Applejack opened the door to the farmhouse, and a wave of warmth and the aroma of fresh-baked apple pie greeted us. Inside, the family was bustling around the table, setting down steaming dishes of roasted vegetables, golden cornbread, and, of course, more apple-based treats than I could count.

"Well, there y’all are!" Pear Butter called, her smile as radiant as the glow of the kitchen lamps. "We were wonderin’ if the orchard swallowed you up."

Apple Bloom looked up from her seat, her eyes lighting up. "Miss Star! You’re just in time! Ma made her special caramel apple casserole—it’s the best thing ever!"

I chuckled, stepping into the cozy kitchen. "Sounds like I picked the perfect day to help out."

Granny Smith, perched at the head of the table, waved me over. "Don’t just stand there gawkin’, sugarcube. Grab a seat before Big Mac eats everythin’ in sight."

"Eeyup," Big Mac said with a teasing grin as he passed a platter of biscuits to Applejack, who had already slipped into a chair.

I took the open seat beside Apple Bloom, the warmth of the family’s energy settling around me like a soft blanket. As the meal began, the room filled with laughter and conversation, each voice weaving into the others like a melody. Apple Bloom excitedly recounted the day’s events, Pear Butter adding her own stories from when she was a filly working the orchard. Even Granny Smith chimed in with a tale or two about the farm’s early days.

"Miss Star here did a pretty good job for her first day," Applejack said, giving me a nod as she buttered a slice of cornbread. "Few more days of apple buckin’, and she might even keep up with me."

"Hey, I think I held my own!" I said with a laugh, earning a round of chuckles from the table.

As the meal wound down and plates began to empty, I found myself glancing at Pear Butter. She was listening intently to Apple Bloom, her smile soft but full of love. Her presence was magnetic, and I could see why the Apple family had missed her so deeply.

When the last slice of pie was gone, and the table cleared, Applejack walked me to the door. The crisp night air was refreshing after the warmth of the kitchen, and the stars above sparkled like diamonds scattered across black velvet.

"Thanks for today," I said, turning to her. "It was… nice to feel like I was part of something."

Applejack gave me a gentle smile. "You’re always welcome here, Miss Star. Like I said, family ain’t just who you’re born to—it’s who you let into your heart." She tipped her hat.

I hesitated, glancing down. "I… don’t have anywhere to stay right now."

Applejack’s smile softened as the realization dawned in her eyes. She leaned against the doorframe, her voice quieter now, filled with concern. "You don’t have a place to go, do you?"

I shook my head. "Not yet. I’ve been saving up to buy a house, but I don’t have enough bits yet."

Before Applejack could respond, Granny Smith’s voice rang out from the doorway. "Then you’re stayin’ with us. Ain’t no reason for you to be out there on your own."

I can stay in the barn—it’d give me some privacy, and I’d be out of your way."

Apple Bloom piped up, her tone full of concern. "Are you sure? You don’t have to stay out there."

I nodded firmly. "I’m sure. I’d like the privacy."

Applejack exchanged a glance with Granny Smith, then nodded. "All right, sugarcube. The barn’s yours for as long as you need it. There’s fresh hay in there—you can use it for a bed, or a snack if you’re feelin’ peckish." She grinned playfully.

"Thank you," I said softly, my heart warming at their kindness.

The barn stood quiet under the moonlight, its weathered beams glowing faintly. Inside, the scent of hay and apples lingered in the cool air. I spread out some hay for a makeshift bed and lay back, gazing at the stars through a gap in the roof.

For the first time in a while, I felt at peace.

Then I began to dream.

I was no longer in the barn, no longer in Equestria. I was… human. My hands were fingers long and thin. My reflection stared back at me, unfamiliar yet undeniably mine.

"No! NO! NO!" I cried out, panic swelling in my chest. "Why am I here?!"

A voice echoed through the void, calm yet powerful.

"You are not from this planet."

I spun around, searching for the source, and there she was—Princess Luna. Her dark mane flowed like a river of stars, her eyes filled with understanding. She must have sensed my distress, diving into my dream to guide me.

But before she could answer, the dream began to dissolve, her image fading like mist in the morning light.

I woke up with a start, my breath coming in shallow gasps. The barn was still, the scent of hay grounding me in reality.

"Omigosh," I whispered, pressing a hoof to my chest as my heartbeat thundered in my ears. "I have to go."

Without wasting another moment, I bolted upright and made my way to the farmhouse. Quietly, I slipped inside, the house dark and silent in the early hours.

In the kitchen, I found some apples and quickly wrapped them in a cloth, tying it securely to a stick. My hooves trembled as I opened the door, the night air biting against my coat.

I didn’t know where I was going. All I knew was that I had to run.

So I did.

The world blurred around me as I galloped into the darkness, my heart pounding with questions I couldn’t yet answer.

Author's Note

hey guys sorry i had group therapy and was really busy sorry.