>Being the only person in Manehattan that can fix a clock has it's perks.
>The only problem is that I wasn't that good at it.
>I'm more of a woodworker myself, but when a ponies watch needed tuning, they came to me.
>It got me by, but I didn't feel like this was how I wanted to live out my life.
>City life wasn't good enough, I just needed more.
>That's why I left.
>And that's how I ended up in Ponyville today.
>I was resting in the shade of a tree outside the little community when up to me came a little yellow filly.
>She had a spring in her young bounds, and a big red bow atop her head.
>She obviously wasn't shy, since she just came up to me with the biggest smile upon her face.
>"Mister, what'cha doing out here?" She said, curiosity peaked.
>I patted my bag on the ground next to me.
>"I am looking for a new life." I said, as plainly as I could.
>She smiled once more, melting my heart.
>She came up a little closer, and sat down next me.
>What a friendly youngin she is.
>"We have been lookin for extra hooves 'round the farm. You could come live with us..." She started to list off a bunch of things abut rhe farm.
>One thing she noted was her family.
>She said that they were a fun bunch, especially her older sister, Applejack.
>"I couldn't,, besides, I don't know the first thing about apples." I looked at her, and was met with a sad look.
>They must really have been looking hard, either that or she is very lonely.
>Maybe it was something else, but I still felt bad.
>"Oh fine. I guess I can come check it out." I gave in.
>God, I can be so weak.
>She looked at me, beaming a smile that could melt rocks.
>She is so adorable, like really adorable.
>Kitten level adorableness.
>I slowly got up, my legs sore from long periods of sitting.
>But her younger legs were already speeding over the hill.
>I started to follow, slowly as to take in the fresh air.
>The farm she spoke of held a feeling in the air that said hard-working.
>It felt great to me, like a new sense of freedom.
>I smiled as I approached the farmhouse.
>The young filly was waiting at the door for me to arrive.
>I walk up the three stairs and stand on the other side of the door, bag slung over my shoulder.
>She looks up to me, and then opens the door.
>"Granny! Applejack! I brought a friend!"
>She yelled quite loud for a young one.
>"Applebloom, it better not be another one of Fluttershy's snake friends." Yelled another pony from inside.
>The filly named Applebloom walked inside, then looked back to me.
>I followed after, and was thrown aback by the strong fragrance of apple pie.
>Back home my mom would bake apple pies every weekend, and we would eat it together as a family around a board game.
>So many emotions washed over me as I remembered my mother.
>But they didn't stay long.
>I was brought back to reality by a southern accent.
>My focus goes from blurry to clear as I see an orange mare in the doorway.
>"Howdy there." The mare smiled warmly, but her eyes showed distrust.
>"Hello... Um.... I'm Anon. I met Appplebloom here a while ago and she said you needed help around the farm?"
>I had hoped I wasn't being too upfront about this, but this place was hypnotic.
>I just had to be apart of this place.
>I also had to get to know this mare.
>"Mah name is Applejack. Nice to meet ya Anon."
>I smiled, and tried to seem like a friendly person.
>"We have been having trouble with working the farm lately..." Applejack said, looking slightly despaired.
>I felt like this was my chance.
>My chance to settle into a new life.
>I had to take the opportunity by the horns.
>"Well, I have been looking for work.... I was wondering..."
>I tried to ask the question, but I couldn't build myself up to it.
>I don't see why not.
>It might have been the lack of words to say.
>Or maybe it was the look of expectancy on Applebloom's face.
>Honestly, why did she like me so much?
>Why did she want me?
>What did she see in me?
>"Anon, you can take the job on one condition, you have to be fine with bringing Applebloom here to school in the morning."
>There is the catch.
>I looked at Applebloom, who smiled sheepishly.
>I then looked back to Applejack, and smiled.
>"It is a deal." I declared.
>The whole moment was relieved of tension, which felt great.
>"Let me show you to your room." Applejack said, turning towards a stair case.
>I followed up the stairs, looking at each step as I went up.
>I did it.
>I found the start I have been searching for so long.
>And it began at the whitewash door.
>"Here is your room. If you bring friends, y'all have full privacy. We won't disturb, promise." She stated, a smile crossing her face as she looked me up and down.
>That comment felt abundant, and a little too cheeky.
>Nevertheless I opened the door and found the room to be a spare guest room.
>The bed was make of a darker wood, and was practically antique.
>I dropped my bag onto the bed, and breathed in.
>I wondered if new lives always felt so brilliant.
>I rummaged through my bag and started to take out the things I felt needed more attention.
>The first thing to catch my eye was the picture of my closest friend, April.
>Back in Manehattan, April had been having problems with her old grandfather clock.
>She came to me asking for help.
>What else could i have done but help her considering I needed work.
>I ended up fixing it just fine, but April hadn't been keen on letting my job go unpaid.
>She let me stay for dinner, and we talked.
>We talked, laughed, and generally had a good time.
>And thus the friendship was sparked.
>Everyday after my scheduled repairs were done with, I went over to her place and we talked over a cup of tea.
>Those little talks we had were what kept me going.
>But all good things must come to a close, just like every good clock must stop ticking.
>April lost her job, and had to move out of the area.
>The last moment we had together was moving her things into a cart.
>The worst part was that I forgot to ask her where she was going.
>I would have gladly made a long trip during the weekends, just to see her.
>I sadly regret not doing that.
>Turning back to the bag, I snapped out of my flashbacks.
>I decided to place the picture on the desk that was placed in front of the window.
>At that moment there was a knocking at the door.
>"Come on in!" I yelled over my shoulder, just looking out the window.
>The door opened, and in came Applejack.
>In stride was a large red stallion, and an elderly green mare.
>Applejack introduced the stallion as her older brother Big Macintosh.
>The elderly mare she introduced as Granny Smith.
>Pleasantries were exchanged on the spot.
>"Big Mac here will be workin the south fields during the week and the north fields with you on weekends." Applejack said, obviously more relieved having found a farm hand.
>I nodded and listened to Granny Smith give a long speech on how work is expected to be done around here.
>The speech wouldn't have been so bad, had she not used the term "whippersnapper" about twelve times.
>"We'll just leave ya to your un-packing" Applejack said, turning towards the door.
>Once the door closed, I decided to finish putting things away.
>In total I had about 3 posters, most of them Doctor Whooves 50th Anniversary posters.
>Not ashamed of it, and I never will be.
>Taking a step back, I decided that if it felt odd later, I could reorganize.
>I walked over to the desk, and opened the drawers.
>There was already paper, quills, and ink,
>I gathered these supplies, and laid them out on the desktop.
>The letter I compromised is one I had composed many times before.
>The letter went, "Dear April, I wish I could say how much I miss you. The talks we had warmed up even the coldest days. Where did you go? The path in front of me is so rugged, and I don't know where to go from here. Please, write me back, I need you."
>I never actually sent the letter, since I didn't know her address.
>Instead I would tie it to a balloon string and set it off the next windy day.
>Now that I thought about it, there must be one pony out there who keeps finding these and is generally confused.
>Oh well, I will continue writing,
>I put the letter in the bottom drawer along with the writing supplies.
>My stomach was rumbling, and my nose was picking up some scents.
>Good scents as they were, maybe even more so.
>I headed downstairs and was greeted by Granny Smith.
>"Oh, you're just in time. Dinner is bout done." She said, creakily heading back into the kitchen.
>The smells over came me, and I couldn't help but smile maniacally.
>Maybe the best part about this will be the food.
>I mentally slapped myself for thinking such shallow thoughts.
>The best part about this will be eventually overcoming my hunger-induced insanity, if anything.
>Wanting to be useful, I helped set the table for what would be a delectable dinner.
>Dinner was amazing.
>Mainly consisted of vegetables, but whatever was in the bread was amazing.
>And Applejack told eccentric stories, probably trying to set a good impression.
>There were some stories about her being an element of harmony.
>As if she could be Honesty, with a lie like that.
>But besides that, everything was great.
>I was sure wiped out though.
>I headed upstairs and climbed into bed, not caring about changing.
~~~
>The day had been so quick, that as I am now recalling everything that happened, it probably seems much quicker.
>Sitting up in the bed that I had just claimed yesterday, I concluded my recap.
>I stood up, still in the clothes from yesterday.
>And boy did they stink.
>I went to the bathroom, and found some towels on a rack.
>Closing the door, I started up the water and took a nice steamy shower.
>And that I did.
>While stepping out of the shower, I noticed something different.
>Atop my change of clothes, was a hat.
>It looked a lot like the one that Applejack wore last night.
>I dressed quickly, and donned the southern style hat.
>Looking in the mirror, I slipped my thumbs under my suspenders and pushed forward.
>Looking good, looking real good.
>Turns out it was about an hour early then I thought.
>The rest of the household wasn't even awake yet.
>So I decided to get a cup of tea and sit out on the front porch.
>But when I walked outside, I saw Applejack sitting on the bench, and decided to sit down next to her.
>"What're you doing up so early?" She asked, not taking her gaze away from the gorgeous fields forward.
>I wondered the same.
>Why was I up so early, I'm actually a pretty late sleeper.
>"New day, new job." I responded.
>I found contentment in the answer.
>Applejack turned to me, looking worried.
>"Do you know why we needed extra help?"
>I furrowed my eyebrows and shook my head.
>With a sigh, she continued.
>"Big Mac got in an accident a bit ago, and the treatment costs were a bit heavy."
>"But without him we would never get through Zap apple season."
>"So we paid it off, but too an extent that we are now paying for."
>"We need extra help around here now,"
>When she finished explaining she sighed once more.
>Argggg my heart strings haven't been pulled this hard in so long.
>Not wanting to let her sit there, I put my arm around her.
>"Don't worry, I will help you through this." I assured her.
>"Well anyway, I'm going to a picnic with my friend's today, do you want to join? I could give ya a tour of Ponyville." Applejack said, cheering up a bit more.
>I smiled, she surprises me sometimes.
>"I would love to." I answered.
>We just sat there for the next couple minutes, until Applejack got up.
>She walked into the house, while I sat there.
>Things around here aren't that great, not as great as I had hoped.
>But I could never live with myself if I left them in their time of need,
>Besides, who would bring Applebloom to school...
>I sat outside for another minute or so and decided to head inside to get something to eat.
>Toasted bread is probably the best thing for me, I need the grain.
>And besides, it's good bread.
>As I'm sitting at the table eating on my toast, Applebloom comes downstairs.
>"How'd ya sleep?" she asks me.
>I tried to look thoughtful, knowing that I slept great.
>"I slept good, thanks." I responded, smiling.
>She smiled back, and went about her usually weekend routine.
>Everything was so much more peaceful then in Manehttan.
>"Anon!"
>I looked up from my delicious breakfast when I heard my name called.
>It was coming from outside.
>I headed out the door, and saw Applejack and Big Mac waiting for me.
>"Hurry up, the quicker we get started the sooner we get done." Applejack said.
>I walked over to them, and was handed a bag to hold apples.
>"Follow me and catch the apples that fall." Applejack instructed me, turning towards the fields.
>I knew today was going to be a long day.
>The first hour or so wad fine, Applejack kicked trees, I caught apples and we moved onto the next one.
>We got through about 2 rows before it started getting laborious.
>After about 2 and a half hours, though, we finished collecting the apples... or so I thought,
>We then went through the rows again and looked through each fallen apple and picked out the good ones.
>That took another 2 hours.
>By the time we were finished it was early evening, late afternoon.
>I was sweating like hell, and my arms were sore.
>But I felt accomplished.
>And that feeling felt great.
>After I went back to my room, I decided I need a wash.
>So I went and took a shower, real quick of course.
>Didn't want to be late for the picnic,
And after I was dressed, I realized my timing couldn't have been any more early.
>The picnic wasn't for another hour.
>Great, what to do now...
>An hour to sit around all dressed up...
>Well, not that dressed up, but still nicely dressed.
>I let my mind wander for a bit.
>The places it wandered were places I didn't want to revisit.
>Done with the sad memories, I went to see what Applebloom was up to.
>After looking around for a time, I found her in the south fields weaving baskets (or attempting to) out of twigs.
>"Hey, what'cha doing?" I asked as i approached her.
>She turned around, slightly startled, but calmed when she saw who it was.
>"Oh, it's just you Anon. I'm makin baskets." She replied, turning back to her work.
>"Trying to get a cutie mark?"
>Applejack filled me in on her little adventures with her friends.
>I found it interesting, and great that they are trying so many things.
>But when it comes to sitting out in the middle of a nice day instead of playing I have to draw the line.
>"Come on, lets go play hide and seek before I have to go out!" I recommend.
>I tried to make myself sound as preppy as I could, to convince her to join me.
>She stopped, and contemplated it.
>"Ok."
>Well then, that was easy.
>She got up and played hide and seek with me back at the house.
>And boy did that hour pass by fast.
>Before I knew it, I was being called out from behind my hiding spot I used every time.
>For the record, that hiding spot of behind the tall potted plant in the living room.
>I mean, I'm bigger then the plant, how was I not found?
>Anyways, Applejack called me into the kitchen.
>When I entered, she motioned towards a basket and walked out the door.
>Nice use of words there.
>But there wasn't much to say anyway.
>This was the time that I get to meet some other people.
>Hopefully I can become acquainted with someone else so I wouldn't be so lonely.
>That's all I really want, to no longer feel lonely....
>The picnic was amazing.
>Once the others got to know me, casual conversation was flowing everywhere.
>I have never felt so happy in my life.
>"So you just went around fixing other ponies clocks?" Rarity asked, disbelieving how one could make a living.
>I shrugged showing that it wasn't a big deal.
>"It was something I enjoyed doing. Nothing much." I replied, popping another piece of the amazing bread into my mouth.
>I small moan escaped my mouth as I thoroughly  enjoyed the flaky, buttery bread.
>"This is homemade? It is absolutely brilliant!" I exclaimed.
 >Fluttershy blushed, and I smiled warmly.
>The day couldn't have gotten better, which it didn't.
>"Look at the time girls, it is getting late. I need to get going." Twilight said, getting up.
>"I should get going also." Said most of the others.
>All except Pinkie Pie.
>She just sat there eating a whole apple pie by herself.
>God, if I ever met a pony with more energy.
>Then again, she did bring the picnic blanket.
>"Applejack, I think I'm going to stay here a bit longer, it is so nice out." I said, looking over my shoulder.
>Applejack seemed to be thinking something because she smiled and picked up the picnic basket.
>She left without a word.
>"Odd..." I thought.
>"When's your birthday Anon?"
>I was startled, and turned around to see Pinkie looking at me.
>"Uhh...."
>I actually didn't remember by own birthday.
>It has been so long since I last celebrated it.
>I had so many conflicts running through me.
>Whether to lie and make up a date, or tell her the truth.
>Tick tock, tick tock, I kept on thinking.
>I decided the truth should be the path to go.
>I gathered all of my will, hoping she wouldn't think less of me for being such a sad person.
>"I don't remember." I said plaintively.
>The look on her face...
>The air around us felt as cold as the arctic and as hot as Mount Vesuvius at the same time.
>I braced for impact.
>"WHAAAT? How could you not remember your birthday!?" She exclaimed, literally leaping into the air in surprise.
>"I'm not sure how I could have. I haven't celebrated in so long." I answered, defeated.
>Pinkie Pie started running around frantically.
>"You have to have a party as soon as possible!"
>That was the last thing she said before running off.
>I grabbed her picnic basket off the ground and held it over my head.
>"Hey! You for got your blanket." I yelled, but to no avail.
>I sighed, and decided to head back to the farm.
>Only my second day here and ponies are already doing stuff for me?
>They barely know me to do this kind of stuff.
>I guess it is nice...
~
>When I finally got back to the farm, I found decorations up, ponies everywhere joking.
>Pinkie Pie bounded up to me, her face lit like a candle.
>"Do you like it Anon? I invited a bunch of ponies from town." She said.
>I was flabbergasted.
>She works quickly.
>Then, the decorations were only balloons and a few streamers.
>Maybe she didn't run in the direction of town.
>"I helped her when I heard 'bout your issue." A mare said, the voice coming from behind me.
>I turned to see Applejack there.
>"I felt so compelled to make it up to you for taking the job at our sad little farm that I felt it my duty to throw you a party." She said.
>I smiled.
>Yet, at the same time I cried.
>This was the nicest thing anypony has ever done for me.
>All I did was decided to help a nice family.
>Yet, I couldn't help but feel there was more to her story then Applejack was telling me.
>I wasn't going to pry, but it was more then just pure appreciation that she was being so nice.
>I just had a hunch.
>I would find out soon enough...
>The next morning, I was awoken early.
>Applebloom stood there in the doorway, still screeching like a banshee.
>"Ok ok, I'm up, you she-devil" I groggily said.
 
>Oh woe is me, sleep how I need you.
>"What do you need?" i asked her.
>She started to jump up and down, happily.
>"You need to bring me to school!" She said.
>Oh right, it's Monday.
>Monday...
>See, this is why people don't like Mondays, you get abruptly awoken.
>"I'll be down in a moment"
>She turned and closed the door behind her.
>Placing my head in my heads, I propped my elbows on my knees.
>Once I was sure I was awake... enough... I got up and dressed.
>The work schedule didn't include Monday, so I was in no hurry to bathe.
>But nonetheless i had to bring Applebloom to school.
>Lacing my boots, I fully crack open my dreary eyes, and notice the letter on my desk.
>I become curious and walked over.
>Alas, I couldn't read it since I heard my name being called from downstairs.
>"Hurry up!" Applebloom yelled.
>I slipped the letter into my pocket and headed downstairs.
>And sure as any, there was Applebloom at the door, saddlebags filled with school supplies.
>"Let's go." i said, opening the door and heading on the way.
>Walking the way to the school house only lasted about ten minutes.
>Not that long of a walk to need to be walked.
>When the school was in view, I urged her to go on.
>But she was hesitating.
>"Ya sure?" She asked.
>I nodded my answer, and watched her trot on to the school.
>But before she could get in the school, two other fillies came over and stopped her.
>St first it seemed like they were having a friendly little conversation, until Applebloom started crying and the others were laughing.
>I decided I should intervene.
>"Hey Applebloom, you forgot your handkerchief!" I called out to her, lying.
>I got closer, and crouched down.
>"Hey whats wrong?" I asked.
>Through her tears she managed to respond.
>"These two are making fun of my blank flank." She sobbed.
>I pulled her close and held her.
>"Hey, look, it's alright." i assured her, getting up to face the other two.
>They were at least 1/3 my height at most.
>"You shouldn't be bullying her for not having her cutie mark. Where I come from, we don't have cutie marks, we define ourselves through our actions." I scolded them.
>"Besides, what are your cutie marks? A silver spoon to show your "talent" is being pampered? Worthless. Your, a tiara? Your talent is looking pretty or something? Equally worthless. Better think about that before you make fun of a poor little filly." I finished.
>i kept looking down on them, until they sniffled and walked inside.
>Satisfied, I started to walk away.
>"Anon, wait!" Applebloom called after me.
>I turned to see her approaching me.
>She gets as high as she can and pulls me into an embrace.
>"Thanks for standin up for me." She said, voice a little weak from crying.
>"I said nothing and just held her until the school bell rang.
>"I better get going, see ya after school!"
>That's why she wanted to be walked, because she was being bullied....
>When I recapped what had just happened, it reminded me of when I was bullied.
>i just stood there for a moment, until my stomach rumbled.
>Oh yeah, I hadn't eaten yet today.
>I decided that I might as well go to Sugarcube Corner and get something.
>And with my course set to breakfast, I walked away from the school house.
>I'll be honest.
>The danishes didn't make it back.
>Now there may be a many things that bakery makes amazing.
>But the danishes were outstanding.
>Some good danishes and a few slices of honeydew in the morning.
>My perfect breakfast.
>Anyway...
>I got back, and decided, hell I might as well go find something to do for a while till Pinkie got off of work.
>And sure as hell, there was Big Mac on the front yard, doing some wood working.
>I approached him.
>"Hey Big Mac, what'cha working on?" I inquired.
>He nods over to a box.
>I go take a look, and see a big blue swing set on the front.
>Build Yourself! the box said.
>"For Applebloom?" I said.
>"Eeyup."
>Fair enough, she really needs to find something else to do after school instead of running around on her fruitless trek for her mark.
>It may be great that she is getting out of the house, I luxury I had none of back in my youth.
>But she is always tired, and never gets a good night of sleep.
>That's it, one day I'm gonna take her and her friends on a trip to Manehattan for the weekend.
>That sounds like a great idea.
>But to live in the past, I asked Big Mac,
>"Do you need any help?"
>He stopped to think for a moment.
>"Would be much 'ppreciated." He said.
>Dear Celestia, he scared me.
>Not to be mean, but I never thought he actually said anything.
> So I looked around for a spare pair of goggles and put them on.
>Time to put together some swings.
>I helped him prop up one side of it while he hammered it to the base.
>And in a half hour we were done.
>The thing was big.
>I mean, about a Big Mac and a half tall.
>Woah.
>Time to paint it now.
>I was about to pick up a paintbrush when a familiar voice was heard from behind.
>"Anon!" She hollered.
>I turned around and saw Pinkie hopping over.
>Is it that time already?
>Maybe it was longer then half an hour.
>I mean, the thing is huge.
>"You wanted to hang out right?" She asked, noticing what I was doing.
>I looked at her, then at Big Mac, who smiled and nodded.
>I smiled back, and nodded as well.
>"Well, I was just finished up." I said, taking off my goggles.
>She beamed a smile, and I felt my heart warm up.
>"What do ya wanna do then?" She asked.
>I didn't think about this.
>Hmm, what is there to do?
>Then I thought, hey it's a hot day today, why not go swimming by the lake?
>"How about we go take a swim, it's a nice day out." I proposed, shoulders hunched up, head tilted.
>"That sounds fun! First one there is a hungry parasprite!" She says, heading with great speed towards the lake.
>I run after her, but her possibly sugary induced energy was too much.
>By the time I crested the hill over looking the lake she was already jumping in.
>So I disrobed as quickly as i could, being only in my boxers now, and leaped in after her.
>Ahhh, how the water felt refreshing against my skin.
>It was such a nice way to spend an afternoon, swimming with a pal.
>But during my relaxing afternoon, I noticed something out of the corner of my eye.
>I look over and see Applejack walking over the hill in the opposite direction with flowers in her mouth.
>How odd, I contemplate.
>I decide to get out and follow her.
>Pinkie and I were playing Marco Polo so I believe she won't notice my absence.
>I dry off and don some close and head in the direction she went.
>That's when i saw her.
>See, the lake is fed by a river, and where I found her was along the riverbed.
>Next to a tombstone.
>Crying.
>I slid behind a nearby tree, not wanting to be seen.
>Who's grave is that?
>Why is AJ crying?
>These questions and more were storming my mind, preventing me from fully noticing when she got up.
>Heading in my direction, I quickly scooted around to the other side of the tree, trying to avoid her gaze.
>Thankfully it worked, the last thing I want to be caught doing is spying.
>"My departure was made sudden, because I couldn't stand to say goodbye."
>"I wish I could've stayed in Manehattan, but work had brought me elsewhere."
>"But, didn't you get my message?"
>"I sent you a letter, containing my address."
>"But seeing where you are now, it would seem you would be too far away to considering coming to visit."
>"Alas, I wish you my apologies, and I miss you."
>"Please, do good in the world, like you did good for my life."
>"What you didn't know from our happy coffee talks, was that I was suffering from depression."
>"That clock you fixed was my great grandmother's clock."
>"That relic was the only thing keeping me sane, knowing that I had a piece of my loving grandmother."
>"When it broke I went into hysterics."
>"Then you came along, and fixed it."
>"The glorious days!"
>"I felt so obliged that I invited you for dinner, and a friendship grew."
>"Your daily visits started to help me see the nice things in life."
>"I'm no longer suffering from depression, and I have you to thank."
>"Love ~April"
>...
>...
>April?
>It would seem that Applejack isn't the only person crying today.
>I then thought...
>Opening the drawer in my desk, I noticed that my vent letter was gone.
>The letter that I put my feelings and thoughts about April into.
>Somepony.... must have mailed it.
>But how did they get her address when I didn't even have it.
>Who did that?
>How?
>I watched as Applejack trotted off, probably heading back to the farm.
>I looked down the way and saw Pinkie still looking for me, calling out the occasional "Marco!"
>I had to know who's grave that was, I just had to know.
>So I slowly starting walking down the hill to the riverside.
>Approaching the tombstone, I knelt and started reading the words.
>A gasp escaped my mouth.
>The stone read: "Alexander, May his soul rest here. Always An Apple"
>Damn.
>That wasn't all.
>There was an image engraved into the stone.
>The pony depicted...
>Looked a lot like Applejack.
>This can't be.
>One would think that the Apple family would keep pictures around, especially of a lost family member.
>And Applejack, having another brother?
>She always seems so happy.
>Never once broken in any way.
>Maybe she moved on fully.
>Probably.
>This grave doesn't seem too recent.
>I hung my head in silence for the lost soul, and got up.
>After seeing that, I couldn't go back to the lake.
>My focus was elsewhere, not on hanging out with Pinkie.
~~~
>I opened the door to my room, and flopped onto my bed.
>And then I felt the crinkling.
>It sounded like paper...
>Oh shit, the letter.
>I quickly pull it out.
>The letter had no return address.
>I then wondered who could've sent this.
>I don't know anyone really.
>At least, no one that would send me a letter.
>And besides, how would they know where I was residing.
>Regardless, I slipped my finger under the flap, and broke the seal.
>Slipping the paper out of the envelope, I straightened the page out.
>The letter read,
>"Dear Anon, I didn't know how you felt."
>"But I left you a note with my address."
>"I had put it on your coffee table."
>"I guess now it would be too late for you to visit, you seem to have a new life outside of me."
>"But I wanted to write back and let you know that I enjoyed every talk we had."
>"Thank you for fixing my clock, it was my grandmother's"
>"~April"
>I stared at the paper for a minute or so.
>Then the tear fell down my cheek.
>Then I thought rationally for a moment.
>Quickly pulling the drawer in my desk open, I saw the letter to be gone.
>Who sent it out?
>Who would know her address?
>In a rush of hope, I ran out of my room and down the stairs.
>Turning the corner at the bottom of the stairs, I almost ran into Granny Smith.
>"Granny! Have you seen Applejack?" I frantically asked.
>She just nodded in the direction from which she just came.
>Then she started to trot off.
>I called out my thanks and rushed into the family room.
>Applejack was sitting in one of the chairs by the fireplace reading a book.
>Odd.
>"Hey AJ, I have a question." I called over.
>She looked up at me, saw the letter in my hand, and showed no change in emotion.
>"Did you mail out this letter?" I asked.
>I demanded the information.
>She turned back from her book, and started to respond.
>"Yes ah did Anon. Is there something wrong with that?"
>I looked her into the eyes.
>Those emerald eyes.
>"How did you get her address?"
>She looked at me.
>She looked at me as if I was stupid.
>"She orders cider every cider season, so I bring it out to her."
>...
>...
>I just sat there, trying to comprehend how the world could be so small.
>Applejack stared at me, for I wasn't moving or averting my eyes from the fire.
>That is, until I was sure I had reached total ascension, that and my eyes were burning.
>Never stare into a fire.
>Noted.
>"Well, thanks I guess..." I said, deflated.
>I turned to leave the room, letter in hand.
>"It's almost cider season." AJ called back.
>I turned around, head hung down.
>"What was that AJ?" I ask, voice low.
>"Uhh... Ah said it's almost cider season." She said, awkwardly.
>"About a week."
>I smiled.
>"Thanks."I responded, my body slowly filling with hope.
>I turn around and head back up the stairs.
>All the while on the way back to my room, I planned it all out.
>Opening my door, I walk over to the desk.
>I grab a pushpin out of the drawer, and pin the letter up on the wall.
>One more week, and I will see her again.
>Joyous days, the fates have smiled upon me.
>I smiled.