I don’t wanna fall asleep just yet (c)

Snowfoot was tired lately, far more than she wanted to admit. Her head ached, her leg ached, and her heart ached. Once again, she sought out Swiftheart. Her best friend had been there for her through a lot. They’d been there for each other. “Swiftheart?” she mewed, but found herself going silent. Where were the words? Finally, she slumped down next to the white she-cat. “I’m useless.” she muttered.

Swiftheart looked up to see her good friend approaching which made her smile happily.

But something was wrong, as her friend slumped down beside her. Swiftheart's eyes widened at Snowfoot's words.

"oh no no no" she meowed quietly. Pulling gently to bring Snowfoot closer to her side.

She groomed gently at her friends pelt getting the parts that were sticking up to lay flat again.

No, you are not worthless my friend" she meowed wanting to reassure her.

"You are my close friend and I care so much for you" she whispered keeping right by her side.

"what has you so down?" she whispered quietly resting her head next to Snowfoot's. Whatever it was, Swiftheart would do her absolute best to try and help her friend through this difficult time

Snowfoot stared blankly off into the distance. “I just… I just feel like no matter what I do, I can’t protect the cats I love. Most of my children and siblings, many nieces and nephews, and now a few more with Iceheart’s litter and…” she stopped and took a breath. Should she be saying this? “And Lighttail’s. My first grandkits died before they could even meet the clan. Please don’t say anything, though. Lighttail has made it very clear she doesn’t want it talked about. I just… I wonder if I’m past my usefulness. Do you ever feel like that? Like you’re old enough that the world just goes on without you?”

Swiftheart nodded slowly just listening for now. She leaned against her friend slowly nodding in understanding.

She herself felt different after alot of recent events. After her brother had killed Redice and she watched him do that... she just felt different, it was hard to describe but she felt more grown now... Before she always had such a kittish energy and an unbounded level of eagerness.

Now she was different, she felt different. It wasn't all bad, she felt more mature and grown now, more responsible in a lot of ways, more ready to help her clan and take responsibilities on that she wouldnt ever have dreamed of earlier.

She nodded gently again trying to come up with a reply to snow's question.

"times do change and it is very hard not to be able to protect the ones we care about most" she hugged her friend slightly.

"You are NOT past your usefulness Snowfoot, you give so much to the clan" she whispered quietly.

Snowfoot leaned into Swiftheart, tearing up a bit. “When did we become old, Swiftheart?” she mewed. “Our kits are grown, we’ve served our clan for so long. Even if we’re not done yet, I still don’t see where the time went.” She offered a sad smile. “Guess everyone who lives this long feels like this though.”

Swiftheart gave a little nod and shrug. She didnt feel that old really at all. She felt like she was still pretty young but she understood what her friend meant by the time going so fast.

She leaned against Snowfoot as well and just stayed with her