Oldwhisker Speaks:
Those Memories
These days, I'm blind and going deaf. My fur is shabby and is starting to fall out. I have seven teeth left in my mouth. My joints constantly ache and my limbs are stiff with arthritis. I am falling apart.
But I wasn't always like this. When I was a young cat (back in the days when Bramblestar ruled Thunderclan, and Riverclan was the weakest it had ever been), I practically ruled the forest. Me and my mate. I remember her name: Softfur. She was a great cat. Anyway we ruled the river and the forest.
I was so close to being named deputy. Then tragedy struck.
Shadowclan attacked Riverclan, killing Softfur and our current leader. One Shadowclan cat blinded me and stole Softfur's kits. My life went downhill from there.
I lived life listlessly, watching (figuratively) cats being born and being killed without emotion. Cats used to say that I hardened my heart against reason and love.
In a way, I think I did.
But then, somehow, I fell in love with Petalcoat. It was an accident, but I'm grateful for it. Petalcoat understood me. She had lost her mate too. Petalcoat gave me a reason to live. I started telling stories to kits and apprentices about the ancient days and adventures I'd had in my youth. My temper got better and better.
I've never seen what Petalcoat looks like and I know I never will. But one thing I do know: she's the most beautiful cat I've ever known.