Following a grievous heart condition, a dramatic surgery, and an unbearably-long recovery period, Applejack finally returns home from the hospital. She returns, however, a mere shadow of her former self. With so many weeks in bed, she finds herself without stamina, constantly in pain, and more tired than she's ever been. And what's worse is her inability to return to her normal life.

There is one pony, however, who is not willing to sit on the sidelines and watch her friend destroy herself. Rainbow Dash has never been a patient pony, and is determined to help reignite her friend's dampened spirits by whatever means necessary. But hearts never heal quickly, and the pegasus may have her own wounds to wrestle with along the way.