Snowflake's Story

Chapter Twenty-Seven

The next day seemed normal. Everyone was doing their thing, their daily routine.

Until River called another meeting.

"May cats of the clowder gather around for an announcement from Glow!"

Snowflake's ears twitched. She had never heard of only one cat giving an announcement before. But she padded over to the crowd anyway.

Glow seemed to take a deep breath, readying himself for something. Then, his eyes sparkled with determination, and he told the clowder what he had planned for his life.

"I'm leaving the clowder."

Yowls of protest came from the whole crowd; even Mud. But River raised his tail for the crowd to be quiet. Snowflake's heart felt like sinking to the ground.

"I'm so sorry, you all," Glow continued. "I don't regret a single moment of my time here."

"But you promised to defend your clowder yesterday!" Cocoa shouted.

Glow's eyes glistened with determination. "I said while I was here. I'm so sorry, Cocoa. I'll always remember you, friend."

"Where are you going?" James asked.

Glow shrugged. "Anywhere. Sure, I have friends here, but no one I feel I could make a family with. Besides, I want my life to be something greater. I want to see the world."

"But you won't get to see my kittens, or Snowflake's!" Bird protested.

Glow frowned. "I know. I'm sorry. I'm sure they'll be beautiful. Please, tell them about me. I am still with you if you keep my memory alive."

Snowflake's throat felt tight. "What if you die out there?!" She wailed.

Glow sighed. "Then it'll be with the world stretching out before me. My life would not have been wasted, though. Thank you, Snowflake, for caring for me, and being there for me when Snuggle died. I'll always miss you. I'll miss all of you." His gaze scanned over his friends. "This brick building was a safe, cozy prison. But I want to see what's out there. I need to see what's out there." He padded towards the entrance.

"Glow! Don't go, please!" Snowflake shrieked.

Glow seemed to be tearing up. "My heart is as torn as your's, Snowflake, but this is what I want to do with my life. Thank you for being such a good friend. I'll never forget you, and don't you ever forget me."

"WAIT!" The yowl came from Mud, who was racing over to Glow. "Glow, i'm so sorry how i've treated you. I love you, my son, and I wish you good luck on your never-ending journey."

Tears of joy fell from Glow's golden eyes. "I've been waiting to hear that all my life. Thank you, Dad."

Mud smiled and stepped back.

Glow dipped his head to Mud and turned back towards the entrance. "Goodbye, all of you! May you find plentiful prey, may your kittens grow strong, and may your claws never dull!" His eyes shimmered with excitement and wonder, and he bounded out of the entrance.

Snowflake's sadness eased. Glow was doing what he wanted with his life, and was going to find amazing places. He was going to explore the world instead of being cooped up in this brick building. His last words to her echoed in her head.

I'll never forget you, and don't you ever forget me.

She promised herself she would never forget him.