The Divide

PONYVILLE

The worst thing about being a filly was that one moment you were expected to be an adult, to show self-control. To not be seen weak in front of others. Applejack knew that feeling all too well.

They stood under the sunny blue skies in the middle of their tranquil little town of Ponyville. They were in the market place, it was bustling with town folk on this special day. All around them were fillies, colts, mares, and stallions, young and old. Because unlike most normal days, the market place wasn't as crowded. Enjoying Mother's Day was the theme today.

In the distance ahead they saw husbands buy flowers from shops and stands, no doubt to please their wives. Some of them were right beside their partner and offered, . Applejack was beginning to think it was a wrong decision to come here

"Hey, uh, Applebloom." Applejack said, trying to get out of this part of town and avoid making a scene for Applebloom. "How 'bout you and me go get some ice crea-"

Applejack then felt something pressing against her stomach and she turned to look, swaying her blonde ponytail to the other side. She saw Applebloom pressing the side of her head onto her sister's orange coat. "Applejack?" She began, trying to sound firm and resolved.

"Yes, Applebloom?" Wrapping her right arm around her sister's face.She was more focused on calming her sister down than shielding her from the eyes around them. She could feel the tears running down her arm.

"I want to go home, Applejack." Her face still pressed against hers.

"Oh, Applebloom... why'd ya have to climb on one of them taller pine trees?"

"Sorry, ma'am. Did you say something?"

"Oh I'm- I'm sorry. I was talking to nopony."

Applejack turned away from him and started watching the sun set over the horizon instead, embarrassed to realize that she was thinking aloud. She just wanted the coach driver to get her home from the hospital as soon as possible.

"What, did Applebloom get into trouble again?" the coach driver asked.

"How do you-"

"My boy goes to the same school your sister attends. Sweet girl she is, that Applebloom. She must take a lot from you."

Usually Applejack would blush toward these comments but after what happened to her sister, she wasn't in the mood. "At least Ah'm not reckless enough to climb on tall dangerous trees, let alone without any of them safety harnesses," Applejack noted before murmured to herself. "The things she'll do for a Cutie Mark."

Again, the coach driver caught her words, "Oh, well that explains it then. Of all the stories I've heard of ponies trying to get their Cutie Marks, this one's the most amusing so far. Her destiny of climbing trees," he said to himself, chuckling a bit.

"Ah'm glad y'all finding it amusing, bub," she sarcastically said, feeling a wee bit offended," Mah granny and big brother are stayin' with her at the hospital for a while t'keep her company until her hind leg could get all better. Meanwhile, Ah'm goin' to have to look after the farm all by myself."

"Well, that's sad to hear on your and Applebloom's part. But don't tell me you never did anything dangerous or threatening to your health in your life."

"Yeah, but-"

"You've done heroic deeds, not just to Ponyville but to the Kingdom as well."

He was right, she thought. She has, after all, with her friends, combated monsters and saved Kingdoms, all of which have been life threatening in some ways.

"Sometimes," he went on, "we want to live bigger lives. Live the vicarious lives like Daring Do, Mare Do Well, or the White Mare. Seems like Rainbow Dash is living the larger-than-life story."

"Well, Ah ain't Rainbow and Ah'm perfectly fine being a everyday farmer, y'a hear?" she retorted.

He noticed her tone was changing, she definiely felt offended by his words. Instead, he didn't stop there. "You sure are modest about yourself."

"Look, Granny Smith paid you to get me back home. If it wasn't for Granny Smith hitching a ride for me, Ah'd gladly be walking back home from the hospital or better yet, getting off this ride right now and hoofing it back home!" she snapped.

The driver instantly kept his mouth shut and there was a long moment of silence.

Applejack pressed her hoof against her face, trying to regain composure. "Just- Just focus on getting back to the farm, Okay? Please."

With that, he nodded and continued their way back, without saying another word.