As Birch tail trudged into camp, she tried to block out all of the commotion going on around her in the clearing. As she sadly dragged herself to the fresh-kill pile, she chose the scrawniest vole in the pile and then went to sit by herself in a corner of the camp, under the shade of an over-hanging tree.
However Birch Tail didn't have an appetite but she knew she'd need her strength so forcing a half-hearted bite, she nearly chocked as she pushed herself to swallow the meager mouthful.
Almost instinctively she seemed to spot Cedar Fur proudly pad through the tunnel. He was carrying three plump mice by their tails. A small glimmer of hope sparked in her which was soon crushed when Clover Shine came in after him. She was holding her tail high and carrying a pheasant.
Birch Tail rolled her eyes and laid her head on her paws sighing sadly. 'But wait, where did Cedar Fur go?' Almost as if he had been summoned Birch Tail heard him pad up to her from behind. "Strange...you normally eat more than that!" He joked.
Birch Tail quickly got up and padded away ignoring him. She felt slightly guilty but what else could she do? He clearly liked Clover Shine better than her. Birch Tail couldn't resist glancing back quickly. Cedar Fur's gaze was clouded with confusion. And with that Birch Tail shuffled into the warriors den and curled up into a tight ball. After restless tossing and turning, Birch Tail sank into an uncomfortable sleep.