growing like willows do [closed]

Willowheart nodded towards Summer. “Summer...do you know anyone besides your family that you care about?” She blurted out. Often times the ThunderClan warrior had only seen the drifter wandering alone and wanted to know if she had any family or close friends. “If you don’t mind me asking, that is.” Willowheart hastily backtracked. This wasn’t going to be a comfortable topic to talk about.

The pretty ThunderClan cat said her name, and Summer turned to look at her again with a soft "Mrr?", listening intently. She smiled and laughed a little, replying, "Why, it's no trouble at all, Willowheart darling; we're friends, after all!" She waved her tail and looked out towards the forest around them, considering the question. Truthfully, I care about several cats more than my family, Summer thought. She answered aloud, her voice relaxed, "I care about practically every cat I come across, darling, in one way or another. I care about you! And I care about Morningpaw, whatever's happened with her. I care about the cats I used to stay with throughout my travels, as well." She turned back to Willowheart and purred, "Why do you ask?"

Willowheart shrugged. “Well...it’s just I always see you around and...you kinda seem lonely.” It was the truth. Summer always drifted along by herself. Willowheart had wanted to know about her family but it seemed like she did have family already...within the Clans. Sighing to herself, Willowheart flopped onto her belly in a bizarre position. “I really think I should interact with my Clanmates more often...I mean, I don’t have an apprentice...yet.” She mumbled, her tail flicking in irritation. Why did I not interact with them earlier?

Summer blinked her pale blue eyes softly, looking curiously into Willowheart's gaze as the Clan cat expressed the concern she felt for her. The drifter's expression melted with endearment, and she made a quiet little coo of gratitude. Isn't she thoughtful? Summer thought, touched but also a little amused by the sentiment. "Not everyone who's alone is lonely, darling; when I'm lonely, I find cats like you," Summer pointed out with a delicate purr, smiling brightly. When Willowheart flopped down, Summer was surprised and listened to her complaints with a gently-flicking tail. "That must be disappointing. I can hardly imagine having to maintain so many relationships constantly," she remarked, interested in her friend's reasoning.

Willowheart sighed, then looked up at the blinding sun. It was almost sunhigh and she needed to head back towards camp to hunt. “Summer, I think I have to go for now. I’ll see you soon!” Rolling onto her back and getting onto her paws, Willowheart padded towards the direction of the ThunderClan camp, before looking back once more and waving her tail in the air. “Goodbye!” Feeling lighter, she ran back towards camp, her white and cream pelt a blur against the trees.

The Clan cat sighed, then turned to look towards the sky thoughtfully. Summer watched the pretty she-cat's soft face with a warm smile, thankful she'd run into Willowheart again. Her ears flicked when her companion expressed she needed to leave, and her expression saddened only slightly. "Oh - alright, darling! It was lovely seeing you today, Willowheart; take care," Summer mrrowed. When the she-cat took off, the drifter watched after her for a moment before swishing her thick ginger tail and turning, seeking the nearest border. Always better to leave on a high note than wait around for trouble!