Why do cats meow?

Most cats expected me to forget it.

I was only ten days old, after all. But I never will. How could I? I saw a cat die, when I was barely born. I saw my sister die, when she'd been so nice to me. I saw my friend die, when they never even saw the sun rise as a Warrior. My age doesn't change my memory of those pleading, shocked, hopeful eyes. I will never forget it.

I stared at the mouse in front of me. Tomorrow I would become an apprentice. I had promised myself I would break my silence then.

Last time I spoke, it killed a cat.

Words spiralled around my mind, and then one stood out. I knew my mother would hate Blossomstar for it, but it was what I wanted.

I left the uneaten prey on the ground, and treaded into the nursery. Badgerpaw was staring angrily at me, because he had to wait another moon for his ceremony. What can I say? I told him not to sneak out. Twice.

I lay on the moss, and ordered sleep to come. And with dreams came StarClan.

Whitefoot stood in front of me, as strong and powerful, if not more so, as the day she died.

She looked at me sadly. "Are you sure? Birchpaw is a beautiful name."

But she was wasting her time. I watched her calmly.

She sighed, sadness in her eyes.

"I'll talk to Blossomstar." She promised.

And the dream faded.

XXXXXXXX

I stood on the Highledge, cats beneath me watching my eyes. I didn't meet their gaze.

"Birchkit, you have reached the age of six moons and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your Warrior name you shall be known as Silentpaw."

I heard the Clan gasp. I saw Snowberry's eyes narrow. I felt Whitefoot's disappointment.

I didn't care. I was a mute, and cats should be warned of that.