The sun glistened on Applejacks orange coat as she lifted her forelegs to the last tree. She extended them, and the tree shook, and a rain of red and green fruit landed softly in the prepared wooden tubs. She hoisted one up on her back, placing it in the wagon. Big Mac promptly ran of with the cart. Applejack lifted her hat to wipe the sweat of her brow, looking across the empty orchard. She was done early, and the sun was still high in the sky as she trotted back to the barn.
She remembered that she had to meet Fluttershy today, so she only stopped there briefly to feed the animals. She kicked up dust as she happily trotted down the road with a spring in her step. Fluttershy's cottage was easily visible from the main road, marked out by the birds that often circled the place from above. It was Sunday, and there was little to no traffic, so Applejack got to Fluttershy's cottage early. She knocked gingerly on the door, knowing that loud noises scared the timid pony. It swung open immediately, and Applejack took a surprised step back to prevent being hit. Fluttershy was right at the door. Her hair was without its usual curl, leaving it long and limp looking as it dragged across the floor. It was held back with a white Barrett. But the biggest change was her eyes. The stared into Applejack without the signature fear and timidness. Applejack was startled by her friends new look.
"Err... Flutters, y'all right?"
" Oh yes, of course," Fluttershy said, turning as to dismiss the subject. "Come this way."
A confused Applejack followed her into the dining room, where the table was set for tea. Applejack sat down, and Fluttershy poured her a generous helping of aromas liquid.
"Fluttershy, are you sure you're alright? You just don't seem the same. You know you can tell me if something is bothering you, right"
"I'm fine." Fluttershy muttered with a set tone, glancing at her tea. Applejack sipped again, surprised at her friend but trying not to show it.
"Flutters, tell me that all you like, but something's bothering, you..."
Applejack trailed off, her sentence lost as she became lightheaded. She dropped her tea cup on the floor, dumping it's green contents on the floor. The room spun around her, Fluttershy's set gaze glaring down at her was the only thing that stayed still as Applejack slipped into dreamland.
