Four days ago, she had buried her son.
Four days ago, she had locked herself in her den, and hadn't left since.
She should have told the Clan. They deserved to know -
all of the deaths, not just Wolfhive's, or Redhawk's - but she couldn't force herself to get up and say it out loud. And having to say it, well, that would just make it all the more real.
Bumblestar was being selfish, but it was better than admitting her son was gone.
Violetfreckle's quiet voice floated over her, nearly breaking her all over again as she realized
she didn't know. Oh, stars, how could she tell her? She deserved to know, possibly more than anyone else here, but damn it all, Bumblestar knew the words wouldn't make it past her throat unless she slit it open and pulled them out that way.
Her unkempt fur bristled where Violetfreckle's made contact. The open aggression wasn't fair to her mate, even if she couldn't help it. Bumblestar pulled her face away from her paws, eyes glassy, and opened her mouth to try to explain.
What came out instead was a pathetic, pitiful noise. Her shoulders shook with a fresh bout of sobs as she shoved her head against Violetfreckle's, desperately seeking out any ounce of comfort she could reach.
"Th- The cure-" A crack in her words.
"Wolfhive-"
[ @
vellichor ]