Work in the orchard had always brought Applejack joy. Seeing her cherished trees grow and her apples shine never failed to put a smile on her face—even if those smiles have grown a little dull as of late. She never once complained about an honest day's work.

But now, like so many times before, she has to visit the one place that appears dark even in the brightest of days. The place that reminds her of her failure.

Written for Bicyclette's second A Thousand Words contest in the category 'Slice of Life'.

Dramatic reading by StraightToThePointStudio.

Thanks to Equimorto and Jessi for proofreading and the Anons of /fimfic/ for giving feedback.