Apple arrives at home.

[LNS]

Dropping the basket by the front door, she padded down the hallway to her room. Yawning as she went, her jaw cracked.

"Ouch." Apple mumbled rubbing at her muzzle.

Not bothering to turn the bedroom light on, she stumbled in the dark. Tripping over a roller-skate, she landed flat on her back. Blinking up at the ceiling, she winced as a pain shot through her leg.

"Owie." Apple half cried, "That more than smarts. It hurts."

Slowly she sat up, trying not to put any pressure on her front left leg. Cradling the leg in her other front leg, she half hopped out of the bedroom and into the bathroom. Plopping down on the toilet, (the seat's down!) she nosed around in the small medicine cabinet that was setting next to it. Finding a bottle of aspirin and a sling, from last fall when she thought she could fly down a hill, and ended up fracturing her leg after a lovely tumble down the grassy hill. Filling the glass on the counter with cool water she popped a couple of the white pills into her mouth and poured the water down after them. Carefully she placed her leg in the sling. Wincing, she whimpered as the sling finally went into place. It didn't feel fractured thankfully. And it certainly wasn't broken. Relived she hoped come morning that she'd be able to take her leg out of the sling.

"Well I think that's enough excitement for one evening." Apple muttered under her breath.

Turning the bathroom light off she walked back to her room. This time being a bit more careful as to where she stepped. Bumping into the bed, she happily collapsed. Letting tired, and sore muscles relax on the velvety soft comforter.

[LNS]

Sunlight poured through the windows the following morning. Groaning the pearly red earthling rolled over trying to block the bright sunlight from her eyes. Picking up an extra pillow she set it on top of her head, hoping it would help. Instead her head just got warm. Sitting up she blinked as the light hit still sleepy eyes.

"Oh isn't it lovely out!" Apple noted the tree just outside her window and the bird singing in its nest.

Getting out of bed she forgot about the sling for a second, and in that second she tumbled to the carpeted floor. Green and yellow hair lay obstructing her view. Blowing a few strands from her eyes she sat upright. Rubbing the end of her muzzle, she reminded herself to be more careful yet again. Glancing at the sling she figured what the apple pie, may as well see if its sound or not. Placing the sling on the edge of the bed she slowly stood, placing her weight on the leg. Nothing, that another asprin wouldn't fix. It was a bit sore, which Apple was certain would turn out to be a charming bruise.

A warm shower, and a bowl of Apple Jacks, later she was feeling pretty good and wondered if she could throw a picnic for someone today.

[LNS]

Having fixed a lovely picnic lunch, Apple was certain someone would want to get out of town for the day as much as she did. She hoped so at least. Things were unsettled, and she didn't care for that.

Leaving her home she took extra care to make certain it was locked.

((Cont. in Ponyville.}}

[LNS]

Her walking stiff and her body spent, Apple made her way up the sidewalk to the front door. Apple trees loaded with bright apples sparkled in the light of the setting sun. But Applejack noticed nothing as she unlocked her front door and stepped inside.

Shutting the door behind her, she locked it, and left the basket in the entryway. Unable to force her body to move much more, she collapsed on the green rug in the living room.

[LNS]

A dreamless sleep consumed her, and slept through the night and well into the following morning.

Lifting her head, one could see the imprint the rug had left upon her cheek. Slowly she sat up. Her shoulder stiff, she tried moving, only to regret it. Her stomach growled, demanding Apple to eat. The pearly red mare ignored the hunger pang in her stomach as she sat motionless in her living room.

She thought about moving, but decided against it. The thought of leaving her house to see friends was strong, but she ignored that just as she had her stomach. She didn't want to go anywhere. She was afraid. Afraid that something would happen like yesterday. Instead she remained where she was. Slowly she lay back down on the rug and closed her eyes. Hoping, praying that dreams would come of a simpler time to help her forget everything.

[LNS]

(After the jump.)

Apple pressed her nose against the frosty window. The glass was cold, but the mare didn't seem to notice. Yellow/green eyes widened as she watched the snowflakes fall covering her world in a blanket of pure white. Unable to watch it any longer, she tore herself away from the window and raced to the front door. Grabbing her scarf and hat, Apple bolted out the door.

[Cont. at Ponyville.]