Clawpaw was surrounded by old fur and mouse bile smell in the elder's den. Minnowsight and Elmtail, the two elders, looked at her with sympathy and understanding. Minnowsight began to speak and said, "Young one, getting elder duties isn't a punishment. It's an opportunity for you to learn respect for the older members of the Clan and gain valuable wisdom from their experiences."
Elmtail said, "Each cat has a role in the Clan. Elders provide a link to our history. Your time spent with us will teach you patience and humility." Clawpaw, still unhappy, sighed and said, "I don't understand why Raincall is so hard on me. I caught a fish while sleeping, and he treats me like I've committed a crime."
Minnowsight chuckled and said, "Leaders can be tough because they want their Clan to be strong and disciplined. It's not always personal."
Elmtail added, "You have a unique skill. Instead of seeing it as a punishment, embrace it as a chance to learn more about yourself and your Clanmates. There's always something to gain from every experience."
Clawpaw frowned and said, "But what about the other apprentices? They don't have to clean the elder's den."
Minnowsight winked and said, "Every cat faces different challenges. Elders' duties might be an opportunity for you to discover new strengths."
"Take this time in the elders' den to reflect and learn. You might even find joy in hearing our ancient tales." Elmtail advised. Clawpaw still didn't understand what they meant. Elders are so 'Oh, I'm an elder, so you should respect me and stuff'. But, at least I'll have some company that isn't like Raincall.
At that exact moment, Raincall padded in and asked how Clawpaw was getting on. As the elders showed him, Clawpaw started creeping towards the entrance. Raincall immediately noticed, "Where do you think you're going?" she asked, pushing Clawpaw back with her tail. "You haven't finished Elmtail's nest, and you still need to fix that hole in the wall near Minnowsight. Oh, and while you're at it, Icewhisker needs more tansy and feverfew, and the elders need more moss, wet and dry."
Raincall continued piling more chores onto the list until it was nearly sunhigh. By the time Clawpaw had finished with her chores, it was past sundown. Anger and hate filled her as she thought of Raincall. She padded back into the apprentice's den with a sparrow. Lavapaw and Leafpaw were already sleeping.
Clawpaw collapsed into her nest, tired from the day's chores. When I become a warrior, I'll get my revenge on her! That was the last thought she had before she fell asleep.