Warrior Cats: SkyClan Returns #2

Chapter Thirty-Two

Goldcloud's eyelids drooped with tiredness, but she couldn't take her eyes off Suntail's lifeless body. The vigil last night had taken it out on Goldcloud. The sun had risen now, and Goldcloud stumbled exhaustedly back to the medicine den, shoulders sagging and tail drooping on the ground. She looked over her shoulder to see Raindrip and Thymewhisker carry Suntail from the clearing. Sorrow gripped Goldcloud's heart as she noticed Suntail's empty nest. I'm going to miss him so much. Goldcloud thought. What am I going to do without him? She curled up in her own nest, wrapping her tail-tip around her muzzle as she sunk into sleep.

The fragrant aroma of fresh herbs hit Goldcloud's nose. She lifted her head to see the medicine den full of leaf-fall light. It must be sun high! Did I really sleep that long? Looking around the den, Goldcloud noticed Greybird sorting a bunch of catmint. Goldcloud stretched and stood up. Greybird turned to face her.

"Uh - I got the catmint, you know, from yesterday,"

Greybird stammered. Goldcloud dipped her head appreciatively, but grief still glazed her eyes. The catmint Suntail died to get...

"And Ashleaf's patrol chased off the fox. They gave it some good scars, too. It won't be coming back,"

Goldcloud dipped her head again.

"Do they need herbs? And I promised I'd give Thymewhisker some catmint,"

She remembered. Greybird shuffled her paws uncomfortably.

"Well, you see, the wounds weren't that bad, so I dressed them,"

She mumbled.

"And I gave Thymewhisker his catmint. I didn't want to wake you..."

Goldcloud blinked. Why did Greybird think that was a bad thing?

"You know, I'm always grateful for your help,"

She told the grey warrior. Greybird seemed to relax a little.

"I'm happy to help. I quite like it,"

Greybird admitted. Goldcloud was glad of her company. Without her I'd be alone right now. Another wave of sadness grasped Goldcloud, and she let out a small sigh. Greybird wrapped her tail around the gold medicine cat.

"It's okay to be sad,"

She meowed softly. Goldcloud took in a shaky breath.

"It's the worst thing in the world,"

Goldcloud whispered.

"Wouldn't it be worse if you had nothing to be sad about?"

Greybird said. Goldcloud paused. All the memories she had of her mentor. All the great times they had together. That wasn't worth grieving for. But the fact that there would be no more was. It helped to know that Greybird understood, kind of. But not even StarClan could make her miss Suntail less.

"Thanks, Greybird,"

Goldcloud sighed.