//------------------------------// // The Strength to Move Mountains // Story: Three Kings // by MorseCode //------------------------------// Mike stood outside the hospital room next to his brother, Danny, as they waited to be allowed to enter the next room. Moments pass and the door eventually opens while a middle-aged man with grey hair and a light grey short beard steps out. Mike and Danny smiled at seeing their father and looked expectantly, hoping for some good news. Their father simply looked back at them for a moment before speaking. "You can head on in," He said calmly. "But you should know first..." Before he could continue the doctor interrupted. "Mister King I'd like to speak with you if that's alright." Mike and Danny received a smile from their father as he stepped aside and motioned for them to proceed as he went to speak with the doctor. Mike stepped forward with Danny following close behind. The room was just a plain hospital room everything seemed to just be sterile. Mike offered a small smile to his mother lying on the bed which she returned in kind. Danny put on a smile as well, but it was difficult, and he felt as if he might cry at any moment. The next half an hour was lost in small conversation as everyone attempted to put on a smile and avoid negative thoughts. No one dared to even think of mentioning Gary. Mike felt extreme sadness at seeing his mother's condition, but he didn't show it. He couldn't show it. He had to stay strong for Danny. 'Dammit, why isn't Gary here. I know he hates her, and I understand why but.. It's hard.' Mike thought to himself as Danny and their mother talked quietly. 'Gary was always better in these situations. He always knows what to say. He could always find the positive. He always made it easier." Mike's thoughts were interrupted as the doctor stepped into the room. "Sorry boys, your mother needs some rest and visiting hours are over." The doctor spoke with a light, melancholic tone. Mike and Danny approached their mother and hugged her tightly. Danny whispered something to her, but Mike couldn't quite make out what he said. Danny began to leave and Mike gave, what he feared would be, his last goodbye to his mother. "You can do this. You can pull through." Mike said barley believing his own words. "I love you and I always will." His mother smiled softly and gave a short response. "I love you too." She paused as a grave expression washed over her face. "If you see Gary tell him, I'm sorry and I love him." Mike was shocked but happy. He was worried that neither Gary or her would ever forgive each other. He nodded quickly and gave one last smile as he exited the room. Once he was outside he saw Danny and their father waiting patiently. "What did the doc say?" Mike questioned his father curiously but was taken aback by his father's gaze. He could see a mix of emotions and tears forming in his eyes. That was all Mike needed, he knew exactly what the doctor said. He felt tears of his own forming, and he began to sob uncontrollably. He hugged his father tightly as they cried and Danny joined in as well. They were all comforted to have each other there, but they felt as though they were missing something. Danny broke the silence. "Ice cream?." He said with a smile. Mike couldn't help but laugh. It seemed his younger sibling was taking after their senior brother quite well. ------- Mike walked quietly through the orchard while musing over his thoughts. He needs to talk to Gary, eventually. All that's happened lately, he would need to wait for a better time. He found that he was absentmindedly running his fingers over the pink fish hook on his hat. He smiled, It was good to remember things in times like this. Mike was lost in thought and didn't notice that he had reached the barn where Applejack was located. "Howdy again, partner." The orange mare said with a puzzled look, "Did you need something else?" "Yea actually," Mike said after a short, surprised pause. "I was hoping to work for you at the farm. Like an extra helper. Could that work?" Applejack held her hoof to her chin and thought for a moment. "I suppose so. We can always use the help, but we can't pay too much. I do insist we pay ya' though." She paused again in thought. "30 bits per day, from dawn till three. Sound good?" "Absolutely, I've always wanted to work on a farm," Mike said excitedly. Applejack simply smiled. "Well then, why don't you come in for dinner so you can get acquainted with the others. Since you'll be seeing 'em more often from now on." "That sounds great. If it's anything like lunch, then I'm sure it'll be tasty." Mike said happily as he followed the mare inside. -------- After an enjoyable meal and getting to meet the other Apples, Mike was ready to head home. He had enjoyed meeting the Apple family and even agreed to join the "Cutie Mark Crusaders," whatever that was. He also enjoyed the crazy ramblings of Granny Smith. He found he and Big Mac had a lot in common as well. As he continued walking home, Mike noticed a large lake just off the road from the orchard. Mike decided to take this moment to enjoy the sunset over the lake. He sat in the cool grass on the lake's shore. The weather was very mild that day, but the occasional cool breeze made it very comfortable. Mike felt better sitting in the quiet after a long day of work. He was normally pretty shy, but he found it much easier to talk to these ponies that most people he had met. Though he found that his brothers greatly helped with that. Mike wasn't really keeping track of time, but after what felt like maybe half an hour, he was ready to leave. Just as he was about to leave, Mike heard a soft rustle from the trees behind him. He looked back to see none other than Applejack approaching, but she seemed rather distracted. She initially didn't notice him as she walked down to the edge of the lake nearby. She jumped slightly when Mike approached her, but she laughed to herself when she looked back and saw the human. "Dang, sugar. You startled me. How long have you been here?" "Sorry, I came here after leaving your place. I was just enjoying some peace and quiet with the view of the lake." "Ah, I oft'n come here to do the same myself. My parents used to take me here a lot." "I can see why it's quite nice." Mike paused slightly when he noticed AJ's mood drift after mentioning her parents. "Well, I'll leave you to it then, I don't want to worry my brothers." AJ simply nodded as Mike began to leave. Mike walked silently back into town toward his new home. He was still adjusting to his new life, but he was feeling better knowing he had a nice job with his brothers and new friends. He smiled thinking about his brothers. This situation may not be perfect, but with his brothers, he felt like he could take on the world.