The Miracle of Life and Death
The Miracle of Life and Death
“Twilight, don’t worry, I’ll be fine,” Applejack reassured as she settled onto the chair. “I’m about to have a baby; I’m not going in for heart surgery.”
“I know, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t dangerous. On average, about-“
“Don’t give me any of your fancy statistics, Twilight,” Applejack growled. “I know there is a chance I won’t… but I need to be strong and that means I need you and the rest of the girls to be strong as well.”
“You’re right; I’m sorry. Rainbow Dash went to go get the others. They should be here soon,” Twilight said as she looked at the front door of the hospital.
“She’ll be here. I told her she’d be too slow to make it back in time,” Applejack joked.
“Ha, that’ll make her hurry.”
“Applejack?” a nurse asked, looking at her triage and then to Applejack.
“Yes?”
“You’re room is ready. Please get in the wheelchair.”
“I’m fine. I can walk there myself,” Applejack responded as she stood up.
“I’m sure you can, ma’am, but it’s the policy,” the nurse kindly pointed out.
“Fine, if it’s policy.” Applejack stood from the chair and settled herself instead into the wheelchair. The entire time Twilight held tight to her friend, helping her all along the way. She wanted to ask Applejack why the father wasn’t there, but knew that it was best not to ask, so as not to upset her. The time would come soon, however.
“Twilight, could you stay here and get bring Rainbow and the other when they get here? I’m going to get settled in and have some time with Big Mac and Applebloom just in case-“
“Don’t say that Applejack,” Twilight cried, holding Applejack’s hoof tighter. “I shouldn’t have even put those thoughts in your head. You’re going to be fine, I assure you.”
“Thanks, Twilight. Still, it’s for the best. Okay, I’m ready, nurse,” Applejack said. Twilight simply stared as he nurse carted Applejack down the hall, eventually leaving her sight. Big Mac and Applebloom followed shortly after.
The nurse carted the pregnant earth pony past multiple doors, so many closed doors and opened ones with weeping families inside as they looked over their loved ones. As Applejack looked over the multiple families in mourning, she couldn’t help but feel that there would be some in her room by the end of the day.
She rarely had a wrongful gut feeling.
Her mind racing, the nurse carted her into her room, setting her beside the bed. Slowly, the mare lifted herself into the bed with the help of the nurse and laid back on the pillow, her hoof on her bloated stomach.
“She’s coming soon, I know,” Applejack whispered as she looked at her family. “I wish ma and pa were here to see this.”
“They are, AJ,” Big Mac reassured, startling Applejack a bit since he’d said something other than ‘yup’ or ‘nope’. Sure, it was expected he would have some words during such a special occasion, but it didn’t make it any less surprising.
“I can’t wait to meet my little sis!” Apple Bloom exclaimed. Immediately her face turned red and she looked down as the nurse gave her a glare at the outbursts. “Sorry, I’m just excited.”
“Oh, there’s my little Applejack,” Granny Smith said as she stepped into the room. She was smiling as wide as possible as she looked at the bedridden mare. Careful not to overexert herself, she took a seat on the chair beside Applejack and looked her granddaughter in the eyes. “It seems like only yesterday that your mother was giving birth to you, dearie.”
“Time flies, doesn’t it?” Applejack asked, laughing lightly.
“That it does, Applejack. I’m so sorry they can’t be here for you, dearie,” Granny smith apologized.
“It’s okay, really. They’re watching in their own way, through all of us. Ma was graced with three children, something I hope I never get the chance to experience. This one is painful enough,” Applejack joked. Still, there was a slightly sombre tone behind it.
“If you’re thinking what you’re thinking, Applejack, don’t. Big Mac, could you take Apple Bloom outside for a moment?”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac confirmed. Apple Bloom tried a bit to resist, but found she was no match whatsoever for the strength of the brother. When Granny Smith was sure the siblings were out of earshot, she looked at Applejack and frowned.
“I know that your mother passed giving birth to Apple Bloom, but that isn’t going to happen to you. Your mother was just so tired after your father passed in that accident; she couldn’t fight anymore. She was my daughter; I loved her, but I’d rather you forget about her than think about how she passed,” Granny Smith scolded.
“I know, Granny. But I have a gut feeling; something bad is going to happen today. I want to blame it on the baby, but I know it’s not her. Whatever happens, I want you to make sure Apple Bloom knows that I love her, that she needs to take care of her niece. Big Mac just doesn’t have the gentleness to do it.”
“Applejack,” Granny Smith whimpered, “don’t say that. You’re mother asked me to say nearly the same thing to you before she gave died. You’re going to be fine, sweet pea.”
“I hope you’re right, Granny,” Applejack admitted.
“I am right,” Granny Smith reassured. Both of them stopped and looked at the door as somepony knocked.
“Come in,” Applejack greeted, smiling as Twilight stepped in with the rest of her friends.
“We’re here, Applejack,” Twilight gleefully said as the group stepped in. Luckily, it was a big room, so they could all fit with ease.
“I still can’t believe you were the first out of all of us to get knocked up,” Rainbow said. “Looks like you beat me at something. And from the stories you’ve told me, I’m glad for once. Plus, a baby would totally cramp my style.”
“Shut up, Rainbow,” Applejack laughed.
“Just saying.”
“I’m proud of you, darling,” Rarity stated. “I just hope you let me design all her clothing so she actually grows up with a sense of fashion.”
“Oh, ha ha, Rarity. Tell you what, you can design one outfit.”
“Better than nothing, I suppose.”
“You have to let me fillysit! I’ve gotten a lot of practice with the cake’s babies, so I’m a prime candidate!” Pinkie exclaimed, yet somehow not loud enough to garner the attention of the nurse.
“Sure, that’s Pegasi and Unicorn babies. Earth babies are a whole other story, Pinkie. Ever been bucked by a baby earth pony with the strength of Big Mac? I didn’t think so. Besides, I-“ Applejack stopped and screamed as her water broke.
“I’ll get the doctor!” the nurse shouted as she dashed out the room. Having studied what to do in such a situation, Twilight dashed next to Applejack and held her hoof while Granny Smith held the other.
“Just breathe Applejack. Deep breaths,” Applejack chanted. “In and out. The doctor will be here soon. There you go.”
“Hello, Applejack,” a stallion said as he rushed into the room. “I’m Dr. Kleid; I’ll be delivering your baby today. Could anypony that isn’t family step outside, please?”
“No, I want them to –AH- stay,” Applejack pleaded. “They’re honorary family.”
“Normally I wouldn’t allow it, but I don’t have time to complain. You, what’s your name?” he asked Twilight.
“Twilight Sparkle.”
“We’re short on nurses and you look like you know what you’re doing. I need you to keep her focused. Where is the father?” the Dr. Klein asked. The looks from everypony told him that he wasn’t there. “I see. No matter; we need to get this delivery on the road.”
“It’s alright, honey, just let the baby come on out,” Granny Smith whispered as she leaned in next to Applejack. “I’m here for you.”
“Okay, Applejack,” the doctor said as he placed the second glove and his mask on. “I need you to start pushing.”
“Alright, I can do that,” Applejack groaned. Her breaths began to come at extremely fast intervals as she began to push with all her might to move the birthing process along. She began to wish she’d taken the medicine, but she knew she was strong enough for a natural birth.
“You’re doing great, sweetheart,” Granny Smith reassured, tears in her eyes. Applejack couldn’t help but smile through her pain at the teary eyed mare beside her, wondering if this was what her mother had been graced with shortly before her death.
“I can see the head!” Dr. Klein excitedly exclaimed as he used his magic to start to help the baby along from Applejack’s body.
“Almost there, AJ,” Twilight cheered as she held tighter to Applejack’s hoof. The embrace was promptly returned more from pain than anything else.
Time seemed to slow down as the doctor continued to pull the baby from Applejack along with the help of AJ’s pained pushing. She was near blacking out, something that was to be expected in a natural birth. She’d no doubt pass out before she got to hold her baby, but she’d wake soon and be able to cradle the new-born in her arms.
“I’ll be there soon,” Granny Smith said, her eyes still wetted with tears. Everypony was deeply confused by what she’d said, but they were too deeply focused on the miracle of life.
“Come on Applejack, one more good push,” the doctor commanded. In compliance, Applejack pushed as hard as she could and felt her consciousness begin to slip. “Twilight, help me here!”
“Coming,” Twilight responded, dropping Applejack’s hoof and rushing to the doctor’s side. Her consciousness slipping, Applejack allowed her head to drop to the left and look at Granny Smith.
“I did it, Granny Smith,” she lightly whispered as the darkness began to cloud her vision. She was completely numb and was sure she’d pass out in seconds. However, Granny Smith didn’t respond. She was lying on Applejack’s side, her eyes closed and a smile plastered on her face, her hoof still wrapped around Applejack’s.
Applejack blacked out.
Applejack blinked slowly as she opened her eyes. She was in a hospital room, one she sense she wasn’t alone in. As soon as they noticed she had regained consciousness, Twilight and Big Mac walked over to her, one on each side. Applejack looked to her left, expecting to see Granny Smith. However, nopony was there.
“Applejack…” Twilight trailed off as she took a seat next to her friend. Applejack flexed her left hoof, the feel of Granny Smith’s hoof still memorized in her nerves. The confusion in her mind began to settle in. Like a crash of lightning, her mind realized what happened.
“Where’s my baby?” Applejack asked.
“In the nursery. You went into critical condition after the birth. You’ve been out for five hours. Big Mac and I stayed behind to tell you.”
“So she’s fine?”
“Healthiest baby I’ve ever seen,” Twilight reassured. However, she didn’t do it with a smile; there was a frown on her face. Big Mac’s as well. Applejack looked at her brother, afraid to blink in fear of losing the image of Granny Smith sitting beside her. She knew what had happened; she knew from the moment she got that gut feeling.
“Applejack, I’m sorry to tell you this after such a beautiful occasion, but… Granny Smith passed away right before you delivered the baby. We noticed after we ensured the baby’s health. The doctor tried to revive her, but she was already gone. They diagnosed it as natural causes; old age.”
“I can still feel her holding my hoof,” Applejack admitted, tears welling in her eyes.
“It’s okay, little sis,” Big Mac comforted, his hoof taking the place of Granny Smith’s. “She passed with you, during a beautiful moment. I can’t think of a better way to go.”
“The hospital is willing to cart you to the mortuary if you want to see her,” Twilight revealed. “I knew you’d want to.”
“Thanks, Twilight. Big Mac, are you alright?”
“Eeyup,” he weakly responded. However, the sad look of Applejack pierced through his hard exterior and he allowed the pool of tears built up to flow freely. “Nope,” he cried. The two allowed their sobs to comfort one another as they mourned Granny Smith.
“Where’s Apple Bloom?” Applejack asked in between sobs.
“I’ll go get her. She’s just outside, waiting for you to wake up,” Twilight said. She departed from the room and returned a moment later with the youngest sibling. “I’m going to go tell everypony you’re awake. I’m so sorry, Applejack.”
“Thank you, Twilight. Tell everypony not to worry; I’ll be fine. We’ll all be fine.” Twilight nodded at Applejack and smiled a fake, but comforting smile.
“Is Granny Smith…?” Apple Bloom quietly asked.
“She’s with ma and pa, telling them stories about what a good filly you are,” Applejack comforted. “The baby was a final gift, the miracle of life and death her final message to us.”
“I’ll miss her,” Apple Bloom admitted as she crawled in bed next to her sister.
“We all will,” both Applejack and Big Mac agreed. The three sibling sat in silence, their sniffling and sobs the only noises as they remembered the good times they’d had with Granny Smith. She’d outlived her only daughter and lived to see her granddaughter give birth; she had lived a hard life, but it was all for something in the end.
The only thing Applejack could think was that was what she had been waiting for. She’d wanted to see her oldest granddaughter bring forth another generation of the Apple family into the world. Perhaps it was a promise she’d made to her daughter, to see Applejack to motherhood, when she’d finally be capable of taking care of herself.
Applejack wouldn’t put it above her mother to ask such a thing. But maybe it was just her old stubbornness, not wanting to leave the world until she could see the granddaughter she thought as her own daughter through to the most magical part of life. Then it all came to Applejack.
She wasn’t there. Granny Smith was physically there for the birth, but her mind had slipped. She had returned to Apple Bloom’s birth, the final moments she had with her daughter, sitting beside her as she gave birth. She was able to pass along with her daughter and meet her in the afterlife.
She had a gut feeling that was what it was. But the time for mourning was to end soon. Granny Smith wouldn’t want it that way; she’d want her to go see her new-born daughter and introduce herself as the small baby’s mother.
“Come on, let’s go see your niece,” she said to both of her siblings. The two sniffled and nodded at Applejack, a smile on both of their faces. Applejack smiled back, but past her two relatives, to the old mare that was smiling at her. Granny Smith nodded to her granddaughter before walking towards the door.
She truly was gone, replaced by Applejack’s child, one life for another. It pained Applejack to think of life without the lively elder pony, but she knew they’d make it. But there would be time for those thoughts in a bit. She wanted to see her baby.
Slowly, with the help of her brother and sister, Applejack stood from the bed and got into the wheelchair beside her bed. She was sure it was against hospital policy, but she didn’t care.
Twilight sighed as she sat down beside the door, anticipating the arrival of Applejack. She’d just finished telling everypony of Applejack’s recovery, so they were just waiting for the new mother to walk through the door.
“So, how is she?” Rainbow asked while taking a seat on the couch next to Twilight.
“She’s tough. Sure, she took the news hard, but I’m confident that she’ll be strong. It’s not easy; she was there all of Applejack’s life. She took over for her mother when she passed and now she’s gone too. The only difference this time is that she was granted a daughter of her own instead of a baby sister.”
“I can’t imagine the pain. But if she’s even half as tough as I am, she’ll make it through fit as a fiddle.”
“Oh, come on. I know you have a soft side; you’d be in a ball crying, wouldn’t you?”
“N-no,” Rainbow defended after shooting from the bench. “Uh, not in front of anypony anyways,” she quietly admitted.
“Uh-huh.” Both of them smiled at one another right as Applejack came through the door, her brother and sister in tow. It was immediately obvious they had been crying; but they seemed to have stopped in lieu of the happier moment of the day.
Everypony gathered around as Applejack entered the nursery and was directed to her baby by a nurse. Everything went silent as Applejack slowly reached into the crib and picked her baby up, setting it in her lap. A wide smile on her face, she softly touched the foal on the nose.
Confused, the baby opened its eyes, revealing beautiful pale blue eyes. Twilight sniffled as Applejack happily cried, cuddling her baby in her arms. For an eternity she just stared at the baby in her lap, allowing it to fall back asleep.
Twilight couldn’t help but look right at Apple Bloom who was on Big Mac’s back and smile at the grin on her face. Both of them looked so happy, but Twilight could still see the sadness imprinted on their faces. It wasn’t fair that such a glorious moment had to be shadowed by such sadness.
She looked back in time to see Applejack kiss the foal on the forehead before placing her back in the crib. She could see Applejack say something, but she couldn’t make out what. Probably just saying that she loved her.
Everypony crowded her as she exited the nursery, congratulating her on the baby. Twilight found it odd, almost alien, that they could be so happy after such a tragic event, but she knew that deep down, everypony was grieving. Granny Smith’s death affected the Apples the most, but she was like the loving grandma to each and every one of them, a valuable member of the family none could think of a life without.
At the same time, the baby was a welcome addition to the family that they’d carved together. Twilight had been chosen as the godmother and she’d no doubt grow up thinking of the rest of Applejack’s friends as family. Still, she found it hard to believe the baby would never hear Granny Smith’s voice or be able to do something as simple as hug her.
“Twilight,” Applejack quietly said, slipping away from the group. “Can you show me where she’s at? I’d like some time alone before everypony else comes in.”
“Sure, follow me,” Twilight agreed. Twilight told everypony where they were going, and then lead Applejack into the hall. As the two walked, Twilight couldn’t help but have the question boggle her mind again. Despite her best intuition, she felt she had to ask it to get it off her mind. “Applejack, do you mind if I ask a question?”
“Go ‘head sugarcube,” Applejack responded.
“Where’s the father? I don’t mean to pry, but…”
“It’s alright, Twilight. He… he died shortly after we conceived the baby. A timber wolf attacked him while he was looking for that lost filly a few months back.”
“Oh… I’m sorry; I didn’t know that was him. I’d read about that. Applejack, if you need anything-“
“I’m alright, sugarcube, really,” Applejack reassured, a smile on her face. “Sure, I lost both him and Granny Smith in a short year, but I got a daughter in return. Deep down, I knew Granny Smith didn’t have much more time; she was older than Ponyville after all.”
“I’m just making sure. If it were me…”
“Twilight, I know you and the girls are there for me. A lot of ponies don’t have that. In my opinion, I’m luckier than most out there.”
“Point taken.” The two continued in silence, eventually stopping outside the mortuary. Twilight had managed to convince the hospital to isolate her body from the rest so that they could have some privacy.
“Go get the others and bring ‘em here. Have Big Mac bring the baby; she should get to see her great grandmother at least once.”
“Sure, Applejack.” As Twilight departed, Applejack wheeled herself into the room and settled her chair next to the body of Granny Smith. Just as she had been when she passed, she still had a smile on her face. As Applejack looked at her lifeless body, she couldn’t help but smile a little.
“She’s beautiful, Granny. Has the eyes of her father, rest his soul. I’m sorry you didn’t get a chance to meet her, but I’m sure you’re content. Say hi to ma and pa for me, alright? And you be sure to give the great orchard in the sky your cider recipe, alright?” Applejack whispered, tears in her eyes.
Applejack wiped the tears away from her face and leaned in to kiss Granny Smith on the forehead. Laying her head next to Granny Smith’s head, she took her hoof and grasped it tightly, bidding her final farewell. It only seemed like a year ago she’d been doing the same thing to her father then her mother.
Applejack sniffled as picked her head up and sat straight. A final tear dropped from her chin, landing on Granny Smith’s hoof. In her head, Applejack could still hear Granny Smith comforting her after Applejack’s mother’s death.
“It’s going to be alright, Sugarcube. You’re a strong young mare, even stronger than your brother. She may be gone, but she’s always right next to you, just like I’ll always be. I love you, Applejack.” The words rang clearly in her head as if Granny Smith was speaking right next to her. After her voice had left Applejack’s head, she gave Granny Smith’s hoof one final squeeze and whispered, “I love you, too, Granny Smith.”
She sat in silence for a few moments before the rest of the group slowly filed in. Applejack was happy to see Big Mac carrying her baby, a slight smile on his face. Applejack happily took her baby and sat the sleeping infant in her lap, cuddling it as best she could.
One by one, starting with Big Mac, the group said their final farewells. As they did, Twilight took a seat next to Applejack and smiled at the baby, and then at Applejack herself.
“How’s Apple Bloom?” Applejack asked, her attention on the baby.
“I don’t know. She seems fine, but she looks like she’s bottling her emotions up. When you get back home, it might be good to talk to her,” Twilight answered, her eyes on the small filly in question.
“She’s strong, but you’re right. She’s going through the same thing I went thought; Granny Smith was to her what my mother was to me. And I’ll be honest: I’d like to have not made it through my ma’s death had Granny Smith not said what she had to me. I’ll be sure to talk to her the moment we get home.”
“Good. So, have you thought of what to name her?”
“Yes. I’ll tell everypony at once. Let them say goodbye, then I’m taking her over to Granny Smith so that she can see her great grandma. But I’ll give you a hint; I’ve called each and every one of you by it at least once. It’s a name Granny Smith wanted me to go by before my mother decided on Applejack. In honour of her, I’ll pass that name on to my daughter,” Applejack explained.
“I’m sure she’d like that.”
The two sat and watched the baby sleep as the rest of their friends and family made peace with Granny Smith’s passing. As the baby cooed lightly, Twilight couldn’t help but think of the letter she’d be able to write to Celestia. After all, she did have some news for the Princess.
She rubbed her stomach as soon as she was sure Applejack wasn’t looking. She had planned to tell everypony after Applejack’s birth, but the circumstances didn’t call for it. She’d have to settle for after, so that she could shed some happiness on the situation. Twilight almost felt guilty; she still knew the father of her child was alive and she’d even made plans for their wedding, a surprise she also meant to tell the others after Applejack’s birth.
She’d never suffered loss like Applejack had. She knew it was wrong to think like that, but she couldn’t help it. As she looked at Applejack holding her baby, then at the mourning group crowding Granny Smith, she couldn’t help but feel lucky for what she had. It was decided; she would tell everypony of the wedding and her pregnancy as soon as they left the morgue.
“Bring her over here,” Rarity directed, garnering Applejack’s full attention. Twilight walked alongside Applejack as she neared Granny Smith. Sad expressions became smiles as the baby moved through the group towards the gurney. By the time the baby reached Granny Smith, nopony was sad anymore.
It was the circle of life. Death is overlapped by life, but the dead are never truly forgotten. They live on as much as the living do, through the memories of the ones that knew the deceased. As Applejack placed the baby carefully next to Granny Smith, Twilight was sure that Granny Smith was still lingering, smiling happily at her great-grandaughter.
“Granny, meet my daughter, the newest member of the Apple Family, Sugarcube.”
Sugarcube reached out with her hoof and touched Granny Smith’s hoof where Applejack’s tear had landed.
Granny Smith continued smiling.
