It was leaf fall, the weather windy and chilly. Specklestar padded back to camp with an eagle in her jaws. She dropped it in the fresh-kill pile.

“it wasnt easy getting that” Specklestar meowed then sat down and looked around at camp. Everything was in order and prepared for a storm

“of course it wasnt.” Brindlefur said.

Specklestar nodded

“it put up more of a fight then they usually do. But hows everything been with u?” Specklestar asked sensing the she-cat wasnt her usual self

“eagles are trying to find themselves to. She probably had a net of hatchlings.” she said, avioding the question

“maybe..” Specklestar eyed the deputy, but put off the question till another time

“well, u can get some rest if u like too. Im going to go lay down in my den” Specklestar meowed and padded to her den

Brindlefur didnt move, still watching the entrance

Specklestar sat down in her nest washed her paw then whipped it over her ear

something is wrong with Brindlefur. Maybe she doesnt like it here anymore Specklestar thought

Brindlefur took a deep breath and walked over to the fresh-kill pile, she saw it was nearly empty, there was two eagles, one mouse, and two voles. She picked a mouse up and walked over to the elders den, one elder was still alive in the cold, it was owlheart, “ here is a mouse.”

He nodded and took a bite.

She left and went over to the warrior’s den and sat outside.

Nightfire walked out of the Warriors den with a yawn.

Brindlefur turned to see her friend, “ hello Nightfire.”

“Hello Brindlefur. How are you?” Nightfire asked sitting down to lick her paw and run it over her face.

“not great.” Brindlefur admitted , watching her best friend

Nightfire stopped what she was doing and looked at her with worryed eyes. “Whats wrong?”

“snince my mom, left this clan, I haven’t been the same.” she dropped her eyes.

“I know, Brindlefur. You havent been.” Nightfire meowed her voice was filled with worry.

“my mother had no right to just drop and leave, just since my brother, and my father died!” she yowled, tearing going down her cheeks.

Nightfire walked up to Brindlefur and rapped her tail around her friends shoulders. “Your right she didnt. But she was upset and scared. But she didnt leave you alone. You still got me.” Nightfire meowed.

Brindlefur smiled, “ I know. “ she looked at her firend, “ maybe she will come back.”

but in her heart she knows it would never happen

“Maybe.” She meowed knowing what Brindlefur was thinking.

Brindlefur turned around and shook her hindquaters playfully. This clan was fun, even she was a deputy but she could have fun.

Nightfire laughed and got into a crouch with a playful growl.