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// Chapter 5: Apple Memories 
// Story: Playing Doctor 
// by keam 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 5 Apple Memories

At sunset, Applejack and her friends stood under the biggest apple tree on Sweet Apple Acres. It was on a hill overlooking the orchards. Spike was on a branch, leaning against the thick trunk, looking at the ponies below with tears in his eyes.

“This is where your parents were buried” Rarity said. 

Applejack looked at the lush, green grass under her hooves.

“What happened to them?” she asked in a small voice.

“An accident” Fluttershy said. “It was no one´s fault.”

“Does Granny know?”

“She did at the time,” Twilight Sparkle said. “But she covered it up to stay in business and keep you, McIntosh and Apple Bloom clothed and fed. She told everypony that your parents had gone to seek their fortune without saying where. No one was to talk about it as not to upset you children. After a few years, most ponies stopped wondering. And I think in the end, she believed that story herself. Now she´s old and her memory is failing. You have grown up, her work is done and she doesn´t have to remember anymore. Sometimes forgetting is a blessing.” 

Pinkie Pie was chewing her lip, trying not to sob too loudly and most of all trying not to talk. It surprised her that she was able to just listen, and she remained quiet. 

Applejack raised her right hind leg and gave the old tree a gentle buck. One apple fell down with a soft thud.

“I will bury this apple right here” Applejack said. “And when a new tree starts to grow from the pips, I know I will always be able to find this place and go here to remember my parents”.

The gathered around the apple that glowed red in the light of the setting sun och hugged each other in a circle. Rainbow Dash broke free first and soared into the burning evening sky. She waved a hoof to Spike. He climbed to the very top of the tree, took a deep breath and blew out a cloud of white smoke. Rainbow Dash then flew around it, shaping it with the speed wind of her wings. The others looked up and Applejack gave a quiet “Wow!” The cloud had become a shining heart in the sky.