Dawnfeather walked the twilight alone.
The leaves underneath her paws made no sound as she padded silently under the spreading boughs, expression uncharacteristically solemn. Fireflies danced around her pelt, silhouetting her in the warm light of a past sunset, swirling around her head and following her path. It was an enchanting sight, one that stripped away the seasons and gilded her pelt its familiar gold, turned her into a spirit of autumn and remembrance.
That was what she was doing tonight. Remembering.
Hers was the only heart within SkyClan’s walls that still held these cats dear, that still ached with longing for moons long gone. Hers were the only eyes that filled with tears at night, sorrowing for friends and family now perished. She was the only one who banished such thoughts during the day, turning to making new memories, sweet poignant sorrow clinging to her paws.
She was the only one that remembered, and even she was failing.
Her littermate’s name had long fled her mind, and now even the comforting scent of her father could hardly be recalled. She was slipping; sliding; falling- her loved ones slipping between her outstretched paws like droplets of water. She was losing them; leaving them through no fault of her own, their bright eyes and familiar faces fading from her mind.
Dawnfeather turned from the dusky twilight, head lowered. She held them in her heart, as much as she could- but right now, her heart felt like breaking. Beechaunt was the only other one who remembered, and she was gone- and it took all of her willpower to keep herself from running down the slope, tracking down the only one left from her younger days. She had to stay, though; stay, and keep vigil.
Remember for those who could no longer, for one day she would join their ranks.
