Chapter 2: Jealousy Consuming
Jayfeather sighed as his brother and sister padded out of the nursery to go out on the Sunhigh Patrol. He sometimes still wished that he could be a warrior, and wanted to yowl, Why was I born blind?
After awhile Squirrelflight left as well, with Daisy at her tail, to go get something to eat from the fresh-kill pile. Jayfeather's heart sank. He wanted to talk to his mother about his worries and how to handle his jealousy of Lionclaw and Hollywhisker.
He would have talked with Leafpool, but she was gone. She and Crowfeather had left two moons before, to go live as loners in a forest nearby.
He had begged StarClan to bring her back, but Bluestar and Spottedleaf had told him that her heart was with Crowfeather and she was following her destiny.
Jayfeather was brought back from his thoughts by Whitewing meowing, "I think that we're alright now, Jayfeather, the kits and I. You should go back to your den and get some sleep."
"Okay." Jayfeather couldn't help a yawn escape. "But first I'll bring some herbs to Firestar."
"Is he alright?" Ashfur asked, sitting up straighter.
"He just caught greencough." Jayfeather said reassuringly. "He's a strong cat, so I'm sure it'll pass soon. But there will be more sickness soon, I'm sure. Frost is starting to coat the ground lately."
When Jayfeather left the nursery, he was aware of everything in camp as clearly as if he could see it.
Squirrelflight and Daisy were crouched beside the fresh-kill pile, sharing a mocking bird, Mousefur and Longtail were gossiping outside of the Elder's Den, and Honeytail and Berrypelt were sharing tongues near the Highledge.
Jayfeather's pelt prickled with jealousy at Berrypelt's and Honeytail's closeness. The way her tail flicked and the light steps of her foot falls…but he shook his head as if he were climbing out of icy water.
This is exactly what had happened to Leafpool! She had let her emotions get the best of her, and now she was off in some other forest.
Jayfeather continued padding over towards Firestar's den, holding the leaf gently in his teeth. Honeytail called out to him, "Hey, Jayfeather!" He pretended he hadn't heard, but his heart soared at the sound of her sweet voice.