"Gingerpaw, are you okay?"
It was Willowfur.
Gingerpaw lifted her head from where it rested on her paws.
"Yes," she replied. "I'm better."
But she could see guilt and unhappiness in Willowfur's eyes. "What's wrong?"
"I should have been there!" Willowfur wailed. "I should never have left you alone in the rain."
"Willowfur." Gingerpaw gasped. "It's not you're fault."
"But it is." Willowfur murmured. She sank to the ground and crouched there, as if her legs couldn't support her. "I left you alone and went back to the camp without you. It's all my fault."
Gingerpaw rose to her paws and settled down again next to her mentor. "Willowfur," she whispered gently. She never dreamed she would be comforting an older cat.
"You didn't cause the rain to be so hard. You didn't make the cliff muddy. What happened yesterday was not your fault. I came home safe. I'm all better. Foxpaw went back to Waterclan. Everyone's safe."
Willowfur gazed at Gingerpaw, then heaved herself to her paws. "If you have forgiven me, then I should be able to forgive myself."
Gingerpaw rose too, and pressed her nose against Willowfur's shoulder.
"There was nothing to forgive."
YOU ARE READING
Gingerpaw
RomanceA feral cat, born and raised in Treeclan, looks all set to become the perfect warrior that her clan needs to protect them from harsh seasons and deadly rivalries. She has a mother, father, sister, and a best friend who hopes to someday be her mate...
