“You sure Twilight won't mind the short notice?” Apple Bloom asked her big sister as they cantered up to Twilight's library one Saturday morning.

“Of course Twilight won't mind!” Applejack replied with her characteristic surety and smile. “I'm sure she'll love to spend some time with you.” The two ponies reached the front door of Twilight's library.

“Go on lil' Sis, you do the honours!” Apple Bloom knocked enthusiastically on the tree-library's front door. There were the sounds of movement from behind the door, and soon enough it opened, revealing the happy if slightly confused face of Twilight.

“Applejack! Apple Bloom!” she exclaimed. “Great to see you both! Were we meant to be meeting up today? I must have forgotten to put it on my list for today.”

“Not at all, this is an unscheduled stop,” Applejack began, her tone of voice indicating that she wanted to get down to business. “Twilight,” she said before Twilight could invite her in. “I have a favour to ask.”

“Sure, fire away!”

“We've got a lil' emergency. Cousin Braeburn, you remember cousin Braeburn? I just got a letter today sayin' that his barn burnt down and he needs help to put up another one. Me, Big Mac and Granny Smith are gonna catch the first train to Appleoosa today, but Apple Bloom here still has school when the weekend's up. Could I leave her with you for a couple of days while we're gone?”

“I'm sorry to hear about your cousin's barn,” Twilight began as she began to think about the request. Apple Bloom, who had been beaming anyway, beamed even more in a 'please say yes!' sort of fashion. “Of course I will! I've got one or two things on, but if Apple Bloom is happy to come along with me then everything's fine.”

“Yay!” Apple Bloom squeaked, jumping up and down excitedly on the spot.

“Yay indeed!” Twilight said with a laugh. “I'm sure we'll have great time together!”

“Thanks Twilight! You're a life saver,” Applejack said, the sound of relief noticeable in her voice. “Well in that case I'd better go and gather the herd and be off!” Twilight nodded in agreement and Apple Bloom turned to her sister. Applejack picked her up and hugged her tightly. “Now you behave yourself lil' Sis, you hear?

“I promise!”

“That's my gal!” Applejack put her sister down. “Well I best get going. Take care you two.”

“And you!”

“Bye Sis! Say howdy to Braeburn for me!”

Applejack turned and galloped off back up the road. Apple Bloom's smile faltered. Though not a filly prone to homesickness, she knew that she would miss both her sister and her family. She looked at Twilight, her big eyes swimming slightly, and Twilight looked back reassuringly, and Apple Bloom found her smile and her spirits restored. Together the two went inside as Applejack disappeared down the road.