My pelt ached, yet I still had the strength to stand. As I returned from the fresh-kill pile, Mintfang greeted me with introducing my new denmates. Moonpaw was now Moonheart, Wormpaw was now Wormpelt, Berrypaw was now Berrytail, Turtlepaw was now Turtleleg, and Birdpaw was now Birdfeather. My father also came to visit. After everyone had left, Birdfeather and I were alone.

"Thank you for saving my life. I was so worried about you," she meowed.

"I'm sorry. I'll try not to scare you again."

"Mousebrain. You know...I've been waiting to tell you..." She trailed off.

"What is it? You know you can tell me anything."

"I....I love you, Rabbitstorm," she meowed quietly.

"Oh, Birdfeather. I love you, too." We shared tongues until Skyfern asked Birdfeather to leave. I licked up the poultice and poppy seeds, and fell asleep.

.

Half a moon passed, and I was back on warrior duties. Birdfeather and I had been meeting with each other often, and she had made her nest next to mine. After we returned from a hunting patrol, Birdfeather asked if we could talk. We walked to Stunningrocks together.

"I know you miss Sunfur. She was a good mother." I felt sorrowful as she mentioned her name. She continued. "We need to move on. I have exciting news." Her eyes gleamed. "I'm having kits."

I jerked my head up. "You mean...you mean I'm going to be a father?!"

"Yes. Yes you are! I'm going to tell Skyfern." She padded off.

I stayed, watching the river flow. I'm going to be a father! The moment ended as my breath was forced out of me.