I know you will miss him dearly, so will I.

Troutstep sat in the camp clearing in sadness. His apprentice, and friend died. And now he had to tell Slushfang. He waited till he saw her and waved his tail, beckoning for her to come over.

"Hey Troutstep," She said as she padded over, seeing his beckon. She saw a look of sadness and pain washed over him. Suddenly, she knew something was wrong.

Troutstep didn't want to drag out his grief any longer. "Barrenpaw is dead." He said bluntly, trying to deny the fact his apprentice was dead.

Slushfang's eyes widened. "W-what? No, your joking. Please tell me you're just foolin' me, right? You're just... Plays, right? Right?" She exclaimed, eyes welled with tears. She let the sobs start. No, no... This can't be, it can't...

"The sickness consumed him. He didn't know what he was doing or were he was going. Before I could reach him, he fell off the gorge. I managed to get his body but..." His voice trailed off.

Slushfang started to cry. It all just fell down her face in little droplets and then a downpour arrived. "N-No! This can't be, he's... I should have protected him... I should h-have s-saved him. W-Why does every-yone I l-love die...? First, Jollykit, then Ripplepaw, now Barrenpaw? I... No..." She continued to sob, her heart shattered into pieces. Why can't I protect everyone I love? I'm carrying his kits, he'd... No...

"I'm sorry. I couldn't get to him on time." He said, hanging his head low. "I know you will miss him dearly and so will I." The tom stared at the dirt bellow his paws.

Slushfang let out a mournful yowl. "Troutstep, I understand, but-!" She started, tears pouring down. "It's n-not your fouls. But, I'm bearing his kit, I... I don't know what to do." She said, turning to him.

Troutstep knew why the she-cat was distressed but didn't really know what to say or do. "You'll be a great mother. Just know that he will always be watching you, protecting you." He walked towards her, giving he a lick on the forehead.

"I... I guess, b-but..." She said, wiping tears from her eyes as they continued to pour. The cat she loved most was dead?