Every single pony in the town had gathered around Sugar-Cube Corner, to watch the Ponyville Schoolhouse annual play, the weather was great today as the pegasi ponies cleared the sky and made sure that the weather was just right for the their younger foals. This year they were doing Romeo and Fillyett, and Apple Bloom was so excited because she was the star of the play. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were preparing for the play, Sweetie Bell fixing her outfit and Scootaloo fiddling with her humorously puffy hat she wore. Apple Bloom hadn’t been this excited in years, today her parents were coming to see her, perhaps this time they will show up, just like they always promise. She peeked out of the curtain and saw as the crowed sat impatiently waiting for the play to begin. Apple Blooms eyes drifted to the front of the crowd, and just like every year, Apple Jack, Big Mac, and Granny Smith sat next to two empty seats labeled “Reserved for Apple Family”. Apple Bloom took a big sigh as she was filled with grief. “What’s wrong Apple Bloom?” asked Sweetie Bell. “Just the same thing as every year, my parents said they would be here, and like every year, there are two seats open.” Said Apple Bloom with a small pool of tears in her eyes. “Hey, its not so bad, you have your brother, sister and your granny. It could be worse and not have parents at all.” Said Scootaloo with a look of despair in her eyes. “Alright fillies and colts, stage time in two minutes”. Apple Bloom trotted down to Apple Jack in the audience “what are you doing down here apple Bloom, the play is starting soon?” Apple Jack asked trying to ignore her sisters tears, “I want to know” Apple Bloom stated with a hint of fury in her voice, “Know what lil’ sis?”. “DON’T PLAY DUMB, WHERE IS MOM AND DAD” Apple Bloom shouted with a slight quiver “YOU'RE THE ELEMENT OF HONESTY BUT YOU CAN NEVER SEEM TO TELL ME WHY OUR PARENTS CAN’T MAKE IT EVERY SINGLE YEAR, OR EVEN TO EAT DINNER, OR SAY ‘I LOVE YOU’ ,WHY APPLE JACK WHY ARE THEY NEVER HERE ”. At this point Apple Bloom was full blown crying seeking comfort from her family but none came. Apple Jack remained cold and distant as her words sliced into Apple Bloom’s ears “I can’t tell you, and I can never tell you, think I never wanted to know, of course I did, but I became better without them, I became me, so grow up and don’t beg for love when you got plenty right here” Apple Jack gestured over to Big Macintosh and Granny Smith who had faces of concern in their eyes. “Apple Bloom, you may never know where our parents are, but the truth is they love you and they are where they are for good reasons not to abandon you, they are the only ones who understand where they are, and maybe they themselves may not even know” A single tear flowed down Apple Jack’s cheek. “ I never thought of it like that” Apple Bloom said in a remorseful voice, Apple Jack could tell she wanted a better answer, “Why don’t you hop on stage and blow this crowd away, huh?” They both realized that Sugar Cube Corner was dead silent, and all the ponies sat there staring at them with eyes, of confusion, sadness, and annoyance as they wanted to get the play started.”I think we already accomplished that Big Sis!” They both chuckled a little bit, exchanged a hug, and Apple Bloom walked on stage with the sound of “Good luck” in the background. Big Mac and Apple Jack exchanged a glance at each other, both thinking that Apple Bloom is getting too close to discovering her parents.
