A Study in Pink

It was a fair day at Sweet Apple Acres. Apple Jack and Apple Bloom were preparing breakfast for their family of four. The eldest sister was working much slower than her young counterpart. She had a look of despair on her face, and she wasn’t giving any attention to the Apple family’s dog, Winona.

Just as the two sisters wrapped up their work, Spike limped his way into the orchard. “Hi, AJ!” he said. “Do you mind if I join you for breakfast?”

“Sure, pal,” she responded rather unenthusiastically.

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh, nothin.”

“Are you sure?”

Apple Jack acted as if she couldn't hear him. "Hey, I've been saving some juicy, red apples for ya’!”

"Great!"

Though before Spike could sit down, and greet the rest of the family, Apple Jack stopped him. “Hold on, I need to tell you something.” They walked away, to the barn. “My cousin, Red Delicious, passed away last week.”

“I…I don’t know what to say. I'm sorry to hear that.”

“I haven’t told my family yet. They would be so devastated.”

“Why don’t you just tell them?”

“It’s the circumstances of his death. The authorities believe that he took his own life." Spike couldn't believe his ears. Suicide was very rare in Equestria. "This is the third time this year that a pony has been found dead with the same poison by their side.

"I need you to talk to Twilight. She'll know how I can find closure." Apple Jack handed Spike a sack of the red, juicy apples she had promised. "I can't have you here when I tell them. It's too personal. I hope you understand." Spike gave AJ an empathetic hug and left.