Celestia's sun rose over Ponyville bringing light to the residents who called it home. Twilight Sparkle raced around Ponyville with a speed that rivalled Rainbow Dash. There were some new books on sale in the market, and she wanted them, no, needed them, so badly.
She spotted the market stall. She realized Fluttershy was standing nearby. She purchased the books and went up to Fluttershy.
"Hey Fluttershy," greeted Twilight brightly.
Fluttershy squeaked, "Oh, its just you..." She turned and walked away, her head drooping.
Twilight was confused. Sure, Fluttershy was shy but she would always chat to a friend. Hmmm. Something was wrong. Twilight saw the sadness in her eyes.
"What's wrong," asked Twilight curiously.
Fluttershy sighed," I've been trying to take up a hobby but I'm no good. Pinkie pie said baking or playing an instrument but I can't do that. Rainbow Dash said flying but I can't do that either. Rarity said sewing but I keep pricking myself. Applejack said-"
"Okay, I get it!" Twilight interrupted. "Don't worry I'll think of something."
Twilight wracked her brain. What hobby could her gentle, animal-loving friend do? She obviously took too long thinking because Fluttershy was already walking down the street..
"Wait! Gardening!" She called out to Fluttershy. Surely it would be the perfect thing. In fact Twilight wondered why Fluttershy hadn't thought of it before. Suddenly Fluttershy ran towards Twilight in a massive hug.
"Thanks Twilight for the idea! I'll try it right now!"
Twilight beamed at her, always glad to know that she could help a friend. Secretly she wondered if another letter to Celestia could be managed...
Fluttershy ran to her cottage after buying some seeds for a few bits. Well, it was a few bits compared to what she usually paid. She planted her seeds in her back garden. She watered them carefully then tended to her animals. She danced with joy after realizing: she was finally good at something! She was in a merry mood for the rest of the morning, though the animals were confused to as why their calm, quiet owner was dancing in the living room and sliding down the banisters.
1 week later...
A knock at the door shook Fluttershy out of her daydreams. She had been gardening non-stop and was delighted that she had found a hobby. She flung open the door with a massive grin. Standing there was Applejack.
"Howdy, Fluttershy. Twilight told me that ya were trying out gardenin'. How's it goin'?" questioned Applejack.
Fluttershy gestured for her to come in.
"You can see for yourself!"
She led Applejack into the garden. Applejack looked around expecting to see rosebushes and blossoms. Instead she saw weeds.
"What, but there's gotta be a mistake." Applejack murmured to herself. Fluttershy showed her some wilting flowers and endless weeds. Applejack had grown up on a farm, she knew weeds when she saw them, but surely Fluttershy would be better at gardening. She rubbed her eyes. But no, she wasn't imagining.
"Well they're... nice." That little lie burned Applejack to her apple core.
"Oh my goodness it's boilin," said Applejack in a hurry, "We'd better get inside!"
She didn't want to continue to lie about Fluttershy's gardening skills, so she tried to make an excuse to get away from the horrible plants.
Fluttershy frowned. "Oh you are absolutely right! I must tend to the plants."
Applejack watched uncertain, as Fluttershy put her potted plants in a shaded spot where no sunlight could reach and watered them excessively.
"Um, Fluttershy, I'm not sure you're supposed to do that...."
Applejack was positive that plants need water but not too much water. Also they needed sunlight, not shade. Fluttershy was being a bit too caring.
"Oh but you said it yourself it's so hot and the plants need shade." Fluttershy answered rushing around moving plants.
Applejack stared. Well at least the mystery of the terrible plants had been solved. No wonder her flowers were wilting. But what about the weeds?
"Um, why don't ya pull out the weeds?" suggested Applejack.
Fluttershy looked horrified.
"Pull out those poor plants? That's far too cruel!"
Applejack sighed. This was gonna be hard work.
3 Weeks Later...
Applejack smiled. After ages of hard work it was finally paying off. The plants in Fluttershy's garden were beautiful and she even started growing fruit! But Applejack had noticed something. Fluttershy didnt seem... happy. She tended to her plants like it was a boring chore. Applejack was beginning to think maybe Fluttershy didn't enjoy it as much as she said she was. And that was why Applejack was here in Fluttershy's garden. She just needed to figure out it this was what she wanted.
Fluttershy continued her task of showing Applejack around the garden,"And over here is the rose-"
"Wait, Ah need to ask ya somethin',"Applejack cut her off.
"Sure, what?"
"Do ya really, from the bottom of ya heart, actually like gardenin'?"
Fluttershy frowned. "Of course I do-"
"Be honest."
"I do!"
"Fluttershy, Ah can tell you are lyin'."
She sighed. Now was the time to tell the truth.
"Well not really... Its just, you all have talents and I don't-"
Applejack raised an eyebrow.
"What makes ya think ya don't have a talent. Ah mean just look at all ya pets! That's a talent. Even if ya don't think it is. Everypony is good at something. Like you can talk to animals! If gardening was ya talent then it would be ya cutie mark. So if you don't enjoy growin' fancy flowers, then stop."
Applejack performed this speech in one breath.
"You are right." Fluttershy said. With the help of Applejack she threw all the gardening tools away.
Fluttershy shyly smiled and whispered one word. "Thanks,"
"For what?"
"For helping me realize animals is all I'll ever need. Oh, and friends."
They both laughed. Then, when they relayed the story to their friend, everyone laughed. Pinkie produced some cupcakes out of nowhere, and they all ate happily in the flowery garden.
The End.
