When morning came, a loud horn blew into Applejack's ear.
"SURPRISE!" Pinkie Pie yelled out. Applejack jumped out of bed startled and looked around the room.
There were party streamers everywhere and all the girls were standing around her bed.
"Well now, Pinkie Pie gone and threw a party for me." Applejack said as she stretched her body.
Pinkie Pie hopped up and down and said, "Yup! Yup! Yup! A party for our favorite and best friend Applejack!"
All the girls cheered. They had their party and everything went well. Applejack had a great time.
After they all had cake, Rainbow Dash invited her to come outside and go over to Sweet Apple Acres.
When they got there, Applejack was shocked to find the entire community of Ponyville standing in front of her farm.
Pinkie Pie jumped up and down as she yelled "More party! More party!"
Rainbow Dash poked the stunned orange mare and pointed up to the sky with her hoof.
In the sky was a message. It read: Happy Applejack Appreciation Day! followed by a heart drawn in the clouds.
Applejack didn't know what to say. She knew that she finally felt appreciated and loved by her friends, family, and even her whole community.
Apple Bloom ran over and gave her sister a hug. "Oh Applejack, I missed ya so much. Thank ya for comin' back home!"
Applejack hugged her sister, as she cried and said, "I missed you too, lil' sis."
Apple Bloom looked into her sisters eyes and started to cry herself. "Applejack! Oh no! Why are you cryin' again? Is there somethin' wrong?" Apple Bloom asked.
Applejack replied, "They ain't tears of pain no more, lil' sis. They're tears of happiness and joy and I'm so glad to be back home with y'all." Applejack broke free of the hug and looked around the farm. "How did y'all manage to harvest all them apples without me this season?" she asked.
Twilight Sparkle stepped forward and said, "During the harvest season, we will all pitch in and help you harvest the entire farm for the annual Applejack Appreciation Day. No one is allowed to use magic or their wings all day and we will help you to harvest the apples in honor of you."
Applejack found herself at a loss for words. All she could do is say thank you. Applejack looked down at the ground remembering what she had done. "I hope the Princess doesn’t banish me for being a traitor," she said. Just then, Applejack felt a hoof on her shoulder. She turned around to see Princess Celestia with a great smile on her face.
"Applejack..." the Princess said. "I understand your pain and regrets. It's not your fault for what happened. You were taken advantage of by Discord. I came here to tell you how much I appreciate you and how happy I am that you are back with us. You are the apple of my eye. Now the one thing that I want from you is to tell me what you have learned."
Applejack took a deep breath and said, "Today I learned that it just aint right to keep avoidin' problems. Ya got to talk to your friends when somethin' doesn’t feel right, no matter how bad or depressed ya may feel. Hidin' your feelin's only makes problems worse, until they grow out of control and lead to destructive choices. I learned that when you're depressed, you have to find somethin' to be thankful for everyday, even if you don't have wings or magical powers, and I sure am grateful for many things, Princess."
"That sounds like a wonderful lesson, Applejack. I want you to be able to forgive yourself and get rid of any guilt you may be carrying. I also expect to see letters from all of you about what you learned about the magic of friendship."
"Princess," Applejack spoke up. "I tried to leave everyone behind in an attempt to escape the pain. While I was dyin' I had a vision of my parents. They were so happy and they had new bodies. They both had wings and horns even though they used to be simply earth ponies. They told me that I would be with them soon, but it's just not my time right now."
The Princess nodded and said, "It is believed that when ponies leave this earth, they will be in heaven with their loved ones. We will be given new bodies and we will all receive horns and wings. You might not have your horn or wings yet, Applejack, but someday you will, along with other special rewards. I must go now. Take care every pony and be well!"
"Good bye, Princess!" Applejack called out as she waved her hat at her.
All her friends came in for one big group hug.
Applejack felt so loved and appreciated that she couldn't help but smile. She forgave herself of all her past mistakes and learned to love herself and her friends again. She would remember this lesson and would never hide her depression or suffering again from her friends. Applejack would remain an honest, loving, strong, and faithful pony for the rest of her life, no matter what kind of problems she may encounter. She was happy to be alive again and she knew that the love from her friends and family would keep her heart strong.
The end.