Day One

It was three o'clock in the morning, and Applejack was blinking confusedly.

"Wha…"

"Shhh!" She looked up, still half-asleep. A face came into focus above her. A large, red face.

"Big Mac, what're you doin'?"

"Sis, keep your voice down." Now fully awake, Applejack was beginning to think. What does he think he's doin', wakin' me up at this hour?

"What is it?"

"Look, I gotta go somewhere tonight, and I ain't getting back until tomorrow night. I need you to tell Applebloom and Granny Smith that I'm out in town, buyin' something or other."

"And is that true?" Big Mac spoke hesitantly, choosing his words very carefully.

"Well, no. But I'm not doin' anything sneaky, It's just something I'd rather they not know about."

"Well, I dunno, Big Mac."

"Please, sis? It can't hurt nopony."

"Well… maybe." Applejack really wasn't in the mood to argue. She was exhausted, and tomorrow promised to be a long day. She hoped that perhaps equivocation would make her desire to return to sleep clear. Unfortunately, avoiding the question did nothing to shorten the conversation.

"Will you or won't you?" Applejack's need to get to sleep conflicted with her need to tell the truth, but she did her best to compromise.

"Probably." Big Mac didn't seem satisfied, but he apparently decided that this was as good as it was going to get.

"Alright. Thanks, AJ."

"Any time. Now, couldja let me get some sleep?"

"Sure thing. Good night."

"Night." When Big Mac had left the room, Applejack fell back onto her pillow. So, what should I do? However, trying to make a decision while drifting off to sleep was a futile effort. I'll decide in the morning.

Day Two

When the day broke, Applejack was already up. She had fallen asleep twice after Big Mac had talked to her, but it didn't seem to take. Eventually, she resignedly got out of bed and went downstairs. When the rest of the house woke up and came down, she was already dressed – i.e., had her hat on – and nearly done with breakfast.

"Mornin', Applejack," said Applebloom, as she came downstairs.

"Mmf," said Applejack, by way of a reply. Her vocal chords were currently dormant, and she was not going to wake them for something as trivial as morning greetings. 'Cause we all know how irritatin' it is to be woken' up before you're ready.

"Hey AJ, do you know where Big Mac went? He ain't in his bed." Dang it, couldn't you have waited a bit longer? I haven't decided how to handle that issue yet.

"Well…" started Applejack, playing for time. I shouldn't lie to my sis, but I shouldn't let down Big Mac either. What's more important, honesty or loyalty? Well, I guess loyalty is more Rainbow's area of expertise. I'm the element of honesty, and I'mma do my job. "I don't know where he is, sis."

"Aw, I thought he mighta told you."

"Well, I'm sure he'll be back soon." There, thought Applejack proudly. I've told the truth, but not completely sold him out. I really don't have a clue where he is.

"Did he say anything to you about leaving at all?" Now, here's the bramble patch. I guess I should tell her. I'll just leave out the incriminatin' details. It's not like he's doing anything bad. Unless, of course, it's something so bad he doesn't want to tell me…

But she put this disquieting notion out of her head. Naw, he wouldn't do that. Not my brother.

"Well, he did say somethin' about it. He just said he was goin' out, and he would be back tonight. So no need to worry."

"Oh, that's good."

Applejack finished her breakfast quickly, then headed outside for a day of work. It was a wholly uneventful day, mostly just apple-bucking as usual. However, as the day progressed, her attitude toward Big Mac changed from annoyance to gratitude. At least he gave me somethin' to think about while I work. I wonder what he could be doing. Maybe there's a lady involved… Applejack smirked as she rammed her hooves against another tree. Or maybe he takes ballet classes in secret. Because he's certainly the graceful type.

She went on in this manner for the rest of the day. By the time she had finished her work, she was no nearer figuring it out, but was in much better spirits for it. I guess I'll ask him in the mornin', was her final thought as she climbed into bed. The rest was happy darkness.

Day Three

When she woke up, she could immediately tell that Big Mac had returned as promised. This was because her bed was gently bouncing up and down, as it only did when Big Mac was walking on the same floor. She shook her head, with the intention of getting her thoughts straight – This only gave her a headache. She shook the covers off herself, and rolled out of bed. Ugh! There we go. Surefire way to get yourself ready for the day. She rolled to her hooves, and clopped to the door. She proceeded down the stairs and to the breakfast table. Big Mac was there, along with Granny Smith and Applebloom.

"Good morning Applejack," said Big Mac rather pointedly.

"Mornin'," replied Applejack, a little bit confused.

"So Big Mac," piped up Applebloom, "where were you yesterday?"

"I was shopping in town. Just running some errands."

"Then why didn't you tell any of us?"

"Well, as I went out the door, I told Applejack," said Big Mac, looking at her with annoyance, "but I suppose you didn't hear me properly, did you?" Applejack couldn't help but feel a little ashamed, but she stood by her decision.

"No, I guess I didn't." They stared each other down for a moment. Drop it, Mac. He seemed to read her expression, and looked away.

"Okay. But we was worried about you. Make sure you tell one of us properly next time." Applebloom was completely oblivious to the emotional struggle that was going on next to her.

"Sure thing, sis," said Big Mac, having surrendered to Applejack. The rest of breakfast was a silent affair.

After Applejack was finished with her food, she went outside. She was going to take a break from working the farm today. Maybe I'll visit Pinkie Pie at Sugarcube Corner. I could pick up some cupcakes while I'm over there – maybe give 'em to Big Mac as an I'm-sorry treat. So, she started on her way to town. I could drop by Rarity's place on the way. I've been working a lot lately - we could catch up. But the moment she starts talking about fashion, I'm outta there. Carousel Boutique was already in sight as these thoughts passed through her mind, so she adjusted her course slightly, trotting along the dirt path that led to her friend's home. And as she got closer, she saw another pony on the trail, coming from the opposite direction. They were clearly headed towards the boutique as well. Wonder who that is. She kept walking, and as they came closer together, she began to make out features. A large, purple, intricately styled tail, and a similarly large, purple and intricately styled mane. That's Rarity! She musta been out.

"Rarity!" she called out. Rarity began to walk faster, and they came within speaking distance quickly.

"Hello, Applejack." Rarity's tone was dripping with every-day pleasantry, but she was glancing back and forth nervously, as if she was expecting a ninja to leap from the shadows.

"Howdy, Rarity. You okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine! Just fine, thank you for asking. How are you? Good? Great. Well, nice catching up with you, I'm sure you have a lot to do. Have a good day!" She drew in huge breaths as she ran into her house and slammed the door. Huh. That was pretty odd, even for a crazy like her. Somethin' ain't right. She walked up to the door, and knocked on it hard.

"Rarity, what in Equestria was that about?" No answer. Well, I guess she doesn't want to talk about fashion at the moment. Ponies sure are acting strange lately. First Big Mac goes sneakin' around, then Rarity goes and… does that. Applejack knocked again, giving Rarity an extra long time to respond. Then, something happened.

"You!" somebody screamed. Applejack jumped, and looked around to find the source of the shout. She turned, and was hit in the face by something very heavy. She fell to the ground, and got a face full of tried to get to her feet, but something pounced onto her back. She buckled under its weight, and fell back into the dust. She felt a blinding pain in her back leg, and something struck her side. Something like… a hoof. Somebody screamed, and Applejack tried to roll onto her back. But she was hit the face again. She relaxed her muscles, lingering on the edge of consciousness. And then, something slammed loudly, and a heavy weight was lifted from her back. Her entire body was aching, and she couldn't muster the strength to look up. She heard grunts, yells, the sound of rolling in the dust. Then, somebody coughed as if they were choking, and the noises died. The only sound remaining was that of somebody breathing hard. Applejack forced her self up, and swayed on the spot, still light-headed. Then, she turned around.

Pinkie Pie was lying on the ground. She was not moving. Rarity stood, looking over her, with a cut bleeding on her cheek. Then, she looked up, and saw Applejack.

"Go home. Go home, and don't tell anypony about this!" Applejack processed the words slowly. Her mind was slowly returning to its normal speed, as if she had just woken up and was clearing her mind of dreamy fog.

"But… what…"

"I'll tell you later! For now, just go home."

"Okay…"

"You won't tell anypony about this."

"I won't…

"Promise!"

"I promise… I promise I won't tell." Rarity looked her over. As she looked, her ferocity melted into sympathy. She furrowed her brow, looking devastated.

"You're hurt. Ooh, I'm sorry. I didn't want this to happen."

"Did she… why did she do it? Is she dead?"

"Go home, Applejack. I promise I'll explain later." Applejack turned. She didn't know what was happening, but she knew that trusting Rarity had never led her wrong before. She took a step, and immediately collapsed. Her back leg felt broken. Rarity rushed to her side.

"Here, let me…" She offered a hoof to Applejack. She took it, and pulled herself up. Slowly, she began to walk home, holding her injured leg off the ground. She didn't look back.

Day Four

"I told you a hundred times, I ain't tellin'!"

"But sis…"

"I don't want to hear it! I made a promise, and I'm keeping it!" Applejack was lying on a table positioned in the middle of the barn. She was surrounded by family, all of whom were looking at her with great concern. Having just shouted down her older brother, she settled back down, her head resting in her crossed front legs. "You might as well stop asking, 'cause I ain't never, ever gonna tell."

"Whatever you say sis," said Big Mac resignedly. Applejack had walked into the kitchen the previous day with a broken leg, a black eye, and more cuts and bruises than could be counted. Applebloom had screamed, and Granny Smith nearly fainted. Applejack had refused to reveal the source of her injuries, and didn't want to go to the hospital. So Big Mac had dragged a table into the barn, thrown some cushions onto it and created a makeshift bed. A physician had been called to the house, and she had seen to it that most of her cuts were bandaged and a cast was put on her leg. And so, she now lived in the barn, surrounded by family and visiting friends.

Big Mac dropped the issue after this confrontation, but he didn't leave the barn for a moment. Applejack had been the center of attention since she had received her injuries, and it was making her rather uncomfortable. She just lay there in silence with her eyes closed, knowing that everybody in the room was staring at her. It was a relief, then, when the barn doors creaked open, and everybody looked around. Fluttershy was standing in the doorway.

"Hi Fluttershy." Thank goodness! I was gonnna die of boredom.

"Oh, my…" Fluttershy looked terrified at the sight of Applejack covered in bandages. "Um, hi. I heard that you got hurt. What happened?" Big Mac winced at the question. Applejack ignored him.

"Sorry, Fluttershy, but I can't tell you." Fluttershy glanced at Big Mac, who shook his head.

"She hasn't told me, either. She hasn't told any of us."

"Ooh…" Fluttershy put on a face that would have been alarming on anybody else, but looked only mildly worrying on her. Panic looked so natural on her face that this was only a small step from the ordinary. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm just fine. A doctor came here and patched me up."

"Well, I'm glad you're feeling fine. I can only stop by for a minute, but I just wanted to check up on you. Sorry I can't stay longer." Disappointed but understanding, Appplejack nodded.

"No problem. I'll see you later, Fluttershy." Fluttershy gave Big Mac a meaningful look on her way out.

"Er… Applejack, I think I'd better go too. Somepony has to work the apple fields, you know." They must think I'm dumber than a box o' rocks. Well, fine. Go talk about me behind my back, I don't care.

"Sure, go ahead. I'll see you later, big brother." Big Mac seemed to be aware of his sister's thoughts, and gave her an appreciative smile by way of thanks.

"See you later, sis." Applejack looked around. Applebloom and Granny Smith had both fallen asleep. She sighed, and laid her head down on her hooves. It's gonna be a long couple of days.

At some point, Applejack must have drifted off, because when she next opened her eyes her bedside congregation had been renewed. Big Mac and Fluttershy had returned, and both were sleeping happily. Applebloom and Granny Smith had woken up. The former was pacing around the barn, for lack of anything else to do. Granny Smith was knitting.

"You know, y'all don't have to stay in here if you don't want to. I'll be fine." Applebloom spoke without stopping her pacing. "We want to stay, sis. To keep you company."

"Alright, I just don't want to bore you out of your minds." This conversation had shaken Big Mac and Fluttershy out of their slumber, and they both looked around groggily. If they hadn't woken up then, they certainly would have a moment later, for at that second a loud knocking reverberated around the barn. Big Mac was the first to react.

"Who is it?" he called.

"It's Rainbow Dash. I want to talk to Applejack." Big Mac turned to look at Applejack.

"Should I let her in?" he whispered.

"Of course! She's my friend." He nodded, and opened the door. Rainbow stepped into the barn, and gaped at what was surely an interesting-looking scene.

"Applejack! What happened?" Big Mac rolled his eyes. Again, Applejack ignored him.

"I can't tell you."

"She hasn't told any of us," said Big Mac. At this point, she seemed to notice Applejack's entourage.

"Oh, hi Fluttershy."

"Hi. Somepony told me that Applejack was hurt, and I rushed over here." Applejack looked at her questioningly. Understanding her confusion, she added, "The news has been spreading rather fast." Huh, I wonder why. Who told everypony? Well, doesn't really matter. Things like this tend to leak out anyways.

"But Applejack! You have to tell us what happened! That looks serious." Typical Rainbow.

"I ain't saying nothing. I made a promise," said Applejack resolutely.

"To whom?"

"I can't tell you that either."

"Applejack," said Big Mac. "You need to go to the hospital." Taken by surprise, Applejack looked at him. Why's he bringin' that up again? I suppose he thinks I won't say no if Rainbow's around.

"No, really Big Mac, I don't have to. I'll be fine."

"You have to."

"I can still work! I'm still as good an apple-bucker as ever!" But even she could tell that the words were almost comical coming from someone who looked like they'd fallen down a flight of stairs into a flaming cactus patch.
"You really should go, Applejack," piped up Fluttershy. Applejack glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. Well, I guess I'm outnumbered.

"I'm calling the hospital right now." Big Mac's voice was final. Applejack knew better than to argue. You win this round, big brother.

After that, Rainbow and Fluttershy filed out, followed by Big Mac. Applebloom seemed to take this as a sign that it was okay to leave, and headed out after them. Granny Smith left some time after that. She was only on her own for a few minutes, however, because Big Mac returned with two medical ponies, who escorted Applejack to an ambulance. She grumbled a bit on the way to the hospital, but had given up openly fighting it. Well, I shouldn't be away for long. Then, I can get back to the farm and it'll be work as usual. She arrived at the hospital, somebody talked at her for a bit, and she was led to her bed. It all felt very quick to Applejack, who was beginning to grow tired. She must have been more tired than she realized, because the moment she had reclined on her comfortable hospital bed, she fell asleep.

Day Five

When she woke up, she had no idea what time it was, and she didn't bother to ask. It doesn't really matter. I'm just gonna lie here all day and then fall asleep as soon as I can. This was the most prominent reason she had not wanted to visit the hospital; there would be absolutely nothing to do. Applejack was the kind of pony who was used to constant stimulation, and being isolated in this small, white room was not fun. Maybe I can convince them to drug me. Y'know, just put me to sleep and wake me up a few weeks later when I can work again. Again, she didn't bother asking.

Over the course of the day, she had several visitors, most of whom only stayed for a few minutes. Big Mac stopped by, to try to convince her that going to the hospital was a good idea. Applejack had already decided to forgive her brother, and this reminder that she could be at the farm working right now wasn't making her disposition toward him any kindlier, so she shooed him out quickly. Right after Big Mac left, Applebloom and Granny Smith stopped by just to say hello. Apart from these brief moments of escape, Applejack spent the day wallowing in boredom. She entertained herself as well as she could, given her bland surroundings. But when night came, it was happily welcomed by Applejack, who did her best to fall asleep quickly. It was not difficult.

Day Six

When she woke up, it was to the same hospital room. Only a few dozen days left, AJ. She sighed, and sat up, stretching. She looked around, not really expecting to find anything worth the exertion of turning her neck. She was correct. Same old, same old. But – This wasn't quite true. Something was different today, and Applejack noticed a minute later. Now what's that racket? It sounds like somepony's shoutin' outside my door. She listened carefully. Yes, there were definitely raised voices outside. Now who could that be? But her question was answered before she could even make a guess. The doors to her room slammed open, and Rarity charged in, followed by a slightly confused looking Rainbow Dash, and several very angry looking nurses.

"You can't just take her! She needs to be signed out, and even then she's in no condition to…"

"I don't care!" Rarity bellowed at them. She turned to Applejack. "Applejack! Can you walk?"

"Well…" She was hesitant to answer. She could walk, but she wasn't quite sure she wanted to right now. But, she decided to tell the truth and see what happened. "Yeah, I can walk."

"Good! Come with me." Rarity practically dragged Applejack out of bed.

"That's a hurt patient!" shouted a harried nurse. "Be gentle, madam." Rarity was already out the door by the time she finished her reprimand. Applejack, who couldn't gallop as fast as she normally could followed after her with Rainbow.

"Rainbow," she panted, racing down the corridors and receiving several angry looks. "What's going on?"

"Well, I'm not too sure. Rarity just found me and dragged me along after her on her way here. But… something's wrong."

"Really? Thanks Rainbow, I couldn't tell," replied a disappointed and sarcastic Applejack.

Slightly hurt, she responded, "Well, sorry. Ask Rarity, she's the one breaking into hospitals." They passed through the front doors of the hospital, and found themselves outside. Rarity was still a few feet ahead of them.

"Rarity!" Applejack shouted after her. She looked back over her shoulder, but didn't stop running.

"What?" she shouted back.

"What's… going… on?" asked Applejack, breathing heavily. Rarity shouted something back, but Applejack didn't quite catch it. "What?"

"I said," shouted Rarity, "Pinkie's gone!"