/mlp/ - BAD FEEL: Filly Applejack's Parents - Train Accident

OP:

>Hearth's Warming Day

>You have been given the burden of informing the Apple children that their parents have been killed in a train wreck on Hearth's Warming Eve

>Knock on door

>See this

>What say?

________________

 

>You bury your heartfelt sorrow for this family with a smile.

>"Hello there sweetheart, I'm a police officer from Canterlot and I need to talk to your granny about something important. Is she home?"

>The little filly takes a moment to study you and she beams, realizing where you have traveled so far from.

>"Wow! Willy? Have you met Pwincess Celestia?" she spurts excitedly, her eyes twinkling with curiosity and anticipation.

>"Sure have."

>Her eyes light up even more; "Is she as pwetty as everyone says she is?"

>"Even prettier in-person."

>Wondering who little Applejack was talking to, Granny Smith finally approaches the door.

>"Good evening, ma'am, I'm from the Canterlot Police. You must be Granny Smith."

>She studies you quizzically, unsure what your purpose here is.

>"I am. How can I help ya?"

>"I have some unfortunate news," --you gesture your head to Applejack-- "It would be best if the little one went upstairs for now."

>Granny Smith was a wise and sharp one when she needed to be. She knew something terrible had happened.

>"Sugarcube, I needya to get upstairs for granny. I needa talk to this nice gentlecolt here for a bit."

>Detecting the gravity of the situation, Applejack obediently retreats to the staircase and heads to her room, leaving you and Granny Smith alone at the door.

>"Please, come in and make yourself comfortable."

>"Thank you, Granny Smith."

 

>You make sure Granny is settled down and comfortable, and make tea in their modest kitchen while you give her the details in a way she can handle.

>She's speechless for the majority of the conversation, only requesting minor clarity and offering a gasp or two.

>She's beyond words.

>"Ah... Ah... dunno how I'm gonna tell 'er," she says weakly once you have finished. >"What do I say? How in Equestria do you tell a lil' filly that her folks are never coming home?"

>She's at a loss.

>"If you're more comfortable with it, I can talk to her. This something I've done before."

>Granny Smith nods. "Ya better do it. I don't know if mah old heart can take it."

>You let loose a sigh and return to the living room of the house.

>You find little Applejack near the top of the staircase, sitting on the step right before the ceiling met the staircase.

>She must have missed a few details, but she's clearly upset and tears are filling her eyes.

>"Ah heard ya'll talkin' to granny... are mah momma and daddy really gone?"

 

>You play it cool. This isn't the first time you've had to explain to a filly that their parents are gone.

>"Is that what you heard sweetheart?"

>She sniffles; "Yeah... that they got hit by the train."

>You offer a disarming glance; "I'm sorry you had to hear about it that way, Applejack."

>She turns away from you, clamping her eyes shut as her tears overwhelm her.

>"They loved you very much, Applejack. I know this is hard for you... I know it's hard to understand why... Sometimes, bad things happen. And we have to choose how those bad things change us. Applejack, I want you to go to your Granny and stay with her, okay? Be strong for her, and she'll be strong for you."

>She doesn't look at you. Nothing you can say will truly cure what only time can.

>You round the railing of the stairs and sit down beside the little filly, offering a warm embrace.

>She's reluctant at first, but soon envelopes herself in your front legs and squeezes your sides.

 

>Burying her face in your chest, she begins to weep, her grief overwhelming her.

>It's hard enough telling adults... but kids... this line of work is starting to wear you down.

>"There, there..." you mutter under your breath, squeezing the tiny Applejack. "You'll make it through this, honey."

>It's a long while before the little filly is finally ready to let go of you.

>"Applejack, if you ever need to talk to me, don't be afraid to call. Your granny has my phone number, okay?"

>She looks up at you, tears threatening to flow from her eyes again; "Okay..."

>With that last word, she returns to her granny.

>And you leave that night, unable to honestly wish them a merry holiday.

>No, not tonight... Not this year.