Hatsitter

After spending some time in exile as a result of not winning any prize money, Applejack finally returned home one morning and received a great greeting from her family, notably Winona. The whole family rounded her up and gave her a group hug, indicating the solidarity and unity that they all have for each other, no matter the hardships they face.

Applejack blushed. She kept pursuing herself further and further away from Ponyville, but she internally desired to plant a hoof on her forehead. Why didn't she think about her family to begin with? What forced her pride to abandon the heart and soul of her family and friends in the first place? Right now, she didn't care. She was home and was very relieved.

WHOOSH!!

A harsh gust, and everypony groaned.

Suddenly, an upward wind, and Applejack's hat flew off.

"MY HAT!"

Applejack galloped out of the station and followed her hat. As she looked up, her old cowcolt hat, which belonged to her great-grandfather, twirled high in the sky. The dirt that bruised it began to fly off, landing on the ground below. But the Bearer of Honesty didn't care about the dirt. She just wanted to retrieve it. Nopony loses heritage that way, especially not from her!

And with that, she continued to chase it, passing various buildings like the newly repaired Town Hall, the Library, and Sugarcube Corner, stepping onto some candy, edible glitter, and even some mud from a rain shower two days ago.

Suddenly, another wind gust, and Applejack stumbled, landing on her muzzle. When she looked up, her hat twirled further and further away.

"NO!" she cried out and kept pursuing it. But the Earth pony was tired. Sweat protruded down her face, absorbing back into her fur. Her brilliant blonde hair drenched and sagged, and her bangs drooped below her eyesight. And her legs cramped with the continuous galloping. She slowed down, but kept trudging.

Suddenly, it hovered over a group of trees, and Applejack followed. Compared to that of the Everfree Forest, it wasn't dark, clumped, or spooky. Fir and pine trees towered over her, and the morning sunlight glowed off the leaves and needles. It was a scene Applejack almost never visited because she was always preoccupied on her family's farm. But she was here, and she had to find her most prized possession now!

But where is that darn hat, anyway?

A happy giggle.

She looked right. It was an old cabin. Its wood weathered, but the chimney smoked nicely into the sky. The bottom part of its door was open, and a window was located to the right. Light rays beamed inside.

Applejack approached the cabin and peered inside, a determined gaze in her eyes. It was an old room, but it was plastered with lavender wallpaper with the design of a muffin on them. In the center was a rocking chair, occupied by three things.

An apple muffin.

One wall-eyed mare.

An old cowcolt hat purring comfortably on her head.

Derpy looked towards Applejack, whose firm gaze faded in the background from the light.

"Hey, Applejack!" she beamed. "I heard you coming." She looked up and took off the hat. "Is this yours?"

Applejack nodded and said, "Yes."

Derpy blew gently on the hat, and it began to float away from her towards Applejack.

Once it was within reach, she caught it and put it on her head.

"Thanks, Derpy," she said and tipped it.

Derpy winked. "Anytime."

With a nod, Applejack gently galloped away, keeping her eye on it.

Derpy continued to happily chomp on her morning muffin.

—

Disclaimer: My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic is copyrighted by and Hasbro and produced by The Hub and DHX. This piece is copyrighted by me.</i>