I was hollow as I carried Duchess's mangled body to my den. Even though I knew he was cruel, I couldn't believe he just killed an innocent cat to get to me. In one night I had lost everything. My kits, my best friend, and my soul. Now I was alone.

I had heard stories of when ancient cats would stay awake the night a cat died, to see them to the afterlife. And tonight I would stay awake for Duchess. I placed her in my den, on the soft bed of moss. Blood was slowly trickling off of both of us, and staining my bedding, but I didn't care.

I stayed in a daze for the rest of the night. When morning came, I numbly dragged Duchess's body into the sunlight and dug a hole. I gently pushed Duchess into it, and put her in a position as if she were sleeping. I then went back to the place I gave birth. The ground was still tinted with blood, and seagulls were checking out the bodies of my kits. "Get away!" I hissed, lunging at the gulls. They scattered, crying out angrily, and I snatched up the tiny bodies. I then placed them in the grave beside Duchess. Then I stood at the foot of their grave, on a mound of dirt, and said a few words.

"Duchess, I knew you all my life. You were there for me, and I was there for you. You were my best friend. I pray that when you move on, you will find peace and plenty of food, with good friends."

Then I turned to my nameless children.

"Kits, I never knew you, but in a way we were so connected. You never even had names. But I love you, with all of my heart. I pray that you find many places to play, and a mother who will be there for you where I wasn't."

Then I spoke to both of them.

"Edger killed you. He is an evil, vile cat who will soon be more than a memory. I will dedicate my every breath to making sure that he regrets it. I will avenge you."