Applejack watched as Big Sugar rushed in with another basket of apples. While he did so without so much as a deep breath, she huffed as she set her load down next to the pile. 

“Bloom! Let’s take a breather!” Applejack signaled to her sister. She then faced her nephew, waving a hoof in front of his eyes that were lost in the clouds―or the dirt ―for that matter. “That means, you too, sugarcube.”

Taking attention to what the others were doing, Big Sugar set down his load next to the cart. 

“Walk with me, Big Sugar, I need to talk to you about something.” Applejack said, pointing down the aisle into the fields.

Once they were out of earshot, Applejack started, “So, Big Sugar, I noticed you’ve been extra helpful around the farm. I wanted to thank you for the job you’ve been doing.”

“Oh, you’re welcome, aunt Applejack!” Big Sugar scratched the back of his neck.

“I’ve noticed that you’ve been very productive this month,” Applejack added. She kicked a stone down the gravely path. “It’s either that or I’m getting old.”

“You are still fit as a fiddle,” Big Sugar answered back.

Applejack smiled, laughed, and shook her head. “Your parents weren’t lying when they said you had prudence.”

Big Sugar chuckled.

Applejack pressed further, “I also seem to notice that you’ve been lost in thought a lot as you work. Sometimes I have to catch your attention.” She kicked the stone further down, where it ricocheted off the base of a tree and into a ditch. “I’ve haven’t brought it up much since your daydreaming hasn’t gotten in the way of your chores. But, ever since you're mind's been elsewhere, you’ve been a harder worker.”

“If it is too much, I can cut back on it…” Big Sugar offered.

“Thoughts and preoccupations can haunt us, sugarcube. They aren’t easy to get rid of.” Applejack waved off. “No, I brought you out here in private because I suspect something… I’ve had enough experience with my little sis that something’s a-hoof.”

“Like what?”

“Well, I’ve caught you on multiple occasions sneaking out at night.” Applejack pointed around the general vicinity. “Out here in the fields, sometimes I see the light of a lantern. Gives me the jitters thinking of what you are doing out here in the fields in the dead of night.”

Big Sugar’s cheeks grew rosy. “You really know how to cut to the chase, don’t you?”

“Sorry if mah style is rough an’ tough, but I don’t like it when somethin’ doesn’t feel right.” Applejack said. “I’m worried about you, sugarcube.”

“If I tell you, will you Pinkie promise not to tell mom and dad?” Big Sugar asked.

“Cross mah heart, sugarcube.” Applejack waved through the motions.

“I’m seeing a mare.” Big Sugar said, his words almost in the form of a whisper.

“A mare?” Applejack asked. It made some sense. The daydreaming. The renewed vigor and energy, despite having considerably less sleep. “Why here in the fields? I know your mom and dad can get carried away teasing you about your love life, but they all mean it in good fun, Sugarcube.” 

“It’s not that, auntie. If they find out who I’m seeing, then they’ll freak out― you’ll freak out.” Big Sugar said.

“C’mon, Big, this is the Apples we are talking about. Your grandmother and granddad kept a marriage behind their families’ backs. We’d be understanding.”

“Right, but the mare I’m seeing might be a little extreme for the family.” Big Sugar said.

“In my experience, it’s best to let something out rather than keep it in.” Applejack pressed. “I’ve already Pinkie promised, go on then.”

“The daughter of Flim, Sprocket Heart.” Big Sugar blurted.

Silence pervaded the scene for a minute or two, the only sounds being the chirping of birds and the wind rushing through the branches of the orchard’ trees.

“Well, that’s quite a leap, Big, I can see why you don’t want your parents to know about that. The Apple and Pear metaphor might not do the feud between the Apple and Flim-Flam families justice.” Applejack said. “But, are you sure she’s the right one?”

“As sure as the day is from the night.” Big Sugar said. “Like her parents, she likes to invent things.” He looked at Applejack with a gleam in his eye. “She invented said lantern you see in the fields at night, which produces light brighter than any candle or torch I’ve ever seen.”

“Well, if you like her, I won’t stop you,” Applejack said, guiding the pair of them in a u-turn back. “But, eventually, you will need to tell your parents. Living like this can’t be best for your health.”

“I know. That’s what I’m fearing.” Big Sugar said. “But, if anything, thank you for being understanding.”

“I promise that your parents will share the same concern I do. But, I’ll help ya, even. Put in a good word and try to lighten them up by mentioning the Pear and Apple metaphor.”

“Thank you, aunt Applejack.” Big Sugar said. “Maybe I should take more walks with you.”

“Anytime, Sugar.” Applejack winked. "Heaven knows I need the exercise."