Snowflake's Story

Chapter Twenty-Two

(*high pitched, annoying voice* I'M FEELIN', TWENTY-TWOOOOOO~)

"Snowflake?"

Carrot's small voice woke her. Bright sunlight lit up the brick building.

"What is it, Carrot?" Snowflake replied, blinking sleepily.

"Come here, I want to ask you about something," she whispered, then padded off to an empty corner in the room.

Snowflake got up, shook out her fur and followed her.

"Remember that one night I went missing?" Carrot asked once they sat down.

"Yeah, you said you simply got lost outside," Snowflake replied.

"Well, I lied.." Carrot stared at her paws.

"Lied? Why?" Snowflake asked, her tail flicking with anxiety. Concern rose in her chest.

"What I really did was.. Well, I went to the trailers, and I met a house cat named Liam. He was really cute, and I liked him, and I spent the night with him.. Next morning, I felt sick."

Snowflake's eyes widened.

"And I think i'm expecting his kittens."

Snowflake forced her fur to lie flat. "Does he know?"

"Yes, but when I told him he said he wants nothing to do with me or the kittens," Carrot replied, her eyes darkening with sadness.

"Was he your age?"

"Yeah, about."

"Does Sara know?"

"No! I can't tell her, she might hate me! Same with Sand, and River. I'm only a youngcat and i'm expecting an irresponsible stranger house cat's kittens! What should I do?"

"You have to tell the clowder the truth."

"But they might hate me! I was so irresponsible. I might as well just dig a hole and die in it."

"Carrot, don't talk like that.."

"Or abandon the kittens.."

"No!" Snowflake curled her tail around poor little Carrot's body. "That'd just make you more irresponsible. Tell your mother first. When the kittens come, take care of them and raise them, like a real mother. That will show the clowder that you are responsible."

"But who will be their father? Liam doesn't care enough."

"Maybe you'll find a nice tom who'll act like a father to them one day. But for now, your main focus is your kittens. I know you'll love them, Carrot."

Carrot seemed to brighten up. "You're right, Snowflake. Thank you so much. Will you help me tell my family?"

Snowflake nodded and smiled. "Of course, Carrot. You can't do this on your own."