Arlene padded around restlessly. Her ribs were showing clearly. She hunted for seaweed and water, only to find it scarce.

"Mama?" One of her kits, Ripple opened her mouth in a tiny, pink yawn. "When can we drink water?"

"Soon."

"But you said that last time!"

"I know, but you won't understand—"

"I will understand if you tell me."

Arlene sighed, laying down and placing her paws neatly in front of her. "Well," she started, "We can't find water."

Ripple stared at her blankly. "What?"

"Never mind. I told you, you won't understand." She got up, brushing sand off her back with her tail.

"Arlene!" Ripple's older brother, Sun, raced over the sand dunes. He was panting heavily.

"What is it?" The queen demanded.

The smallest of the cats, Moss, mewled pitifully. He must have sensed that Arlene was anxious.

Arlene laid down beside Moss and stroked her head with her tongue. "What is it?" she prompted again.

"I…I…I found…water." Sun collapsed with excitement.

Arlene stopped licking. "Where? Spit it out!" She shot straight up. This news was the best of all!

"In a tide pool…nearby…nearby—" Sun stuttered.

"Rest, Sun. We can last a little bit longer. Then, guide us to our treasure."

The next morning, Sun trotted ahead of Arlene with Ripple padding excitedly beside him. Arlene strayed behind with Moss' scruff in her mouth.

Suddenly, Sun stopped. Ripple nearly plummeted into a huge tide pool. Gasping with delight, Ripple zoomed forward and greedily started lapping up the water. Sun looked back at his mother, as if asking for permission, and of course, she nodded; indicating, 'yes'.

She gently set down Moss and nudged the gray kit forward. Moss happily plunged her head in the waters. Arlene went last. As she stepped forward a sudden thought hit her. Once we are ready to journey, I'll make sure that we'll get a great place in the forest. I heard that prey was plenty there. And of course, we'll meet wild cats.