Everypony dies. There's no way of getting around this basic fact of life. Be it by some horrible accident when you're young, or living to a ripe old age; sooner or later, everypony dies. But this of course doesn't make it any easier to say goodbye. Nopony is ever truly ready to lose someone they love dearly, no matter how long they've been around.
Granny Smith had lived in Ponyville for most of her life. Her family pretty much founded the small town, including starting an economy with their apple farm, Sweet Apple Acres. To those on the outside, she seemed like a crazy old mare (though they wouldn't be completely wrong), but those close to the light green mare knew that she had many wise ways. When it came to cooking (especially Zap Apple Jam) nopony could match her skills). She could spin a yarn that could entrance even the most seasoned storyteller. But her greatest pride and joy above all other things were her three grandchildren: Big Macintosh, Applejack, and Apple Bloom. There wasn't anything she wouldn't do for her three special apples. If she had it her way, she'd be with them forever and ever. But, even this old mare knew, that nopony lives forever...
Macintosh found her; she had collapsed to the floor. She wasn't moving, and had the faintest of heartbeats. Though scared beyond anything possible, the eldest Apple sibling was gentle lifting her into a cart and rushing her to the hospital. Once properly secured by the doctors, he rushed to find his younger sisters to let them know what was going on. They, of course, were just as scared as their big brother. Granny Smith had raised them all much of their lives; their parents sadly passing away when Apple Bloom was a newborn filly. They were worried, but also had hope that a tough as nails mare like Granny Smith would pull through.
Applejack's friends stopped by the hospital to offer comfort. Sometimes all would be there, but other times it would be one or two since they all had their own jobs to attend to. So they'd come and go at various times, usually saying the same thing when they had to leave.
"Super duper sorry," exclaimed Pinkie Pie. "But I really gotta get back to the bakery!"
"So terribly sorry, darling," said Rarity. "But I can't leave the shop closed for too long..."
"The animals really need me..." whimpered Fluttershy. "I hope that's okay."
"Stupid weather patrol needs to get done," grumbled Rainbow Dash. "But I'll come back later."
"I'll come back once I finish up a report," said Twilight.
Naturally, a hard working mare like Applejack knew that was important as well. But she, and her brother, didn't leave the hospital till they knew everything would be alright. A week had gone by, but it felt like eternity, when Dr. Stable came to them with news.
"Well, doc, what's the prognosis?" asked Applejack, naturally the talking for her siblings. "She's gonna pull through, right?"
Dr. Stable did not have a look of enthusiasm on his face. He didn't have to say anything, they knew exactly what was going on.
"I'm afraid, there's nothing more we can do," he began. "Her heart is far too weak, and she can't breathe on her own. Frankly, it's a miracle she managed to live as long as she did."
"How much longer?" asked Applejack, tears forming quickly for her and the others.
"It could be at anytime now," replied Dr. Stable. "She's awake, you can all go in to see her."
The three Apples made their way to Granny Smith's room. It was a site they weren't ready for. The once vibrant looking old mare, now looked defeated. Her coat was looking darker than usual. Still, she managed to smile when she saw her grandchildren.
"Well...don't just stand there...lookin' dumbfounded..." the Apple matriarch struggled to let out. "Come over here...an say somethin' to yer ol' Granny...."
The three approached her, slowly as to not over excite her.
"Yer lookin' good Granny," Applejack spoke first.
"Eeyup," said Big Macintosh next, still a pony of few words.
"Glad to see yer awake," said Apple Bloom.
"An the doc says ya should be outta here in no time," said Applejack, clearly telling a lie.
"Yer...yer a terrible liar...Sugar Cube," smiled Granny Smith.
"But...," Applejack began to say.
"But, nothin'," interrupted Granny. "Ah aint that dotty ya know. Sides...the good doctor...already gave me the news..."
"Well, then why are ya just lying there like it aint no big deal!?" exclaimed Applejack. Full on crying now, but clearly feeling ashamed.
"Don't ya...be shamed of cryin now..." said Granny Smith. "It's perfectly natural...ta be sad when somepony is this...perdicament... But ah aint scared... Ah've lived...a good, long life... An ah know...that ya'll are able ta take care of yerselves... Ah couldn't very well leave till then..."
"But...we don't wancha to go, Granny!" bawled Apple Bloom. "We love you so much!"
Granny Smith motioned the youngest Apple sibling to give her a hug. Granny stroked the little filly's mane.
"Ah...love ya too," said Granny Smith. "More'n anything in this entire world. Ah don't...wanna leave either. But...it's just a part of life... An ah'll never really be gone from ya'll... Ah'm everywhere on that farm...and in our house...Ah'm so very proud of ya'll...Ya've all grown inta fine young ponies...Yer ma and pa...they'd be proud as well...they are proud..."
Applejack and Big Macintosh then embraced Granny Smith. All four held each other for who knows really how long, before the inevitable happened.
"Granny?"
