Trust: Part I (1) - Confrontation
A great famine has settled over the forest, prey is scarce and increasingly difficult to come by. Every cat struggles to survive these harsh conditions. Cats will go to extreme lengths to ensure their own survival...
Geo lifted her head; a loud noise had awakened her from her sleep. She gazed upwards through the roof of the nest which was covered in snow. She realised it was very early in the morning. The sun was only just beginning to rise. Through the gaps in the den's roof, she could see that the sky had started to turn blue, but white clouds and shadowy mist made it darker. She could feel her fur tingle uncomfortably as the cold leaf-bare air gripped her. She pushed the sleep out of her eyes, using one of her hind-legs to do so.
Her belly roared in hunger. Food was scarce. It was made even worse by the beginning of leaf-bare. The group of cats hadn't eaten anything since two sunrises ago. Han, her littermate had managed to kill a scrawny mouse. However, the mouse had succeeded little in filling their bellies. Food was just as scarce for the prey.
She twisted her head towards Han. He was peacefully curled up in a tabby ball of fur. She'd always known him to be a heavy sleeper, unlike her, even the slightest noise would wake her up. Han was snoring, oblivious to the loud growling. Cautiously, Geo padded closer to the den entrance, taking extra care to ensure she didn't make any noise. Pricking her ears, she could now hear the growling cats more clearly.
Geo looked outside at the snow covered clearing that lay beyond her and Han's den. Their parents, Jack and Rain were in a heated conversation. Rain's eyes were narrowed in anger. Her pale gray fur spiked up in fury. Oppositely, Jack looked calm. His face didn't show any emotion. Unlike Rain, his red-brown fur laid flat. Geo knew she shouldn't eavesdrop, but she was curious to see why her parents were arguing so loudly.
"Jack, we must leave our kits in the forest. If not we'll starve," growled Rain without flinching. Geo froze in shock. Her mother wanted to abandon them! She felt her vision swirl and the feeling of blood, violently rush through her.
"Surely there's enough food in the forest for all of us?" Jack pleaded; hope glowed in his emerald, green eyes. Geo felt herself become calmer, her vision normalising. At least our father still believes in us. Maybe mother is just stressed out. Would she really abandon us?
"I'm sorry, Jack. But it's the only way to survive this awful famine. I love my kits with all my heart, and I wish it didn't have to be this way. But, Jack, you are my mate, my world. I'd rather have you than our kits. I'm sorry if I sound harsh, but I wouldn't be able to live without you, my love." Rain stared wide-eyed into Jack's, brushing her tail through the fallen leaves as she did so. Geo felt like her heart would burst in her chest. She was amazed neither Jack nor Rain had spotted her. She felt like her heart was beating so loudly, even Han would be woken up.
Jack's emerald, green eyes softened. "I love you Rain with all my heart. I'd do anything in the world for you, I would. However, these are my kits, my blood, my pride and joy. It would break my heart to choose between them and you. It's just impossible for me to choose. The famine has lasted for moons, it has to improve soon. We will either survive together or die trying." Relief washed through Geo's fur. It would be fine. Father wants us to stay and Rain will listen to him.
Rain twinned her sleek, pale gray tail around Jack's bushy, red-brown tail. "Of course, you're right my love. How could I ever be so cruel? I'm sorry," Rain whispered persuasively.
"Don't worry, Rain. I forgive you." Jack lovingly rubbed his muzzle against Rain's. Geo purred in delight. Her parents had forgiven each other. She and Han would be safe. Her mother didn't believe what she was saying. She loves us, just like father.
Geo re-entered her and Han's den, unsurprisingly, Han was still asleep without a worry in the world. She turned towards her moss nest, settling down to get some more sleep. Geo closed her eyes, positive that her parents had made up. Otherwise, she was convinced that apart from the famine, everything was good in her world. She curled up into a tight ball, and swiftly drifted back to sleep.