The sun hung high in the clear blue sky, casting golden reflections across the waves that gently lapped at the shore. The beach was alive with the sound of laughter, the swoosh of ocean breeze, and the distant cry of gulls, but it was the bright voice of one farm girl in particular that stood out. Applejack stood barefoot in the warm sand, her red and green sandals lying nearby. She’d just come back from a swim, droplets of saltwater still clinging to her freckled cheeks and blonde hair, which was tied back in her signature ponytail. Her outfit, comfortable and sturdy, fit her perfectly. A blue long-sleeved swim shirt streaked with green and white, a shiny apple emblem right at the center of her midriff. Her matching blue shorts with a red waistband hugged her hips, and a fresh breeze tugged lightly at the edges of her sleeves. Spotting a familiar face approaching from the edge of the boardwalk, her green eyes lit up. She waved with a big, easy smile, the kind that could melt away any worry. “Well, would ya look who it is,” she called out, brushing her hands on a nearby towel. “Didn’t think I’d see ya out here today!” With a laugh, she grabbed a second cold lemonade from the cooler next to her beach towel and held it out without hesitation. “Figured I’d sneak in a bit of relaxin’ before the next big test hits us back at school,” she said, her voice light but warm. “What about you? Came to soak up the sun or just missed seein’ me in this fine beach getup?” There was a playful glint in her eye… genuine, curious, and just a little teasing.