The Beginning

Chapter 37

Today was supposed to be the day where she was excited for stuff like this. She's been dreaming of sharing her project ever since she was a khit, but ever since Jhaufyther left, her excitement plummeted down until she didn't even feel like showing off her project and bask in the warm praise of the Catwings.

As she was talking with her brother, Clauchice didn't think that the bed where Jhaufyther was supposed to be in would feel so cold. Usually, during the mornings, Jhaufyther would be the first one up. He would be stretching in front of his den, commenting on Clauchice's fur and reminding her to clean it.

But, since he left, Clauchice's schedule has been all messed up. She hoped that she'll get used to this untidy schedule, just until her brother came back. If he ever did.

Lhrioun was saying something about being excited to see the others' projects, but Clauchice was so out of focus that she did not hear a word he was saying. It was only after Lhrioun got her attention with a tap on the shoulder that she finally turned to him. "What were you saying?" she asked, blinking.

Lhrioun sighed. "I was saying, that I'm very excited to see the other projects because I always love the creativity they show off in them."

"Oh. I think they look fine the way they are," she said.

"He should be with us right now," Lhrioun said.

Clauchice nodded. Her brother voiced her thoughts exactly. "I miss him too, but once he decides something, it's hard to change his mind."

Her brother let out a snort of laughter. "That's true. He sets his mind on something then he acts on it."

Talking about their brother slightly lifted a heavy burden that Clauchice was carrying. By remembering him, it would make it seem like he was still with them. Thinking about Jhaufyther made Clauchice remember about that strange blue light that covered the sky yesterday night.

"Remember the light yesterday?" she asked Lhrioun.

"I think so," he replied, tilting his head. "I'm wondering what triggered it, because something must have come close to the crack to make the light that bright."

"Maybe it was Tommy." The nervous human had a knack for wandering off, and Clauchice always felt his mind brimming with curiosity. "I did see him go near the crack last night," she recalled.

"Looks like Jhaufyther is still suspicious of him."

"We should watch the both of them. Before he left, Jhaufyther told me that they didn't want to help... you know."

Lhrioun nodded. "That does make sense. They seemed uncomfortable when the news about Riley was revealed."

"We should keep an eye on them," Clauchice suggested. "Make sure that they're not planning something else."

"I agree. Even if they were held against their will, they still may be plotting something," Lhrioun said darkly.

The news of the projects about to being shown off kind of ruined Sam's plans. She wanted to go to the desert to see if she was traveling there, but she also didn't want to miss the amazing projects that she knew the Catwings made.

Carlos looked as conflicted as she felt. "I really, REALLY want to go to the desert," he said. "But at the same time, I want to see the projects."

"We can see the projects first," Sam suggested. "Littefhur is going back to the desert today."

"That's true," Carlos agreed. "But how long is the showing off going to last?"

"Hopefully, it'll only last for a few sun movements," Sam said hopefully. "And it's presenting, not 'showing off.'"