I kept my eyes on the sky, the stars glistening with light, casting a light glow on the camp. I sat down near the edge of the warriors den, being unable to sleep at all. I wondered if Fallen Leaves was glancing up as well. I had been back home for about a moon. It had been hard to adjust back to how life was before, especially with the whole truth about my parents. I even apologized to Leafpool and Squirrelflight. But I didn't know if I'd ever be able to look Crowfeather in the eyes. I guess it was a good thing that I never felt anything towards my own father. He didn't want anything to do with my mother or siblings. I just hated the fact that I had to be related to Breezepelt.
"You're still awake?"
I turned to see Cinderheart, my best friend's soft dark blue eyes shining in the night. She had a hands together, as if she had been worrying about something.
"I guess you couldn't sleep either."
"I had a lot on my mind."
"I see," I pointed down at her bulging stomach. "They must be keeping you up?"
Cinderheart chuckled a little as she placed her hands on her stomach. "I guess you must have noticed as well. It's a wonderful feeling though. I know that my children will make great warriors. They have a great father."
"I know my brother spoils you," I gave her a warm smile. "These kids are my kin. I wonder if I'll be able to apprentice one of them eventually. Unless the Clan still doesn't trust me."
"I don't care if the rest of the Clan doesn't trust you. I trust you. You're my best friend, Hollyleaf," Cinderheart grabbed my hands, giving me a saddened look. "I missed you so much when you were gone. I thought that you were dead. I even prepared to name one of my kids after you. I don't ever want you to disappear again."
"I'm not going anywhere," I squeezed her fingers in reassurance. "ThunderClan is my home. I didn't leave because I wanted to. But there's nothing driving me away. I plan to stay around for a long time. I want to watch your kids grow up. And maybe even have kids of my own one day."
"Oh, Hollyleaf!" She wrapped her arms around me, as if not ever wanting to let you. "I really really really missed you!"
"Me too," I sighed, patting her on the shoulder. I felt my heart twist at the thought of all the pain I had put my best friend through. I couldn't help thinking of the day that she had fallen out of that tree. It must have been nothing compared to the pain of someone you loved passing away. But that was all behind us.
Yet part of me couldn't fully relax. I couldn't help but quiver a little as my eyes met the edge of the forest. I could see a bit of hair, a tabby color. Eyes the color of ice. But when I blinked it was gone.