The Lies We Tell to Those We Love
Applejack pushed the door open to the house she shared with her two siblings and grandmother, her little sister, Apple Bloom, fast asleep on her back. The orange mare walked up the stairs, careful not to awaken the filly. The day's events played back into her mind as she trod to the youngest Apple's bedroom. Apple Bloom was to be home alone that day while the rest of her family was off delivering pies, but Applejack's anxiety brought her running back to care for her sister. Apple Bloom, feeling smothered, decided to deliver Applejack's pies for her to a distant town. Not knowing the dangers, she had almost been eaten by a chimera if it had not been for her older sister coming in the nick of time. Both the Apples and the pies got to their destination safely, and now they were home, safe and sound but exhausted to the core.
Apple Bloom moaned slightly as Applejack bent down, sliding her sister off of her back onto the bed. The foal stayed asleep, however, even as the older pony pulled the covers over her.
"G'night baby," Applejack whispered, kissing the filly's head tenderly. The mare held back several tears, and left for her own room, where she finally let go and wept bitterly.
***
Big Macintosh sipped from his cup of strong, black coffee. He could make a racist or sexist comment comparing to something, but that was overdone anyways, and besides, it was his first cup so he wasn't prepared for heavy thinking yet. He looked up, his emerald eyes on his younger sister, Applejack, as she trudged down the stairs. Her eyes looked red, and her mane was a mess. Big Mac downed the rest of his drink, preparing himself for what came next.
"Mornin', Applejack," He said in his deep voice, nodding to the mare.
"Mornin', Mac..." Her voice was barely audible, and was a bit raspy from what Big Mac could tell. Both were in silence while Applejack poured a cup of coffee for herself, stirring in cream and sugar before sitting at the table.
Wait for it Mac. Too soon, and she'll break. The big red stallion mentally told himself.
