Your day breaks, your mind aches
You find that all the words of kindness linger on
When she no longer needs you

She wakes up, she makes up
She takes her time and doesn't feel she has to hurry
She no longer needs you

And in her eyes you see nothing
No sign of love behind the tears
Cried for no one
A love that should have lasted years
Lennon & McCartney -The Beatles

“Hmm…” The orange earth pony shifted in bed and rolled onto her back.

Twilight sat on the edge of the bed. “Hey there sleepyhead, how are you feeling?” she asked.

“Like I was buckin’ trees with my head. What happened?”

Twilight didn’t realize she’d been holding her breath. She let it out in a long sigh.

“Well that’s not surprising. Do you know where you are?”

Applejack squinted and looked around. “Looks like your bedroom, so I reckon I’d be in your bed.”

“M-hmm,” Twilight answered with a nod.

“Twilight?”

“Yes?”

“Why am I in your bed?”

Twilight looked down at the floor for a moment and sighed.

“Twilight! What’s wrong?! Oh my gosh, you looked awful there for a minute.”.

“It’s okay - I think I ate a bad hayburger yesterday. My stomach is really upset. Tell me AJ - what’s the last thing you remember?”

“Something about a party for Spike and Rarity?”

“Yes, that’s right. There was a party,.”

AJ grimaced for a moment. Instinctively Twilight leaned forward and caressed her head. AJ sighed and smiled. “Ohhh that was nice. I don’t know what you did, but the pain just vamoosed. Would you mind doing it again?”

Twilight gave a little smile. “No, not at all.”

“Ahhhh...“ Applejack said again, her eyes rolling back under her eyelids. “So let me see - was the party for Spike and Rarity going on some trip or other?”

“Mm-hmm” Twilight nodded. Applejack closed her eyes and lay back on the pillow, smiling in pleasure as Twilight stroked her head and mane. “Anything else?”

“Lemme see, I recollect walking home with Big Mac after, yeah, it was a might cold. Sky was real clear. I got home, checked on Apple Bloom and Granny Smith, they were both fast asleep. I check on Petunia. She looked good, she should be havin’ them babies in a week or two. Then I reckon I went to bed.”

“How about the next day?”

“I think I walked over here this morning to see you. It’s kinda fuzzy after that. What happened?”

“You were helping me clean up and a bookcase fell on you. It knocked you unconscious.”

“Really?! I don’t remember any of that. Guess I wasn’t hurt too bad though. Except for my head.”

“Well actually you broke your leg.”

“Feels fine now…” Applejack said. She glanced down. She had a slight scowl.

“You woke up with amnesia.”

“I WHAT?!” Applejack immediately grimaced. “Owwww, that hurt. Gotta watch the yellin. I woke up with what now?”

“Amnesia. You had no idea who or where you were.”

Applejack smiled at Twilight.and raised an eyebrow. She weighed what Twilight had said. “Uh-huh - Yeah, sure. And I always thought it was Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash that were the pranksters. You got a good poker face there Twi. In fact I don't think I’ve ever seen you so serious. So, you’re trying to tell me I’ve been lying here all day babbling about not knowing who I was?”

Twilight gave a little smile. “More like two weeks.”

“Two weeks!! I’ve been here two weeks? Oh my oh my!!” the earth pony said sarcastically, “What ever has happened to the farm?, Oh my gosh!!” She said, putting her hooves on either side of her face in mock fear.

Twilight’s little smile remained.

Downstairs in the library the front door slammed.

“Hey! You guys up there?! Better be, I’m comin up!”

Rainbow Dash flew up and into the living room. She hovered, looking around then looked up to the bed loft.

“Should’a figure’d you two’d be lazing around. What’s shaking?” Rainbow Dash said as she flew up and landed on the loft.

“Oh my goodness!” AJ continued, though with a cheesy over-dramatic voice. “ And who are you, you brightly colored pony. Do I even know you?”.

Rainbow Dash’s smile disappeared and her eyes teared up.

“Oh no, no no. Twilight please tell me it didn’t happen again! She was getting better!!” Rainbow Dash started to cry.

“Woah whoa whoa, Dash! I’m just kidding! Twilight here was trying to convince me that I had amnesia for two weeks.”

“Wait, WHAT?!! You’re back?! You’re really really back?! MY BEST FRIEND IS BACK??!! YEEEHAAAAA!!” Rainbow Dash flew off the edge of the loft and out over the living room. She did several somersaults and twists then flew back into Applejack’s arms with a huge hug.

A look of realization spread slowly across Applejack’s face. Rainbow Dash had pulled her close and was holding her tight. She buried her face into Applejack’s neck. Applejack felt her coat become wet with her friends tears.

The realization had taken hold and a look of utter horror filled Applejack’s eyes. She stared at Twilight.

“What happened?! Where is Apple Bloom? Is she okay? What about Big Macintosh and Granny Smith? And Sweet Apple Acres! My trees! The animals? What about Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy?

“All fine, AJ they’re all fine.” Twilight said calmly.

Rainbow Dash pulled back, her eyes were red and her muzzle wet with tears, but she was smiling. “So whadda you remember?”

“Nothin. I mean I remember bein at the library to help Twilight clean up after the party but that’s about it.”

Dash suddenly looked at the floor. “Oh, yeah, that…” she said somberly.

“So why am I here and not at home?”

“Listen girl - when you woke up, you were a mess. Twilight took really great care of you. I don’t know what nurse Sparkle here did, but you went from lookin’ like a sick and scared to death filly to the best I’ve ever seen you. But there was no way you were going back to the farm.”

“It was no big deal,” Twilight said, “When you woke up from the coma, you didn’t remember much and naturally you got used to being here. The amnesia was caused by an aneurysm in your brain. It’s like a bulge in a blood vessel. It was pressing against a part of your brain that affected your memory. Dr. Stable was worried that the stress of going to a place you were unfamiliar with would upset you too much which might lead to the blood vessel rupturing. I just took care of you. Any of us would have done the same.”

“Are you kidding?!” Dash asked. “I don’t think either of you has ever been happier.” Dash looked at AJ “Pony girl, you played guitar, you started doing art stuff like drawing and painting, you threw this awesome party with the Crusaders-”

Really? Me? I was drawing? I can’t draw a straight line with a ruler. Can I see some of them?” Applejack looked over at Twilight.

“Sure... Hey Dash?” Twilight said.

“Yeah?”

“You hungry?”

“Yeah, now that you mention it, I’m starving. Got anything for breakfast?”

“Typical Rainbow Dash” Applejack said, rolling her eyes. Dash looked at her and smiled happily.

“Actually I was hoping you might fly over to Sugarcube Corner and get us some muffins or something for breakfast” Twilight said,. “I don’t really feel like cooking.”

“Sure thing. Any preference?”

“Apple Cinnamon for me” Applejack said “And ask Mrs. Cake for a little extra cinnamon on top.”

“Are you kidding? When she finds out you’re back and doing well,, she’s going to dump a box of cinnamon on it!”

After Rainbow Dash had left, Twilight went down to get some water and aspirin for AJ’s headache. When she came back upstairs Applejack was sitting on the bed, slowly combing her mane. She was gazing off into space as she did so and gradually the brushing slowed and stopped. Twilight looked at her. The young earth pony’s expression suddenly became one of utter anguish and pain and she burst into tears, dropped the brush and buried her face in her hooves. In moments she was at the point of hysteria. Twilight rushed over to her, sat down and hugged her close. Just as quickly it was over. Applejack leaned back, and looked at Twilight and Twilight looked at her.

It was then that Twilight saw it. There was no doubt. The old Applejack was back. In those green eyes what she saw was the loving and deep affection of the closest of friends. But the pony she’d loved over the last 10 days was gone, she saw no sign love behind the tears.

“What’s the matter sweetie?” Twilight asked.

“I-I don’t know. For a moment it felt like somepony I know suddenly died just now, but I don’t know who.” she sniffed and sighed, then smiled, clearly no longer upset. “I guess it was no one.”

She went back to brushing out her mane.

Twilight went to her dresser, removed her necklace and placed it in a velvet lined box that Gemma had given her.

“Twilight?” Applejack asked softly.

“Yes?”

“What’s the matter?”

“It’s nothing. Just such a relief that you’re back and you’re okay. It’s kind of exhausting.”

“Really? You seem a might down to me. What was I like? Hope I didn’t cause any trouble.”

Twilight smiled. “No AJ, it was… really nice.”

“What’d we do?”

“We talked, played board games, ate, laughed.”

“Did we go out on one of our walks?”

“We couldn’t”

“Why not?”

“There were a couple of snow storms-”

“Sweet Celestia!! Lookit all that snow!”

“And a lot of its melted. It was an amazing storm.”

“Dang! I wish I could remember it!”

Twilight looked at her, thinking about the pony that sat there yesterday, singing a song Twilight would never hear again. The song echoed sadly in her heart but she felt nothing, there were no emotions to hold back. There were no tears threatening to break down her stoicism. There was nothing. She gave a little smile. “It was nice.”

The sound of hoofbeats came racing up the stairs. The wall-eyed gray mare came stumbling into Twilight’s living room. She looked up at the loft, terrified.

“Twilight - Is it true? Applejack is back? She remembers everything?”

Applejack smiled broadly and looked down from the loft. “Howdy there Derpy! It’s true, I’m all better and all back. How’s Dr. Whooves?”

“Oh hello Applejack. I’m really glad you’re all better. What do you remember?”

“Derpy, it’s okay, calm down” Twilight said calmly as she walked down the steps from the bed loft to the living room.

“No it is not! It is not okay!! Applejack, what do you remember?” The gray pegasus insisted. She was getting very upset.

Applejack’s smile disappeared.“Woah there Derps - it is okay I-I remember everything up to the morning I came by to help Twilight. Sounds like I lost a fight with a bookcase or something, but I’m fine now. I just woke up here in Twilight’s bed. Oh, Derpy, don’t cry, I’m fine.”

Applejack went to the top of the stairs and started to trot down to the living room.

Twilight stood next to Derpy and spoke quietly to her. “It’s okay Sweetie, it’s for the best.”

Derpy looked at Twilight. Big tears welled in the mail pony’s eyes. Her chin quivered. Applejack, looking very concerned trotted over to them. Derpy looked at her, almost accusingly, then turned and ran down the stairs to the library.

“What was that all about? Is she gonna be okay?”

“It’s nothing AJ, she was adjusting to not having the old you around and now you’re back and I guess it upset her. Don’t worry, she’ll come around.”

“Well I hope so. She seemed a might upset. I hate to see her like that, she’s such a sweet pony.”

“She sure is.” said Twilight.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

“Word’s spreading all over Ponyville” Rainbow Dash said as she bit into her muffin. The three ponies sat in the living room having tea and muffins for breakfast. “You’re going to be an even bigger celebrity than you were before!”

“Shucks, I didn’t do anything ‘cept get hit on the head and forget who I was.” AJ replied as she sipped her tea.

“You should have seen your little sister and Granny Smith when I told them. They were hootin and hollerin like a couple of crazy horses.”

“What about my brother?”

“Oh, he was happy alright, but he wanted to know how Twilight was. He seemed real worried. It was kinda strange.” Rainbow and AJ looked at Twilight who had a little sip of tea.

“He must be thinking about my ankle. I strained it the other day and I mentioned it to him. That was probably it.”

“You gonna eat that muffin Twi?” Dash asked, nodding toward the untouched bran muffin on Twilight’s plate.

“No, would you like it?”

“Wanna split it AJ?”

“Uh yeah, sure” Applejack mumbled. She was focused on Twilight. She placed a hoof on her friend's wrist. “Are you sure you’re okay sugarcube?” she asked, her face reflecting the worry in her voice.

They heard the library door open and the sound of four little hooves galloping up the stairs. Apple Bloom ran into the room and went sliding across the floor, crashing into a chair.

“Apple Bloom! How many times I gotta tell you not to run indoors! You could’a hurt that chair ya’ hooligan!” Applejack scolded.

“She really is back!!!” Applebloom squealed and ran into her sister’s arms, sobbing. “Oh Sis, I missed you so much! I didn’t know if you were ever coming back, but Twilight told me you were, she said yesterday that she was sure you’d be all better before I knew it and she was right!” The little filly squeezed Applejack tight and cried. “I can’t believe you're really back!!”

Applejack held her close and rocked her back and forth. Tears fell from the farm pony’s eyes at the outpouring of love from her little sister. “It’s okay sweetie, I’m back from wherever I was and I ain’t goin back there.”

“Wha?” Apple Bloom said, pulling away from her. She looked up into her sisters big green eyes. “What do you mean from wherever you were? You were right here! Don’t you remember?”

“I told you that AB,” reminded Rainbow Dash, chomping on a muffin, “She doesn’t remember anything since the accident..” Rainbow took another bite of muffin.

“But that ain’t fair! You were so happy! It ain’t fair that you don’t remember how happy you and Twilight were!”

“Hey Sis,” Big Mac’s voice was deep and soft. He entered the room behind Granny Smith who went right to her granddaughter’s side. Apple Bloom stepped away and went to get a tissue.

Granny Smith walked up to Applejack and looked deeply into her eyes for several moments and then a small cry escaped her mouth and she pulled the young mare to her and held her and cried. “Oh my sweet little Applejack.” All the strength that she’d shown during the rough time was gone. Now that everything had worked out and her beloved granddaughter was back, safe and sound, she let out all she’s been holding back. After a moment, she pulled her head back a little and looked around the room. As soon as she spotted Twilight she motioned to her. With one arm still wrapped around her granddaughter’s neck, she reached out to Twilight to come to her. Twilight smiled and went over. Granny Smith pulled her close, one arm around Applejack and the other around Twilight and the three of them hugged, The poor old mare just sobbed and held them both close. Applejack, tears spilling from her eyes, glanced at Twilight, who smiled back.

After several moments Twilight pulled away and gave Granny Smith a kiss on the cheek. She turned around and almost bumped straight into Big Mac’s chest. She looked up at him. He looked down at her. He was expressionless.. He stepped around her and went to his sister.

“So how are you feelin AJ? You look fine”

“Hey Mac. Glad to see you’re not gettin all upset. I feel great.”.

“I can see it in your eyes. You look like my little sister again. Welcome back..” He went over and gave her a big hug and kissed the top of her head. She smiled up at him.

Apple Bloom, Granny Smith Applejack and Rainbow Dash split one of the small cakes that Mr and Mrs. Cake had insisted be added to the breakfast with their compliments. They were overjoyed at Applejack’s recovery. As the four of them talked Big Mac went over to Twilight and looked toward the stairs that led down to the library.

Twilight smiled and trotted on down to the main room and into the reading room. She sat down on the sofa and smiled at him as Big Macintosh entered.

“I’m fine Mac, really.”

Big Macintosh looked at her for several moments without speaking.

“Come on” he finally said, nodding toward the door to the basement.

Twilight rolled her eyes and went trotting down with him behind her. Once down there he went to the seat where, what seemed like eons ago, by his recollection, he had held one of the pony’s he loved most in his life as she cried unstoppably and told him how much she loved his sister.

“Hey Sparks, come have a seat.”

“It’s okay Mac, I’m ok.”

“Uh-huh. What happened Sparks?”

“Please don’t call me that. This isn’t one of those times. As I said, I’m fine.”

“It’s more ‘one of those times’ than it’s ever been. You’re scaring me Twilight. What’s goin’ on? You don’t seem upset. This doesn’t make any sense. Why aren’t you looking for a way to help her get back her memories of the last few weeks back? Maybe it’s temporary. I don’t see any reason why those memories couldn’t return. Your feelings for each other ran as deeply as feelings can and I don’t think they’ll stay buried for too long. In any case you need to let your feelings out. And don’t try to tell me you’re not blocking them. I can see that you are and you know who else is going to see? My little sister. Even if she isn’t in love with you, she knows you as well as I do, probably better. It’s going to take her a few minutes to see it.”

“It’s not the end of the world. We had some fun. I’ll get over it.”

“You’re a damn liar! Twilight I have never seen you nor AJ happier in my life! You two were in love. You practically defined what being in love is supposed to be! Kind, gentle, supporting, caring, laughing, It almost made up for losing my little sister.”

“But what about the farm Mac? What about Granny Smith and little Apple Bloom? You saw them up there. Doesn’t that count for anything?” Twilight asked calmly.

“Of course it does!! But what about your heart? What about your happiness? Your love for her?”

In a few moments the sound of hooves came trotting quickly down to the basement.

“I came as soon as I heard.” Dr. Stable said as he rounded the corner and trotted down the stairs. He went to Twilight, still nestled in Big Mac’s lap. The sight of it relieved him but worried him as well.

“Have you seen her Dr. Stable?” Twilight asked

“No, not yet, I will In a minute. I know if there were any issues, you wouldn’t be down here.. Hi Mac”

“Doc” the large earth pony answered with a nod.

The doctor turned and looked at Twilight. “Are you okay? We talked about this possibility, honey. Don’t lose hope. Tell me what happened” The doctor.said, gently stroking her mane. She looked up at him, smiled and nodded.

“What are you talking about? Did you do something Sparks?” asked Mac, looking at Twilight seriously.

“She performed a procedure on Applejack using probably the most advanced magic in Equestria, possibly the world.”

“She didn’t resect the artery did she?” the big Clydesdale asked suddenly concern in his voice.

“No, of course not,” Twilight said “that would leave scar tissue which might have exacerbated the amnesia, not to mention future risks.. Using, as the doctor said, rather advanced magic, I was able to delineate the cell walls within the damaged blood vessel, then separate them into strips, weave them like hoofcuffs and then re-connect them. Once I pulled them tight…”

“That length of the artery would constrict naturally.” Mac mumbled as he pictured the process in his mind. “It would relieve the pressure on the brain and possibly restore her memory…” The last few words trailed off and he sat there dumbfounded. He stayed silent for a moment, digesting the level of skill and the brilliance of the procedure. Suddenly he turned and looked Twilight in the face. “Didn’t you consider the risks?! Didn’t you understand how dangerous the procedure was? What could have happened?!!”

“Of course I did!” Twilight snapped. It was the first sign of emotion she’d felt since she woke up that morning with her head resting on Applejack’s chest. “I practiced on a placenta. I performed it flawlessly. It was a complete success.”

“I don’t think those are the risks that Big Mac is talking about” Dr. Stable said.

“I know that.” Twilight said.

“And you still did it. You performed the procedure.”

“Successfully.” Twilight pointed out.

“Is that what you call successful?” he said, nodding upward toward the ceiling. “That’s what you wanted?” Mac said, his voice growing angrier.

“Big Mac, take it easy. You know why she did it.” The doctor said calmly.

“So you just decided for all of us - is that it? You decided for me, Apple Bloom, Granny Smith, the citizens of Ponyville… What about the pony she was? What about the pony you loved in the last two weeks, huh?! What happened to that pony?”

“MAC! Stop it!” The doctor snapped at him. “Asking Applejack was completely out of the question, Twilight did what she thought was right for everypony and you know that.”

The big Clydesdale sighed with more than a little sadness. “Right for everypony but her.” He looked at Twilight and shook his head. “I’m sorry. I’ve just-. Oh Sparks…” he spoke sadly and caressed her mane. She remained expressionless. Mac looked back at the doctor “You mentioned there is reason for hope. What do we need to do?”

“Nothing.” Twilight said flatly.

“Don’t say that Twilight.” Dr Stable said.

She looked over at him and said simply, “She had a trauma episode.”

“Oh Celestia!” The doctor gasped. “How bad was it?”

A look of panic came over Big Mac’s face. “What?! What are you talking about?”

“Bad enough” Twilight said, bowing her head as though ashamed.

The doctor spoke to Mac but continued to look at Twilight. “In certain cases, after the pressure is removed from the patient’s brain, there may be no change since the blood pressure is still low and the brain matter hasn’t “rebounded” if you will. The dent is still there. After the patient awakens and the body becomes more active, the surface of the brain will resume the shape it had prior to the pressure from the wound. Based on the amount of pressure, the location in the skull, and other things, the patient can experience excruciating pain as the brain returns to its normal shape. It usually signifies that the pressure was acute and that the restoration of the shape occurred in a relatively short amount of time”.

“It also virtually ensures that the experiences she had during the time the pressure was present are unrecoverable.” Twilight said softly.

“Is that true doctor?” Big Mac asked.

Dr. Stable sighed. “I’m afraid so.” He looked up at Big Mac’s face, his expression one of sadness. “Oh Twilight, sweetie, I-I don’t know what to say.”

Big Mac lifted her chin. “Twilight you have to face this, you can’t keep your pain bottled up.”

Twilight looked at them both, then gazed down absently at the floor.

“If I start, I’ll never stop.”

She spoke with such conviction that for several moments, neither Mac nor the doctor was able to speak.

She blinked as if coming out of a haze. Then she brightened a little. “Between the libraries in Canterlot and the Crystal Empire, I’m sure I can find something that can help her. I just need time to adjust. I know I can count on both of you to be there for me.”

The two colts smiled and nodded.

“Well,” she said with a little smile, “I think we need to get upstairs and see everypony.” She hopped out of Mac’s lap and headed up the stairs. She picked up her hooves as if practicing being happy. Big Mac and Dr. Stable waited before starting up.

“Is there any chance she’ll find something helpful?” Mac asked quietly.

“I’ve been in touch with two top neurologists in Canterlot. They said if this was the outcome that there is virtually nothing out there that will help her.” Dr. Stable answered. “They went back through all the neurological medical journals looking for similar cases. There were surprisingly quite a few. Unfortunately not a single one ever regained any memory of the blackout period.”

“Does Twilight know that?”

Dr. Stable turned and looked sadly at Big Mac, “I’m sure of it.”

________________________________________

There was a crowd forming in the main library when Twilight came up from the basement. The good news had indeed spread all over Ponyville and ponies were showing up with gifts of food. Twilight instantly teleported herself up to the living room.

Applejack was talking to Fluttershy. When she saw Twilight she excused herself and went right to her.

“Where’d you go? I was lookin’ for you.

“Oh, I asked Big Mac to double check that bookshelf to make sure it was securely fastened.

Applejack smiled.

Fluttershy turned to Twilight. “Oh hi Twilight. Isn’t it wonderful about Applejack? I mean everypony was so scared that she might never remember who she was. Oh Applejack, I hope you don’t mind, I stopped by the farm. Dell is feeling better. She had a blocked udder but it was nothing. I sang to her. I hope that was okay. I think it made her feel better.”

“That was mighty kind of you Fluttershy. I was gettin’ worried about what was goin’ on there.”

“Oh you’re very welcome. I sat with Petunia for awhile and told her you would be home soon.”

“How are her spirits? Did you listen to her belly?”

“Oh yes, I certainly did and it sounds like she’s going to have 2 adorable little piglets. I’m really excited! think she will deliver today.”

“Today?!!” There was a hint of panic in Applejack’s voice. “Ohh, I gotta get home. She won’t have them babies unless I’m there. I been caring for her since she was a little piglet herself and I been gettin her through this pregnancy.”

“Oh yes, well I can come with you. I mean if that’s alright.”

“It sure is! How ‘bout you Twilight? I sure could use your help.”

“Of course. You should get a move on -I think you have a fan club waiting for you downstairs”

“Oh goodness!” Fluttershy gasped “Can we get around them?”

“They want to have a party to celebrate that you’re back.” Dash said. “Hey - why don’t we move the whole thing to the farm?”

“Works for me.” Applejack said.

A happy, familiar voice could be heard above the din of discussion in the library and it carried all the way up to the living room.

“Where is Applejack?! It’s time for a party!!”

“I got this covered” Dash said and trotted to the stairway that led down to the library. She stepped off the landing and hovered over the 40 or so ponies that had filled the library.

“Everypony, listen up! AJ has to get back to the farm to take care of Petunia. She’s about to have her piglets. Whaddaya say we move the party there? - How about it Pinkie?”

“PARTY IN THE BARN at Sweet Apple Acres! C’mon everypony!!” The pink pony called out.

A huge whoop went up from everypony. Noteworthy, who’d just walked in called out - “Where’s the most beautiful pony in Ponyville?” At that moment, Granny Smith turned the corner and came down the stairs She was surprised at all the cheers.

“You go ahead AJ, I’ll teleport Fluttershy down there so she can avoid the crowd. I’ll see you down there.” Twilight was glad for the opportunity to avoid any kind of an “entrance” and just as a wide-eyed Fluttershy opened her mouth to remind Twilight how much being teleported scared her, the lavender alicorn teleported the two of them into the reading room. She had correctly guessed that nopony would be there. Fluttershy meekly peered around the corner into the main library. Twilight slipped into the crowd and started making her way to the base of the stairs leading up to her apartment.

By placing herself among the crowd, Twilight had become one of them. She could direct all the attention at AJ and keep anypony from making her an object of the celebration. She signaled over to Pinkie above all the noise. Pinkie pressed her way through the increasingly tight crowd.

As she approached the lavender Alicorn, Pinkie’s face grew serious. Twilight could see that the Pinkie she’d met all those days ago before the snowstorm had returned. Amidst all the craziness of that awful day, Pinkie had suddenly emerged as a wise calm force and assured Twilight that despite the awful accident there were some good things and bad things coming out of it. She just had to hold on. Now that wise and calm pony had returned. “Are you okay?” she asked.

Twilight reached deep within herself and pulled up a smile. She plastered it on her face and answered “Sure!! AJ is back and doing great! I’m fine!”

The expression on Pinkie’s face grew sadder. “Remember what the Pink Pony said. There will be rough times and times of real pain, but we can help you get through this. Always remember, your friends are here.”

“Thanks Pinkie!” Twilight said with the big smile. She turned and looked up the stairway. “Hey AJ!” she called up, “Look like it’s time for a party! Come on down!!” Another roar went up from the crowd. Then Twilight led them in a chant of “AJ! AJ! AJ!”

Finally Applejack trotted out and down the stairs amidst the roar of the crowd. Before she could get too far, Twilight rushed up and stopped her on the landing. The ponies cheered like mad. Applejack tried to calm them waving her hooves in a down motion and after a few minutes they all finally quieted.

“Thank y’all kindly. I don’t know what I did, except for get hit on the head. Twilight here’s the one that get’s the credit. She had to put up with me for two weeks!”

“Yeah, well that was easy,” yelled Rainbow Dash, “you were the opposite of who you usually are!”

A big laugh went up from the ponies and Twilight was grateful that the conversation had turned away from her.

Once again Applejack tried to quiet them so she could thank Twilight. Twilight feared a long, sweet and emotional thank you and it was the last thing she wanted to hear. She leaned over and whispered to Applejack “We really should get to the farm and take care of Petunia. Who knows how long she’s been waiting to have those piglets?”

“But I just wanted to say thank you!” The farm pony replied

“Well how about a hug?” Twilight suggested and immediately regretted it..

Applejack smiled and wrapped her arms around Twilight and pulled her close. A huge cheer went up from the crowd. “You know Twilight, you could hug me back.” Applejack said into her ear.

“I have my arms around you.”

“Really? Well you’d never know it sugarcube.”

Twilight pulled her a little closer.

“Don’t strain yourself Twilight. Look, if I did sumthin’ to make you mad at me, then I truly do apologize, but I don’t remember anything. You love to hug, you always hug.”

Twilight hugged harder.

Applejack pulled away and sighed. “Thanks Twi”, it came out sounding a little more sarcastic than the earth pony had intended. She smiled. “Someday you’re going to have to tell me what we did for those two weeks.”

“I-I’m sorry Applejack. I just wondered if I would ever see you again. Here you are and it’s, well it’s kinda a lot to take. Just give me some time, that’s all. Right now, I think we need to get you back home.”

Pinkie had begun to lead the crowd out of the library, and on their way to Sweet Apple Acres. As they made their way through Ponyville the word was spread and ponies grabbed food and drinks to help with the party. By the time the parade got to Sweet Apple Acres, half of Ponyville was in it.

Mayor Mare and others sought out Applejack and told her how happy they were that the young pony was doing so well and had recovered her memory. Big Mac and Dr. Stable had followed the crowd toward the farm, keeping an eye on Twilight who was chatting with Rainbow Dash. They appeared to be laughing.

“She’s watching us, you know.”

“Yeah, Mac, I see that. Out of the corner of her eye, she’s putting on a happy face. I don’t know what to do. I can’t even begin to guess how much she’s hurting on the inside.It hurts to even think about it.”

“I hate feelin’ this helpless. Ain’t many souls I love as much as that little lavender one up there and I can’t do a danged thing to help her. I can pull houses off their foundations and lift cast iron stoves. I can discuss philosophies and physics, but it’s all for nothing if I can’t take away some of her pain.”

“I know what you mean. Seeing those two together made me fall in love again. My wife was wondering what happened over the last two weeks. Things have been much more romantic in the Stable home, and it’s all because of being near them. And now that love is gone and that sweet wonderful little pony, who I think of as my own daughter, is in more pain than she should ever have to bear. Looks like she’s moving forward. What do you think we should do?”

“I reckon she wants to go back to the library.” Mac said.

“Should we just let her?”

“Well seein’ as she’s gonna be alone sooner or later, maybe we should.”

“Yes, it’s got to be taking a lot out of the poor little thing just to be near AJ and to keep smiling. Maybe it’s best if we just get ahead of her in the crowd. Then she can decide what she want’s to do.”

The two ponies began to gradually move forward as the crowd happily and joyfully sang its way to Sweet Apple Acres.

Twilight gradually dropped back. She continued to talk to other ponies and kept up the smiling and laughing. Every so often the doctor or Mac would glance to see if she were still there. As they passed the schoolhouse Big Mac turned to look, but she was gone.

Author's Notes:

The next chapter will be published this Wednesday morning, though not at 5 o'clock as the day begins... (hint)