Summer skies were unfretted by the meteor showers of winter. Sweet Apple Acres stood tall underneath the endless blue sky. Wasps, drunk on the spoiled apples that had fallen off trees and remained uncollected, flew mere inches before falling into soft green grass to rest their drunken bodies. 

Some things never changed. Like the red barn built by her own family's hands, standing tall in the middle of the farm. Like the thick leather boots long since broken into she reached for every morning before sunrise. Like the sweat sitting at her brows after heavy lifting and a familiar, welcoming ache in her muscles that would linger tomorrow as well.

Then again, some things *had* changed. Her brother was married to a wonderful woman. Her baby sister had a cutie mark and continued to grow into a helpful and kind young lady. And her friends lives were ever-changing: Twilight was growing in her magic and her leadership. Rainbow Dash was on track to become a Wonderbolt. Pinkie Pie's parties were bigger and better than ever. Fluttershy had found peace with Discord that they once believed impossible. Rarity was opening another deisgner shop soon. 

Applejack's life hadn't changed nearly as much as theirs had. But not a woman in the world could be more proud than her. She'd spent years watching them grow and change for the better. She'd protected them, fought with them, loved them a little more every day. 

Even during the meteor showers of last winter...