“Well everypony, we had a good run, but it’s over.”

Mosley looked over the small crowd in front of him. Friends, business partners, family, and die-hard customers. It had only been a half a year since they had arrived here in Ponyville, though it seemed like it had been 1,375 days since they had decided to start work on their Couples Retreat. Heh, “Couples Retreat”, that model didn’t last long. Oh sure, they had quite a few couples that were consistent members, but the vast majority of their traffic had ended up being from tourists. And that popularity had ended up being their downfall.

A few ponies here and there were easy to overlook, but word had spread, and spread fast. Soon the extra railroad customers began drawing eyes and ears. And complaints. In the end, after successfully fending off numerous threats and dozens of legal challenges, the Department of Zoning was what had taken them down. Not for being too close to the schoolhouse (as one civil suit had alleged), but because the land they had made the hedge maze upon was only listed as being for agricultural use. So it wasn’t the noise complaints from the enthusiastic members, but because the land wasn’t authorized to host a tourist attraction, that meant they had to move on.

Valencia and Mosley made their way through the crowd of those they had become close too (some closer than others), bumping hooves, sharing hugs, and swapping addresses. Their baggage had been sent to the train earlier, so it was just the two of them and their saddlebags as they topped the small hill that had secluded their temporary home and too successful business. They stopped at the crest, and turned around for one last look back.

“I can hardly believe I am saying this, dah’ling, especially after everything we did to be able to do so,” Valencia turned to face him, “but I actually don’t want to leave.”

He sighed, “I know what you mean, my love, but we need to look forward. Besides, we have another adventure ahead of us to look forward to still.”

Indeed, with the bits they had made, while not more than he had lost those months ago, would be more than enough for them to move their new venture forward. While it would be a while before they would return to Ponyville, enough time for the Coalition of Underrepresented Normal Townspony Sentinels to lose their steam at least, Green Acres would return. Or at least an owner of their new Trademarked franchise would be back. Their stint here had taught them many things, mostly mistakes to avoid in the future. However, they also learned that the prudish ponies, while very vocal and tenacious, were definitely a minority in Equestria. Even though they were aware that they were being shut down, they had already received deposits from four different ponies wanting to open up copies of their “farm” in their towns. Now they just had to have their Manehatten lawyers (that they now could afford again) draw up the contracts, polish up their How-To instructions, and collect the monthly franchise fees.

After arriving at the station, and checking that Alice was comfortable in the livestock car, they settled into their private cabin on the train. Soon the farm living, wide spread lands, scent of hay, and daily chores would be behind them. Soon they would be back in the Manehatten Metropolis, their new penthouse overlooking Park Avenue, patronizing the stores, and trading in the fresh air for Times Square. But as for the future, it looks like Green Acres would always be there for them.

Author's Note

I told you it wasn't dead, just