Big Macintosh to Applejack:
In the finale of this grandiose existance, I find myself capeable of eloquently expressing myself at last. Dear sister, fret not; I am merely passing to the next great adventure. And though someday we may meet again, I pray that it is not for some time. Savour the grand challenge that is life, grow, reach for the sky like the proudest of apple trees, and let your roots hold our family and friends together. So long, Applejack. Be strong. Be brave. I'll make sure Ma' has supper ready for you when you do get here.
Eeyup.
Apples were stubborn. That was a well known fact. They were also quite prideful.
The last time their stubborn pride had gotten the best of them was applebuck season, two years ago. Applejack refused aid when he was hurt, leading to her sleep deprivation and nearly poisoning half the town.
His last incident of pride was the same event. He refused to go to the doctor, merely bandaging the wounds himself. He had thought them healed correctly, and had thought nothing more of it at the time.
Now, thought, his old wound was bothering him again. He paused his bucking to massage the old wound.
"Nope." He continued bucking.
He bucked long into the day.
He bucked even as the pain grew worse.
Big Macintosh bucked his last buck.