed weakly on her back, Winona scooting away from the wiggling and looking concerned.

“Yes yes it is, Miss Apple Bloom, please calm yourself,” Proctor said quickly, putting a gentle hoof onto the squirming pony’s shoulder in an attempt to calm her down. Apple Bloom stopped fidgeting, but still had a look of grave panic written all over her face. “I’m aware of your schedule. Granny Smith told me all about it. You’ll do yourself no favors if you overexert yourself right now. Take a few deep breaths and calm down.”

Apple Bloom tried to do as instructed, while also holding back a fresh wave of anxiety threatening to send her into a panic. At that moment, a nurse came in with the previously requested drink and a pitcher. Proctor immediately took them up in his magic, nodding in thanks to the nurse before turning back to Apple Bloom. “I thought you’d realized how much time had passed. I should probably have waited for your grandmother to inform you, and I apologize.” He floated the pitcher to a nightstand, and the cup and straw near Apple Bloom’s muzzle. “Here, drink up.”

Apple Bloom nodded, still taking some deep breaths to keep her panic at bay. She finally clamped down on the straw that was offered, gulping down most of the cup’s contents before sighing in relief. “Sorry,” she breathed, “Ah’ll try ta stay calm, but… ya’ know what’s at stake? What kinda order Ah got waitin’ fer me?”

“He sure does, youngin’,” an elderly voice called out from the hall. “Ah was gonna ask somepony if ya’ woke up yet, but then ya’ answered for me, what with yer hollerin’ reachin’ the farm an’ back.” 

Granny Smith walked into the room, smiling to the exiting nurse before beaming at Apple Bloom. She looked tired and ragged, but still stood strong, hiding her weariness. She nodded once to Proctor, who nodded back and stepped away from the bed. “I have other patients, but I’ll be back shortly. Don’t hesitate to ask for anything, Miss Apple Bloom. You should be released this evening, but until then, please, stay in bed.” With a final nod and smile, Proctor left the room and closed the door behind him with a whisk of magic.

“Granny!” Apple Bloom exclaimed, sitting up and flopping forward near the edge of the bed towards her grandmother. Granny caught Apple Bloom in her fall and hugged her tightly. Winona barked and bounced on the bed, nosing her way in between the two and nuzzling against them.

“Ah’m glad yer’ awake, little Apple Bloom,” Granny spoke, petting the back of Apple Bloom’s mane during the hug. She held her granddaughter there for a moment, not saying anything. “When Winona came runnin’ into town and brought us to ya’... Ah didn’t know what ta think… but Ah knew you’d tough it out and recover.”

“Granny, Ah’m fine, really,” Apple Bloom assured, not letting go of the hug just yet. She didn’t want to worry Granny any more than she probably already had. Though now that Granny brought up the events of yesterday, those memories once again surfaced in Apple Bloom’s mind. “Ah’m… Ah was a little scared...” she meekly admitted, clutching Granny tighter. “Mah hoof… it hurt so much… An’ Ah couldn’t budge, not even an inch...”

Granny leaned back to look into Apple Bloom’s eyes. “It’s over now, Darlin’,” she said softly, stroking Apple Bloom’s cheek gently and offering a smile reserved for family occasions. “Yer well again, that’s all that matters. Jus’ rest up, now.”

Apple Bloom sighed happily, nodding. “Rest sounds good,” Apple Bloom agreed, gently laying back down again. For this one moment, Apple Bloom wasn’t thinking about the farm, the order, or anything else. She felt pure relief, and was glad that Granny and Winona were there. Then, she blinked and sat up some again, leaning her back against the pillow for support. “Granny, when you said ‘us’...”

“Ah meant a good samaritan who insisted on comin’ with me when Winona bolted into town and practically dragged me back ta the farm,” Granny explained, petting Winona and smiling down to the collie. “This little doggie emptied a bowlful a’ water by the time she’d finished runnin’ all the way there and back to ya. But Ah got a bit of a lift, courtesy of a sturdy Apple family cart and a friend ta pull it along.” She smiled, and turned towards the door. “Ya’ can come in now if ya’ ain’t so busy flirtin’ with the nurses,” she called out into the hall.

The door opened and in stepped a yellow stallion with a blue mane and red cheeks. “Was not,” he huffed, before smiling and turning to the bed. “Hey Apple Bloom. Holding up well?”

Apple Bloom sat up more and beamed. “Well if it ain’t Sir Colton,” she greeted with a chuckle, which turned into a tiny cough. “Ah’m... holdin’ up. Jus’ tired is all.” She stretched again and flopped back down onto her pillow, watching Winona greet the newcomer. The collie leapt off the bed and stopped near Colton’s hooves, barking up at him. Colton acknowledged Winona with a few pets, keeping his eyes on Apple Bloom.

“I told you you didn’t have to call me sir,” he reminded with a chuckle of his own. “It’s good to see you awake. How’d you get into such a state, anyway? I mean, I knew you had some kind of massive order to fill, and I’m no stranger to those. What’d you do to earn yourself a day-long stay at the hospital?”

“She just had a little ol’ malady of some sort,” Granny explained with a dismissive wave of a hoof. “Only needs rest. Doc says she oughta be back to applebuckin’ tomorrow.”

Apple Bloom flinched. “Tomorrow?” she squeaked. “That leaves only two days and Ah’m already down that much! We’ll never finish the—”

Granny planted a hoof firmly over Apple Bloom’s mouth. “What’d the doc say about keepin’ yerself from panickin’?” she asked calmly, retracting her hoof only after Apple Bloom nodded and sagged a bit. “Don’t you worry, Darlin’. We’re not beaten yet. There’s always another way.”

“Yeah,” Colton chimed in, taking a seat on the side of the bed opposite Granny. “I can help! I have some orders to fulfill myself, and grapes won’t spontaneously start to sell themselves at market either, but I still have free time,” he volunteered.

“Ya’ sure those soft hooves a’ yours can handle it?” Granny teased, though she did perk up at his offer. Colton laughed.

“I think I can handle it. Been reading up on some of the finer points of applebucking too. Fascinating stuff.”

“Fascinatin’ and a bunch a hooey,” Granny muttered with an indignant sniff. Apple Bloom winced, knowing exactly where this was going. “All that jibber-jabber’s jus’ hogwash made up by pony folk who think they can analyze and diagram somethin’ that comes from the heart.” She smirked at Colton. “Still, ya’ weren’t too bad the other day. But I ain’t the decider. This here’s Apple Bloom’s decision, an’ her’s alone.”

Apple Bloom sighed in relief. That wasn’t bad at all. She looked to Colton, considering his offer. Here this stallion was, offering to do some work that the Apples should be doing. Apple Bloom thoughts turned to her siblings… Were they really needed that badly down South? Why weren’t they here, instead of Apple Bloom having to rely on outside help to get her work done? Apple Bloom bit her lip... then quickly shook her head. She knew they were gone for a reason. Apple Bloom smiled to Colton and nodded her head, offering up a foreleg to him. “Sure thing, partner. Jus’ don’t slow me down when Ah get back out there.”

Colton took the offered hoof daintily and shook it. “My pleasure,” he grinned. “Should I start tonight?”

“What, with no Apples around? You’ll start tomorrow at yer earliest convenience, youngin’,” Granny addressed Colton. “Ah gotta plan some a’ this out first, anyway. Can’t just go collectin’ apples all willy nilly. Speakin’ of, Apple Bloom, Ah thought of somethin’ ta lighten the load a bit.”

Apple Bloom leaned forward curiously. “Ya’ have?”

“Nothing too great, mind, but we can sacrifice a few days’ worth a’ market product, more than we have already, anyway.” She paused and thought a moment. Even with that, Granny knew they’d still be at quite the deficit. She didn’t let it on yet, but she figured Apple Bloom may have to work a bit later than usual. Or a lot later. “Still though, it’s somethin’,” she said finally.

“Every little bit helps,” Apple Bloom chimed in. She felt encouraged, knowing that Granny Smith already had a backup plan, and one that sounded reasonable to boot. Maybe things weren’t so dire after all! “But, Granny, what about—”

“Apple Bloom!” a muffled voice cried out. Three ponies and one collie looked around the room for a second. That didn’t come from the door. A sound of a hoof knocking on glass answered their unasked question.

“Ain’t we on the fourth floor?” Granny asked.

“Sure are,” Colton confirmed, moving to the window and taking the edge of the curtains in his teeth, pulling at them and revealing an orange pegasus knocking at the window.

“Scootaloo!” Apple Bloom exclaimed with a tired smile. Colton, taking the hint, opened the window to let the pegasus in. Scootaloo zipped through and landed with two hooves up on the bed, smirking. 

“Apple Bloom! Gone crusading without me?”

Apple Bloom grinned back and shook her head. “Naw, jus’ recoverin’ from somethin’ silly.” Scootaloo looked over Apple Bloom curiously, her demeanor faltering a bit when she noticed the bandaged leg. Granny and Colton talked amongst themselves, arranging times for the stallion to show up to work at the farm. Winona bounced around Scootaloo, the pegasus’ rapid entrance riling up the collie.

“That so? When’d it happen?” Scootaloo asked. “I like just heard you were in here, and went down into the lobby to see if you were okay. They told me what room you were in but said you had visitors and I couldn’t come up, but I had to know what you got yourself into this time.” She flapped her wings idly. “Curtains were shut, but I knew which room it was! Been in this one twice before.”

Apple Bloom tilted her head. “Were you in here cuz of the thing with the vacuum or the one with the high dive?”

Scootaloo shook her head to each of the painful, memorable experiences. “It was the coconuts,” she said, shuddering a little. The two crusaders looked at each other, then giggled. “So, no cutie mark for getting sick then?” Scootaloo inquired, looking down at Apple Bloom’s blank flank. “...Or for breaking your leg, apparently?”

Apple Bloom snorted. “Now what kinda use would a talent like that do me? An’ mah leg’s not broken, it’s just the cracked hoof again.”

“Weeelll…” Scootaloo pondered, “you could get outta school whenever you wanted. Big test? No problem, just give yourself a fever!” She smirked at the idea.

“Tell ya what: once ya’ get your cutie mark in pratfallin’, Ah’ll get mine in fallin’ ill,” Apple Bloom teased.

Scootaloo giggled, then looked over Apple Bloom again. “...You sure you’re alright? You look… more hurt and run down than you’re letting on.” Her smile faded.

“Ah told ya’ Ah’m good. Just tuckered,” Apple Bloom assured, noting Scootaloo looking at her bandage again. “An’ mah hoof’s all good too. Just needed ta be steril’d, er sterlized, er somesuch.”

Scootaloo nodded, shifting her eyes from side to side before quickly leaning onto the bed to give Apple Bloom a hug, who returned it unabashedly.

“Aww…” Colton couldn’t help himself. Granny gave him a poke in the ribs as Scootaloo stood up straight on four hooves again, her cheeks burning a little.

“So how long you gonna be here?” she asked rapidly. Before Apple Bloom could answer, a larger pegasus swooped through the window, conjuring up a brush of wind in his wake. Granny and Colton braced against the gust, Apple Bloom holding a hoof over her eyes. Winona quickly buried herself under the covers. Only Scootaloo seemed unaffected. “Oh, hey Dad,” she said casually. “Don’t worry, Apple Bloom’s fine.”

“How’s Apple Bl—oh,” Gale Force stopped himself mid-sentence. He folded in his wings since the small room was starting to get cramped, offering an apologetic smile to Granny and Colton. “Well that’s good! I just had to know, you know? Scootaloo was taking too long to get back to me, so I decided to take a peek!” He shuffled over to the side of the bed. Winona poked her head out from under the covers and barked in greeting. Gale petted Winona some, before turning to Apple Bloom. “So you’re fine then?” he confirmed.

“Right as rain,” Apple Bloom beamed. She didn’t mind so many visitors despite the small area. She had the whole bed to herself, after all, giving her plenty of breathing room. 

Granny, meanwhile, shut the window and closed the curtains and grinned. “Wonder jus’ how many more pony folk are gonna drop in unannounced,” she wondered aloud, giving the underside of the bed a suspicious glance before edging her way in between Gale and Scootaloo. “Sure all this company ain’t troublin’ you, Darlin’?”

“Naw, Granny, it’s kinda nice actually,” Apple Bloom answered, stretching her forelegs up behind her head and smiling to everyone. “Actually, Mister Gale Force, you free the next couple days?”

Gale scratched his head, pondering. “Maybe if I can convince Cold Front to gimme some time off, and she’ll only do that if I can make a strong case,” he said. “What’s the occasion?”

Colton took a spot at the foot of the bed and spoke up. “Thanks to Apple Bloom’s little injury here, she’s a little behind schedule on a critical order of apples that must go out on Friday. Kind of an ‘all hooves on deck’ sort of affair,” he explained, sticking out a hoof to Gale. “By the way, nice to meet you. Sir Colton Vines the Third, at your service.”

Gale blinked at the offered hoof, then grinned and substituted the offered hoof shake with a hoof bump. “Gale Force. ‘Sup?”

Scootaloo looked between Gale and Colton as they made small talk, then glanced back to Apple Bloom. “Wait, you need help?” she asked her friend. “I can help! I mean, I know me and Sweetie Belle didn’t exactly help last time, but this time’ll be different!”

Gale peered over his shoulder at Scootaloo. “You can help, Scootaloo, after school, and after you do your homework,” he said.

“But Dad, she like, needs as much help as possible!” Scootaloo claimed, turning back to Apple Bloom. “You do need a lot of help, right?”

“Well, it sounds like Ah’m gettin’ lots a’ help already, so, uh…” Apple Bloom looked uncertain, then realized what it would mean if she said Scootaloo was needed full time. “Ah mean, yup! Need all hooves on’ the deck, like Colton said,” she smiled hopefully to the adults in the room. Apple Bloom did actually feel that the extra help was warranted, plus she couldn’t let slip an opportunity to let a fellow Cutie Mark Crusader get out of school. Granny put a hoof to her chin.

“I won’t deny we’re needin’ a lotta help,” she addressed Scootaloo, “but Ah think it’s best ya’ do yer schoolin’ ‘fore ya come over. Farmin’s hard work, and doin’ it all day long might be a little taxin’ fer ya’. Can’t have ya’ snoozin’ in class.”

“But I won’t get that tired, I’ve got lots of energy!” Scootaloo protested, wings buzzing. She glanced from Granny to her father, who was nodding in agreement with the elderly pony. Scootaloo sighed and frowned, furling her wings. “Alright,” she relented. “But the second I’m done with homework I’ll be there! You too, Dad?”

Gale shrugged. “Like I said, it hinges on my boss letting me free,” he stated. “Hopefully I can at least take some of the more local jobs, so I can finish more quickly. Cold and I are, er, not exactly on best terms at the moment,” he said with a sigh, then muttered, “Who knew her hearing was still so good?”

Granny looked between the two orange pegasi. “That settles it then. Eight more hooves definitely makes gettin’ this order done more possible. S’long as you three don’t slow Apple Bloom down a’course,” she smiled, gratitude apparent in her eyes.

“Happy to help,” Gale affirmed, wrapping a foreleg around Scootaloo and giving her a rough jostle of a hug. “Both of us.” 

Scootaloo let a giggle escape. “Yeah, definitely!” she said, doing the same to Gale. “We’re there.”

Colton opened his mouth to throw in his own affirmation when the door swung open, and in walked a white unicorn with a worried look on her face. “Apple Bloom!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, worming her way past Colton to the opposite side of the bed, about the only free spot left in the room, as the door swung shut.

“Here we go again,” Apple Bloom chuckled, pre-empting any questions from her worried friend by sitting up and taking a deep breath. “Ah’m fine and Ah’ll be home tonight but Ah did lose farmin’ time and Ah need a little help an Colton and Gale and Scootaloo are already helpin’ and if you wanna help too you can but ya’ won’t be allowed ta skip school so ya’ can come over after school and help.” She punctuated her run-on explanation with a few weak coughs.

Sweetie Belle stood a little dumbfounded at this, as Granny gave Apple Bloom some water to sip. “...Oh,” Sweetie said simply, deflating as most of her questions were answered in the span of a few seconds. “Guess I, er… You need help on the farm? Like with the apples you’re picking off the trees?”

Granny nodded. “And if you want, ya’ can help. We’re by no means forcin’, but Ah can’t deny that more hooves wouldn’t be better right about now.”

Sweetie beamed. “I’d love to help! I mean after we tried the other day and made things worse, I want to make up for it!” She then blinked and looked down at Apple Bloom. “Oh, and I’m glad you’re okay! That’s why I came here, of course.”

“Hey, how’d you get in here anyway?” Scootaloo asked. “I tried and they wouldn’t let me up, so me and Dad had to find our own way in.” She glanced to the window and smirked at her two friends.

“Hm? Oh it wasn’t hard,” Sweetie explained with the wave of a hoof. “I just found a nurse and looked at her like this.” Sweetie Belle puffed out her lower lip and widened her eyes, making her lip quiver for added effect. Then her face reverted and she giggled. “Works every time!”

“Against lightweights maybe,” Granny critiqued, though she did have a hint of a smirk on her face. “Thinkin’ maybe even that won’t be able ta cram another pony in here, though,” she noted, looking around the small room. Her smirk became a grin as she glanced around at all in attendance. “Still, though, this is mighty kind of y’all ta show up for Apple Bloom and offer yer services to her. Very neighborly of y’all ta lend a helpin’ hoof since the family’s not around.”

Warm smiles were shared throughout the room as Granny continued giving her thanks, though Apple Bloom’s freckled face maintained a dedicated frown. Her mood worsened at the mention of the word family, the young mare looking down at her own forehooves. Ugly thoughts surfaced in her mind as she tuned Granny out. Apple Bloom was grateful to all of her friends, of course, but why did they have to make sacrifices? Why wasn’t her family around when Sweet Apple Acres needed them? When she needed them? Surely Applejack and Big Macintosh could’ve come home a little early to help, especially if their food situation was so dire? Why were Apple Bloom’s siblings exempt from coming to help?

What about her parents?

Apple Bloom looked up to say something, only to find six pairs of eyes looking to her, Winona included. “You okay, Sugarcube?” Granny asked.

“Ah’m…” Apple Bloom started to respond, looking around the room. She sighed. “...fine.” She didn’t want to upset her friends, especially after only just volunteering to help her out. But it was something she needed to get off her chest. “But Granny, why—”

A couple knocks interrupted Apple Bloom, the door opening as Doctor Proctor entered. Or tried to. There was enough room for the door to swing open, and that was it. Proctor looked around the room with a face betraying his surprise and slight annoyance. “Throwing a party?” he asked. His question was answered with some amused looks, along with a couple guilty ones. Proctor cleared his throat and stood up straight. “This young lady needs her rest, I can’t even get into the room to see my own patient, and I’m sure that several fire safety codes are being violated here.” He gave a stern look to the uninvited ponies in the room. “I’m afraid I have to ask all non-family members to leave.”

“Aw, but I just got here!” Sweetie Belle said, quickly putting out the puffed-out, quivering lip and the bulging eyes.

“If you’re not family, you’re leaving,” Proctor said sternly, apparently unfazed by Sweetie Belle’s attempt. Sweetie Belle pouted some, but nodded reluctantly. 

Nopony else objected to Proctor’s request. The two stallions and the two Crusaders gave Apple Bloom words of farewell before filing out of the room. As they left, Apple Bloom bit her lip and resumed sulking. The doctor had mentioned that irksome word again. Family. It was really starting to get under her skin. She placated herself temporarily by focusing in on Winona, who she reached out to and petted some. Once Colton, Gale, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle were out of the room, Proctor entered properly and shut the door, letting out a sigh. “I hate putting my hoof down like that, and I apologize for kicking your friends out,” he said humbly.

“Aw, they’ll get over it,” Granny chuckled. “We’ll be seein’ ‘em soon enough anyway. And it was a mite crowded in here too, wasn’t it, Apple Bloom?”

“Mm,” Apple Bloom grunted, still busying herself by petting Winona, who’d rested her head down on the bed contently.

“And how are you feeling, Miss Apple Bloom?” Proctor asked, moving to her bedside and readying his clipboard for note-taking. “Any pain down in your leg?”

Apple Bloom shook her head. “No. Tired still,” she answered, using the fewest words possible. 

Proctor nodded. “That’s good. At most, you should only be experiencing an occasional bout of paresthesia in the formerly infected region,” he explained, before answering the question on both Granny’s and Apple Bloom’s lips. “That means a tingling sensation around where you cracked your hoof. Pins and needles.”

“Ah,” Apple Bloom said. “How much longer ‘till Ah’m outta here, doc?”

“This evening, but if you insist on getting home as soon as possible, I’d say in about three more hours or so, just to be on the safe side,” Proctor said, checking the clock on the wall. “Around 6 P.M. Just in time for dinner.”

About the only thing that could snap Apple Bloom out of her funk came to pass, as her stomach suddenly growled loud enough for all in the room to hear. She blushed. “...Ah’m a little hungry now, actually,” she said softly. Granny and Proctor shared a small laugh.

“Well, you have been under for quite some time, so that’s no surprise,” Proctor chuckled. “I’ll see to it you get something in your belly very soon. Don’t you worry.” He jotted down a few notes, and made his way for the exit. “Someone will bring you food shortly. Rest well, Miss Apple Bloom,” he said, departing with a nod and closing the door behind him. 

Apple Bloom’s hospital room, filled to the brim with ponies only a few minutes ago, now sat nearly empty. The void left behind was filled only with the sounds of the clock ticking away and droplets of rain hitting against the window. Apple Bloom continued to stroke the back of Winona’s head slowly. Since the food situation was taken care of, her thoughts wandered back over to that of her family again. 

Granny was no stranger to Apple Bloom’s ways. She could tell that her granddaughter was stewing over something, though she couldn’t immediately identify what it was she was thinking about. She did opt to let the room fall into silence for a few minutes, moving near the window and leaving Apple Bloom to her thoughts. It gave Granny time to think about the apple situation back home, anyway. She stared out between the gaps in the curtains into the rainy grey afternoon.

“Hey Granny,” Apple Bloom finally spoke up, several minutes later. “Where are Big Mac an’ Applejack an’ Ma an’ Pa?” She stopped petting Winona and sat up more in the bed, propping her back against the pillow and headboard.

Granny Smith turned from the window to face Apple Bloom, looking puzzled. “They’re down in the grove, a’ course,” she answered neutrally.

Apple Bloom shook her head. “No, I mean… where are they?” she repeated with more conviction. “‘Specially Big Mac an’ AJ. Sweet Apple Acres is their home, and they’ve got family here, needin’ help. Why are they all huddled down South when we got responsibilities up here?”

“They got plenty a’ work down there too, Sugarcube,” Granny reminded gently, standing and walking over to the bedside. “Ya’ know they’ve got their hooves full down there, cleanin’ up after that disaster.”

“But ain’t we lookin’ ta really help out that area by gettin’ this order filled? Ain’t feedin’ the ponies more important than jus’ cleanin’ up some dumb mess?” Apple Bloom countered, staring at Granny. “Why ain’t they here, Granny?”

“Ah jus’ answered that, Apple Bloom. Don’t make me repeat myself,” Granny answered back, frowning. “Not sayin’ we don’t got a lot ta do, but they’re hurtin’ down there worse than we are up here.”

“They can’t spare even two ponies?” Apple Bloom said, sighing in exasperation. “Ah’m bustin’ my tail out there tryin’ ta get all this done, and they’re probably jus’ lazin’ after gettin’ a little cleanin’ done, enjoying time off from real work.” She rolled her eyes.

“Now hold on there, Missy,” Granny interrupted. “Ya’ ain’t in a position ta say that, as you got no idea how much work they’re puttin’ in down there. Green Apple Grove is needin’ every last hoof ta get it up and runnin’ again, attemptin’ ta salvage what wasn’t already lost. If your brother an’ sister pack up now an’ travel, they’d spend a day gettin’ here, an’ then a day goin’ back once done, and that’s just waste.” She sighed, moving to give Apple Bloom a hug. “Ah know you’ve done more than your fair share, Apple Bloom, and—”

“No!” Apple Bloom exclaimed, batting Granny’s outreaching foreleg away. Winona winced at the hit, making herself scarce and scurrying under the covers. Granny looked shocked, glancing from her foreleg back to the fuming Apple Bloom. “Ah’ve done much more than my ‘fair share’, Ah’ve been doin’ the whole share! Every last cotton-pickin’ apple’s been my doin’, an’ Ah’ve got the hooves to show fer it!” She flipped off the covers to reveal her back hooves along with Winona. When Apple Bloom exposed the collie, she curled up into a ball and whined quietly. She hated arguing, and didn’t know what to do to make them stop, so she did her best to not get involved, and to not make things worse.

Apple Bloom ignored Winona and pointed down at her back hooves. One was still wrapped up in bandages, which spoke for itself. The other wasn’t nearly as bad, but still had its fair share of scrapes, dings, and much more minute cracks. “Ah’m tired a’ this, Granny. It ain’t fair that they’re down there an’ Ah’m up here alone, havin’ ta do this all by myself, an’... an’ it’s their fault fer puttin’ me in this situation in the first place!”

Granny opened her mouth to retort, but decided to stay quiet, to let Apple Bloom vent. She was ready for when her granddaughter was done, already holding her glass of water. When Apple Bloom did finish, she started to cough. Granny quickly refilled the cup and offered it to Apple Bloom, which she drank gratefully. 

“Now that yer muzzle’s busy with somethin’ else, Ah’ll have my say,” she said quietly. “This was not planned out er’ foisted on your shoulders intentionally, Apple Bloom. Nopony was conspirin’ ta make yer life miserable, an’ we certainly don’t want ya’ ta start thinkin’ the farmin’ life is too hard, like a certain sister of yours once did.” Granny sighed. “But that’s how the apples fell, an’ it’s where we are now. Ah wish they were here too, Apple Bloom, Ah really do. Ah don’t like seein’ mah youngest granddaughter havin’ ta push herself to such… limits.” She gently patted Apple Bloom’s bandage. “But you are growin’, and you are capable of doin’ this.”

Apple Bloom finished draining the cup. “But if they could’ve just sent at least one of ‘em back up, we wouldn’t be in this mess!” she claimed. “Ah have only two days ta cover… acres of trees! Even with mah friends helpin’, how am Ah gonna do that?” She moaned as her stomach growled. “An’ what’s takin’ the food so dang long?!”

Granny actually chuckled at that, relaxing some. “Seems yer hunger’s not helpin’ yer mood any,” she noted, setting the cup down. “Now no more a’ this fer now, ya’ here? Get some food, and we’ll head fer home. Once we’re there ya’ can start shoutin’ some more, but until then, that’s that fer now, understand?”

“But…” Apple Bloom looked ready to start another round, but she suddenly felt like her legs were weighed down again. “...yes ma’am,” she said quietly, flopping face-first into her pillow and groaning. The venting helped, but she still wasn’t wholly convinced yet.

A few minutes later, food finally arrived. A nurse entered with a tray for Apple Bloom, which had a sandwich, a banana, and spinach on the side. Granny thanked the nurse, and after a not-so-subtle nudge from her grandmother, Apple Bloom did too. Then without another word, Apple Bloom began to scarf the contents of the tray down. Having not eaten for over a day, she was positively famished. The nurse vowed to return with an extra serving or two, before departing.

Granny let Apple Bloom stuff her face, not even admonishing her for her bad table manners. She took over Winona-petting duties, doing her best to comfort the collie. Winona appreciated the gesture, but could still sense the tension between the two. It did stop her from emitting quiet whines, though she still remained curled up near the foot of the bed. All she wanted was for her family to get along.

Granny was now thinking about Apple Bloom’s woes. She was hoping that her granddaughter would calm down some after eating, but didn’t know that there had been so much bile building up in the first place. Had she known, she’d’ve talked to Apple Bloom about it much sooner, but as far as she could tell, Apple Bloom was gaining confidence and was enjoying the challenges presented to her.

Perhaps it was the culmination of the sudden order they had to fulfill and the injuries Apple Bloom suffered? Granny concluded that that was the tipping point. She wasn’t sure what else she could do for Apple Bloom, other than continue to be supportive and to design the best possible strategies for getting the large order done in time. Hopefully, Granny thought, having her friends on the farm would help improve Apple Bloom’s attitude. She turned to Apple Bloom and sighed softly. There was a difficult road ahead, but she knew that there was still a chance to walk the distance.




“Come on, Apple Bloom! We’re nearly home now!” Granny encouraged.

Apple Bloom nodded in silence, limping alongside Granny as the pair made their way home. Apple Bloom’s head hung low from exhaustion, the short trek from the hospital to Sweet Apple Acres being sufficiently daunting for the tired farmpony. Her legs still felt weighed down, and the steady, slow rainfall made the journey wet and uncomfortable, but Apple Bloom was grateful that her leg wasn’t in any more pain. She was missing Winona’s encouragement right about now, though, the collie having been sent ahead by Granny earlier to herd some sheep. “Feels like Ah’m walkin’ through a swamp,” she breathed, putting forth another struggling step, tail dragging against the ground.

“Ah still think ya’ shoulda’ taken the wheelchair the hospital offered,” Granny said with a touch of concern. “Ah know ya’ wanted ta stretch yer limbs, but ya’ coulda’ done that after gettin’ some more rest.”

“Ah’ve been restin’ fer over a day, Granny,” Apple Bloom reminded, grunting as the two began climbing the small hill that preceded their farm. “Last thing Ah want to do is rest more. ‘Sides, Ah need ta be in shape fer applebuckin’.” She stopped a moment to recover, halfway up the hill, then resumed. “If a walk’s gonna take this much outta me tomorrow, Ah’m done fer, and so’s the grove.”

Granny sighed, nodding reluctantly. “S’pose yer right, Darlin’, but don’t you even think about attemptin’ ta applebuck tonight. We’re gettin’ you inside, and fillin’ you up with a proper meal.”

The rest of the trip home passed in silence, mostly so Apple Bloom could concentrate on making the journey home without tripping over her own tired legs. In what felt like a marathon’s distance to the young mare, the two finally passed under the trellis arch of Sweet Apple Acres. The ponies were greeted by barking when Winona bounded over to greet the two, hopping around them happily. Apple Bloom offered a smile to the collie, but couldn’t spare a foreleg to pet her.

Finally, the two farmponies made it to the farmhouse. Granny reached inside for an umbrella. “Ah’m gonna feed the animals, then come straight back and make dinner. Go rest up by the fire, Sugarcube, Ah’ll be back in no time.” Granny nuzzled Apple Bloom, who wearily returned the gesture. Granny turned and went back out, allowing Winona in. The collie promptly shook herself dry, and followed Apple Bloom as the pony wobbled her way over to the fireplace and promptly flopped to the floor. The flames weren’t high or bright, but the wood was still burning and providing soothing heat to the young farmpony. 

Winona lay down beside Apple Bloom, and rested against her side. Apple Bloom smiled gratefully, reaching out a heavy foreleg and resting it on Winona, shuffling it back and forth across her back. “Good to be home,” she remarked quietly. Propping her head up on her other foreleg, Apple Bloom stared into the glowing fireplace, thinking about other family members who didn’t have the luxury of being home right now. Wish they were here… she thought, letting out a quiet sigh. Guess Ah’m the lucky one in that respect. Ah may be here stuck doin’ a great big order, but at least Ah’m sleepin’ in my own bed tonight. 

Apple Bloom’s eyelids suddenly felt very heavy, and she had no desire to fight another battle with her own body. Heh… Bed sounds pretty good right about now…




Kra-kooom!

Apple Bloom jolted awake, head snapping upwards as a thunderclap rocked the farm. Her startled body made her heart start pounding away. Apple Bloom took a few deep breaths to calm herself down. The fire in front of her had died down to embers, barely giving off any heat anymore. Winona stood at the window, barking away at the thunderstorm, as if her efforts would send the weather fleeing from her terrifying presence. Apple Bloom looked above the fireplace just in time to see her silhouette dance against the mantle as a flash of lightning illuminated the room. Thunder quickly followed up the strike, snarling around the home and causing the windows to rumble.

“Woooo-whee!” a voice echoed from the kitchen. “Pegasi outdid themselves this time!”

Apple Bloom was inclined to agree. Once the ringing in her ears from the first thunderclap died down, she could hear rain pounding her home relentlessly. The farmpony got up and stretched, yawning wildly as she glanced out the window. The wind was making the trees dance, at least the ones Apple Bloom could make out through the thick rainfall. “Looks like we got home just in time!” Apple Bloom called into the kitchen. Given the light coming from the adjacent room, she figured that was where Granny was. Her nose told her the same story.

“No foolin’!” Granny poked her head into the room. “Just got the animals inside and made my way into the house ‘fore all the action started,” she said as another lightning bolt lit up the house. “You’ve been sleepin’ like a rock ta stay dozin’ through all that, though Ah figured not even you could sleep through that last one.”

Apple Bloom nodded, yawning again as she stretched out each leg individually. Her previously injured leg felt as stiff as all the others, but it was the foreleg she was resting her head on that had the pins and needles sensation. She shook the appendage a few times as another thunderclap rolled over Sweet Apple Acres. “Is supper ready, Granny? Think my stomach’s gonna start talkin’ louder than the weather.”

Granny nodded. “Just about, Apple Bloom. Come on over an’ find yerself a seat.” She squinted some as lightning flooded her field of vision. “Guess today’s a good a day as any ta be too tuckered to applebuck, eh?” she remarked as she turned to head back into the kitchen.

“You said it, Granny,” Apple Bloom replied as she, too, headed for the lit room. Her nose tilted upward as she sampled the delicious scents. “Mm… 
vegetable soup!” Her mouth began to water. Granny was already ladling a serving into a big bowl at Apple Bloom’s seat, before getting her own small bowl filled and pouring them both a glass of milk.

“There’s plenty more where that came from,” Granny smiled as she sat down. “Dig in, though this time mind yer table manners. Oh! Almost forgot.” She stood and walked to the counter, fetching a small orange bottle and carrying it over to Apple Bloom. “Yer medicine,” Granny reminded, setting out a couple tablets on the table.

“Thanks, Granny,” Apple Bloom said. The second she downed the antibiotics, she eagerly dived into her soup, while making sure to not slurp or chew loudly. Winona joined the two a moment later, getting to work on her own food bowl. It was a smaller, less-fancy one than what she was used to outdoors, but it still contained food, and that was all that mattered in the end. 

The peaceful meal was backdropped with the constant sound of the rain bombarding the household, providing a steady ambiance. Thunder and lightning continued their own pursuits, though none were quite as ferocious as what woke Apple Bloom up. Granny took a sip of milk and looked up at Apple Bloom, who was returning to the table with her second helping. “Now Sugarcube, about what you were sayin’ earlier. ‘Bout yer kin down in the grove…”

Apple Bloom hopped back into her chair and blinked at Granny Smith, before returning her attention to her food. “It still ain’t fair… but Ah s’pose they are doin’ hard work,” she relented, nosing a piece of carrot around her bowl. “Couldn’t one of ‘em make their way up, at least?”

Granny shook her head sadly. “Afraid not, Darlin’. They’re pretty tied up down there, an’ like Ah said before, by the time they’d get up here, they’d be turnin’ back around and headed back down.” She took a bite as thunder rumbled. “Pegasi ain’t exactly cooperatin’ with the weather fer travelin’, neither.”

Apple Bloom finished another bite. “Yeah, ‘bout that… They gonna be causin’ this ruckus much longer? Ain’t gonna get much done if it’s stormin’ so badly…” Her injured hoof tingled some. She recalled her last applebucking foray in inclement weather. Her galosh-encased hoof smacking against the tree, followed by a sudden flash of pain. She shuddered. “Ah ain’t doin’ that again…”

Granny chuckled. “Nah, no more storms on the schedule ‘till next week,” she assured Apple Bloom. “Gettin’ it all outta their system now, Ah reckon. Still dunno why they bother with the fancy light shows and don’t jus’ let it rain normal-like, though.”

Apple Bloom finished her second bowl up just as Granny completed her first. Winona was still working away at her own meal. “Think that’s good enough fer me,” Apple Bloom said, draining the rest of her milk and getting up. “Thanks, Granny. Delicious as always,” she said with a warm smile.

“Yer welcome, Apple Bloom,” Granny nodded back with a grin of her own. “Now, what—”

There was a sound of knocking, coming from the next room. Apple Bloom and Granny both peered into the dark living room, pinning their ears forward. To their surprise, they heard another slow, rhythmic knocking coming from the front door.

“Now who in tarnation could that be? They must’ve had ta swim ta get here,” Granny commented, moving to start collecting dishes. “Mind answerin’, Apple Bloom?”

The younger farmpony nodded and walked over to the door, grasping the handle and tugging open the top half. A hooded figured stood on the other side, head poking over the threshold and grinning.

“Apple Bloom, it is good to see you about. May I come inside? I am soaked like a trout.”

Apple Bloom beamed, immediately pulling open the rest of the door. “Zecora! What a surprise!” she exclaimed, stepping aside to let the zebra in. “What’re you doin’ out there in this weather? It’s rainin’ cats an’ dogs out there!” Apple Bloom moved to take Zecora’s cloak and hang it up on a rack near the door.

Zecora nodded in thanks to the farmpony, and was revealed to be burdened with saddlebags, which she was keeping beneath her cloak. She sniffed at the air. “Ah, you have had dinner I see! I hope that you will not mind my company.”

“Of course not!” Apple Bloom said, moving along towards the fireplace. “Hey Granny! It’s Zecora!” she announced.

“That so?” Granny asked, poking her head into the living room and smiling. “Evenin’, Zecora. What brings ya’ out here on such a stormy night?” she asked, echoing Apple Bloom’s earlier unanswered question.

Zecora walked along with Apple Bloom and took a seat near the fireplace, as Apple Bloom threw a couple logs in and attempted to stir the flames. “I travelled from my home, to the hospital, to here,” she explained. “When I heard Apple Bloom fell ill, my heart filled with fear.” Granny nodded, and returned to the kitchen, to take care of Winona and finish cleaning up.

“I immediately started work on a certain brew.” Zecora continued, turning to Apple Bloom and smiling as thunder sounded. “One that I hope will pass the judgement of you.”

“A brew?” Apple Bloom asked, now eying the saddlebags curiously. “Ya’ mean like some kinda’ potion that’ll gimme’ super speed? Or one that’ll let me harvest all the trees at the same time?” she asked hopefully.

“Nothing quite that incredible, my young pony friend,” Zecora replied, settling her saddlebags on the floor and digging into one of them. “If only there were such a brew, to bring your troubles to an end.” She produced from her bag what looked to be a wooden thermos, about as thick and long as one of Apple Bloom’s legs. Zecora set the container down in front of Apple Bloom, and nudged it towards her. “My nose tells me that your grandmother and I think in sync. For a soul who is ill, soup is what I prescribe, for food and for drink.”

Apple Bloom unscrewed the lid off the top of the wooden thermos. Her nose was immediately assaulted by a spicy, flavorful scent. Apple Bloom’s eyes watered as steam rose from the container, mingling with the smoke of the recently rekindled fire. Despite the strength of the smell, however, Apple Bloom found herself sniffing at it some more. “It smells strong,” she commented, smiling faintly up to Zecora. “And good, too! Jus’... think Ah’ll burn mah tongue on it er somethin’.”

Zecora chuckled and gave Apple Bloom a pat on the back. “I assure you, Apple Bloom, it’s warm, not hot. Take a taste and a gulp, you will like it a lot.”

Apple Bloom gave another tentative sniff, and bit her lip. The liquid certainly had its fair share of warning signs. If her senses were any indication, she was supposed to let it sit out for some time before attempting to eat any of it. But she did trust Zecora, who was known for producing simple and effective remedies, stews, and other concoctions. She lifted the wooden thermos up with her forelegs. “Well, Ah am still a bit hungry,” she reasoned, before closing her eyes and taking in some of Zecora’s stew.

Apple Bloom blinked as the taste filled her mouth. It was hot, but not nearly so much as she expected. The flavor was really something too! It was definitely unique, having a thick texture despite being a liquid, and when Apple Bloom gulped down her first taste, it felt rather filling. “Wow,” she marveled, staring down at the container. “This stuff’s great, Zecora! What’s in it?” She closed her eyes and took some more sips of the soup.

“Some ingredients from where I originate,” Zecora answered, pleased with Apple Bloom’s reaction. “As well as things that have grown around my home, as of late.”

Apple Bloom was in the middle of taking another sip when she opened an eye to stare at Zecora.

“Nothing dangerous, now, I am quite sure,” Zecora said, giving Apple Bloom another pat on the back. “I have sampled it myself. It is quite pure.”

Apple Bloom smiled around the rim of the container, eagerly gulping down more of Zecora’s offering. It was really tasty, and she trusted Zecora’s word. Soon, she’d finish the whole thermos off, licking her lips. “Mmm! That was delicious! Got any more a’ this soup with ya’?”

Zecora nodded, opening her opposite saddlebag to reveal several more similar containers. “They will never spoil, this everlasting brew,” she informed. “You’re welcome to them all. It is the least I can do.”

“Wow, Zecora, really?” she blinked, looking into the saddlebag and beaming up at the Zebra. “That’s mighty kind of ya’!”

“Think nothing of it, young Apple Bloom. You are a dear friend, and I wish to relieve you from gloom.”

Apple Bloom took the containers out of the saddlebag, and set them near the fireplace for the moment. “Does it have a name or anythin’? I think ya’ could sell it and make yerself rich!”

“It does have a name, but I could not sell it,” Zecora replied, moving a little closer to the fire to further warm up. “It was made for you alone, and is not worth a bit.”

“Not worth a bit?” Apple Bloom echoed incredulously. “It’s worth five bits at least per bottle. It’s really good!”

Zecora chuckled. “Maybe to you, but not to any group,” she explained, “for this was made only for one, this Apple Bloom Soup.”

Apple Bloom had scooted closer to the fire too. She looked from the fireplace back to the Zecora, and blinked. “Ya’ named it after me?” she asked. “Awww, that’s sweet, Zecora. I’m touched!” She sat up some, and gave Zecora a hug.

“It was the least I could do, my friend,” Zecora said, returning the hug happily. “I want to see you well, before your work comes to an end.”

“This certainly does the trick!” Apple Bloom claimed, separating from Zecora and standing up and stretching. “Why Ah feel like applebuckin’ some more already!” she boasted, before attempting, and failing, to hold back a yawn. “...Maybe by tomorrow.”

Zecora laughed, and rose to her own hooves. “You are weary, and must rest soon,” she said, starting to walk towards the door. “I wish you good health and good luck, young Apple Bloom.”

Apple Bloom nodded sleepily, but contently, before following Zecora. Apple Bloom fetched Zecora’s cloak and helped her put it on, before opening the door, letting in a cacophony of sound as wind and rain still blustered about. Apple Bloom winced. “Sure ya’ don’t want ta stay the night?”

Zecora put up her hood and shook her head. “Thank you for the offer, but I must decline. The storm already calms; I’ll make it home just fine.” She gave Apple Bloom a reassuring smile and nod, making her way out the door before the Apples’ hospitality could stop her.

“Oh, alright then,” Apple Bloom said, looking a little unsure, but accepting Zecora’s decision all the same. “Goodbye, Zecora. Thanks fer coming by! Have a safe trip!”

Zecora turned her head and smiled once more, before turning back and heading out into the elements, bracing against the wind as she exited the farm. She didn’t appear to mind the harsh weather as she exited Sweet Apple Acres, turning away from Ponyville and starting towards the Everfree Forest.

Apple Bloom saw Zecora off a bit, before closing the door behind her and smiling brightly. She didn’t know if it was the special soup or the conversations she had with Granny and Zecora, but hope had rekindled inside her, much like that of the fireplace. Apple Bloom trotted into the kitchen, balancing the containers on her back like she often did with so much firewood. She witnessed Granny Smith just finishing up in the kitchen drying the dishes, petting Winona occasionally. “Hey Granny! Zecora made me this awesome soup!”

Granny walked over to Apple Bloom and tilted her head. “Yeah?” she asked, giving one of the containers a sniff. “What kinda soup?”

“Apple Bloom Soup!” Apple Bloom proclaimed with a giggle. “Named it after me an’ everything!”

Granny began removing the containers off Apple Bloom’s back and putting them up for now. “Oh?” she smirked, raising an eyebrow at Apple Bloom. “And is this soup replacin’ Granny’s own home cookin’?”

Apple Bloom giggled again. “Naw, Granny, yer soup’s still the best,” she said easily, returning Granny’s smirk with one of her own. “My soup’s pretty hoof-lickin’ good, though, Ah gotta say.”

“Well, whatever’s in it, Ah’m glad Zecora came by,” Granny said, putting the last of the containers into a cupboard. Winona started to sniff at the cupboard door curiously. “Seems to have put ya’ in good spirits again. Gotta give it some credit.” Granny stared at Apple Bloom. “Now Ah think ya’ oughta’ be gettin’ ta bed very soon, Apple Bloom. Ah ain’t sugarcoatin’: Ya’ got a loooong couple a’ days ahead of ya’,” she said.

Apple Bloom nodded without argument, giving Granny Smith a hug. “Sure thing, Granny. Ah’m gonna be at the top of mah game tomorrow!” she exclaimed as much as her weary form allowed. Apple Bloom bent down past Granny and gave Winona a ruffling. “Comin’, Winona? No way Granny’s gonna make ya’ sleep out in this weather!”

Winona barked, giving Apple Bloom’s snout a kiss before racing past the two and heading upstairs, her investigation of the mysterious stew behind the cupboard door forgotten. Apple Bloom grinned and moved to follow Winona upstairs.

Apple Bloom entered her bedroom, announcing her own presence with another loud yawn. “Shoot, Ah am tuckered,” she said to herself, dragging her way in. The energy she’d possessed just moments ago was all but expended. Apple Bloom moved to her dresser, and flicked her tail forward. She instinctively reached back with her mouth to undo her bow, only to realize that she wasn’t wearing one. “Must’ve taken it off when they took me to the hospital,” she reasoned, shrugging wearily to herself in the mirror before trudging along to her bed.

Winona was there, walking in circles, searching for the perfect spot. When Apple Bloom climbed in, Winona promptly flopped down and curled up, near the foot of the bed. “G’night, Winona,” Apple Bloom said, followed up by yet another yawn. Apple Bloom felt another bit of tingling coming from her bandaged-up leg, making her fidget some. The sensation soon left her, though it reminded her that she still had a bandage on that leg. She was too tired to care at this point, however, and kept her cheek firmly pressed against her pillow. She heard the rain still working against the house, though it was much quieter than what had been blowing around earlier.

Two days… Apple Bloom pondered. Could she really pull it off? She knew she already lost nearly that much time, and knew that there was very little time to spare before then as it was. Ah’ve got friends helpin’ now, though, she reasoned as her eyelids began to droop. And Zecora’s super special me-soup too! Granny an’ Winona a’ course. No AJ er Big Mac… Ma or Pa… Even so, Ah’m sure we’ll get every last ordered apple picked, harvested, an’ ready before Friday night. 

She was the single tree amongst many. The overseer. The one pony that was given a very large responsibility in a very short time. Apple Bloom’s eyes were completely closed off from the world now, her thoughts heralding her to slumber. A tiny smile formed on her lips.

They’re gonna be so proud.