Why won't anyone look at me? I wake up every morning and try to play with my brothers and sister, but they run away. Why does mother look at me in disgust? The medicine cat looks at me with pity. My father never sees me. Others ignore me. Did I do something bad?
One day I wake up to the sound of excited chatter. Of course! I'm six moons. I will become an apprentice!
My mother cleans my siblings. I wait for her to clean me, for I long for her love. She doesn't bother even glancing at me. Why won't she? I'm dejected. I thought today would be great. Maybe she's testing my strength. That's it! I need to be strong.
Hawkstar has called a clan meeting. I'm excited. I listen as he calls each of my siblings forward.
"Newtkit."
"Skykit"
"Grasskit."
I wait. Why didn't Hawkstar say my name? I puff out my chest. I'm special! I'm going to be called out last because I will be the leader's apprentice. I should have known.
Wait, why is it that everyone has a sad look? Shouldn't they be happy and excited?
I notice a puddle in the ground and my reflection is seen. My heart skips a beat. No. No, no, no, no.
The reflection shows a cat with no fur on his face. His eyes are a dull yellow, and his nose seems to be smashed in. His face is so distorted I try not to wretch. How is this abomination me?
"Snowkit." I hear my name. I don't look up. All I can do is stare in horror at my hideous face. No wonder I was not liked. No wonder mother did not love me. I spin around and look at Hawkstar.
"Why?" I wail. "Why?" Then I see his face. It is full of hatred and disgust. He hates me. He hates me! Why does everyone hate me? My face.
"You will be known as Thrashpaw." Hawkstar, my father, spits. It is impossible for me to believe that I am his son. I fluff up my fur and run out of the camp. I realize with a jolt of terror that Hawkstar has sent some warriors to chase me out! A let out a screech as I hear pounding paw steps behind me.
Something hits me. A large body. I fall and am pinned to the ground. Foxclaw snarls as me and bares his sharp fangs. I shut my eyes. I yowl as razor sharp claws rip through my flesh. Blood trickles down my face and I cannot open my eyes. I realize have none anymore. I shudder.
Foxclaw bites my shoulder with ferocity and I feel more sticky, wet blood on my body. Why is he doing this? I smell the scent of my father and stiffen.
Hawkstar comes closer and growls. "You disgust me. Kill him, Foxclaw. I cannot have a son like this disgrace my family."
I screech loudly as teeth close in on my throat.