Pep Talk
The first bright rays of light streamed over the horizon, and the land became bathed in a golden aura of warmth and hope. Big Mac sighed, and he averted his eyes away from the sunrise’s increasing brightness. A wild, tingling fluttered in his heart, and even this splendid sight failed to dispel it.
The vast orchard of apple trees swayed in the morning breeze. Big Mc breathed in and filled his nostrils with the pleasant aroma. His soul had been cultivated in this wonderful place, and now… well, all good things had to come to an end, right?
He chuckled to himself. It wasn’t as if he wasn’t going on to something wonderful, but still…
“I knew I’d find you here,” a soft voice beckoned.
Big Mac smiled, and turned around. His heart became lighter, and the binding chains of tension slackened a little. Of all the ponies in Equestria, this particular mare was one of the only ponies who could comfort him in his most anxious states.
“Hi, Ma.” Big Mac lowered his head. “I’m just thinkin’.”
Buttercup moved up to him and sat beside him. “Of course you are. You’re like me in a lot of ways.” She chuckled a little and then rested her head against Big Mac’s shoulder. “So, I take it you’re nervous?”
Big Mac replied, “Eyup.”
“That’s perfectly natural,” Buttercup said. “I was a little nervous too. Especially when my pa and Granny Smith stumbled upon us.” She sighed a little. “That was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to go through in my life.”
Big Mac asked, “How did you get over it? I feel like I’m standing in a whirlwind.”
“Well,” Buttercup replied. “I realized three important truths, and it helped to take away some of the sting of my stress. The first thing I acknowledged was that I had the love of my life right beside me. No matter what happened, even if Nightmare Moon came down to ravage Sweet Apple Acres, I’d be okay because your Pa was with me.”
Big Mac smiled, and his eyes became wetter.
Buttercup continued, “Secondly, I knew I was strong enough to endure challenges and struggles on my own. Nothing was going to stop me, and in so believing that, nothing was going to stop your Pa and me.”
She stood up and then planted herself in front of Big Mack. The brilliance of the sun outlined her form, and she appeared heavenly.
“And lastly,” Buttercup said. “I knew that my love life and my marriage were worth fighting for. So now let me ask you,”
Buttercup poked him in the chest. “Do you love her?”
Tears streamed down Big Mac’s face. “Eyup.”
Buttercup caressed Big Mac’s cheek. “And are you strong enough to take care of her, the family you’re going to have, and the farm you’re going to raise?”
Once more, the answer was the same. “Eyup.”
Buttercup’s eyes became watery. “And is your love life and marriage worth fighting for?”
Big Mac sniffled. “Yes, Ma. It is.”
Buttercup tilted her head slightly. “Then you have nothing to worry about, sugar cube.”
“Was it ever hard to be married to Pa?” Big Mac asked. “Were there ever days when you were so angry you could spit?
What do I do if I make Sugar Belle mad at me?”
“When those times come,” Buttercup began, “And they will come, you just be honest, say you’re sorry, and try to fix the problem. There were plenty of times when your Pa gained my ire. And vice versa too. However, even during the angriest times, it’s important to remember that love is the most powerful thing in the world. I willingly gave my love to your Pa, and he did the same to me. We always came back to one another after we cooled down and talked it out.” She giggled. “Often times, we imagine the problems are bigger than they really are. Honest, open communication helps a lot.”
“I can do that,” Big Mac said.
Buttercup caressed his cheek again. Her voice started to choke up a little. “Of course you can, you and your sisters are the very best of us. You three are all so amazing.” She paused as tears cascaded down her face. “Your Pa and I are so proud of you. We’re so glad we get to be here on your big day. We love you so much.”
Big Mac wiped the moisture from his face. “I’m so glad that you’re in my life. I couldn’t imagine growing up without you to remind me that you love me every day.”
Buttercup leaned and in kissed Big Mac’s face. In response, he closed his eyes and shuddered a little.
She whispered into his ears. “We’re always with you, no matter what. Never forget that we will always love you.”
Big Mac opened his eyes. His chest squeezed tight. The beautiful sun had finally crested over the top of the horizon.
“Hey! There you are, cousin!” Braeburn said from behind him. “What are you doing up here all by yourself on today of all days?” He maneuvered around so he could face Big Mac. “You aren’t getting …” Braeburn’s eyes widened a little. “cold hoofs… are …. you?”
When their eyes met, Braeburn sat beside him. “You know, we can always postpone the wedding if you’re not feeling ready.”
“No, it’s not that,” Big Mac said. “I… I just wish my parents could have been here.”
Unexpectedly, his cousin leaned in and embraced Big Mac in a tight hug.
“Awww shucks, cousin,” Braeburn said. “I’m sure they’re here. They’re always here with us.” He touched the center of Big Mac’s chest. “Right where it counts. And I just know they would have been overjoyed to see you waiting for your bride-to-be at the end of the aisle.”
Big Mac nodded. “Yeah, I know.” He stood up on all fours. “They would have loved Sugar Belle. I just know it.” His eyes focused on the farthest point on the horizon.
Were his parents really watching him right now? Were they really proud of him? Or were all his hopes the products of futile desperation and a need to be held by them again?
Slowly, his eyes shifted away from the horizon, and onto the thousands of apple trees. The branches swayed again, and a small gust swirled around him. Big Mac’s hair flew up a little, and the gentle air grazed his cheek.
Another few tears fell from his eyes.
His parents weren’t in some distant, otherworldly paradise, but they were here… in the apple orchards. The fruit hanging from their branches and the trees themselves had been cultivated on their love and hard work. Big Mac hadn’t grown up without them after all. They had always been with him and the family, providing shade, beauty, and nourishment. Their legacy lived on in the trees, and it lived on in him.
“I think I’m ready,” Big Mac said. “But could you go on ahead? I have one more thing to say.”
Braeburn nodded. “Sure thing, cousin.”
When it was clear that Big was alone, he stared at the many trees.
“Thanks, Ma and Pa. I love you, and I’m going to make you proud.” Big Mac took one last reassuring breath, and then he turned to go back down the hill.
The End
