You dishonor us

[Tallstar]

Spiraltail
23 Moons
He/Him

After two long months away, Spiraltail returned to WindClan territory, his heart swelling with hope and excitement. The familiar scents of the moorlands and the sight of the camp’s boundaries filled him with relief. Eager to reconnect with his family, he quickened his pace, his thoughts focused on his son and the life he was eager to resume.

As he entered the camp, his eyes scanned for Vinepaw, his son. He spotted the young cat hard at work, digging industriously in the tunnels. The initial thrill of seeing his son was quickly overshadowed by a sinking feeling as he realized the role Vinepaw had chosen.

Spiraltail’s heart dropped. He approached with a mix of confusion and frustration. “Vinepaw!” he called, his voice cracking slightly. “There you are. I’ve missed you!”

Vinepaw looked up, his face lighting with joy. “Father! You’re back! I’m so glad to see you—”

But Spiraltail’s excitement faded as he took in the sight of his son working as a tunneler. The joy he felt was quickly replaced with disappointment. “You’re a tunneler now?” he asked, his tone incredulous. “After everything I’ve fought for, this is what you’ve chosen?”

Vinepaw’s joy dimmed, replaced by a mixture of confusion and hurt. “Father, this is what I wanted. I chose this role because I believe it’s important. It’s not what you expected, but it’s necessary for our Clan.”

Spiraltail’s eyes hardened. “Necessary? This isn’t what I envisioned for you. I fought for honor and glory, not for you to become a mere laborer.”

Vinepaw’s voice trembled. “I’m trying to help the Clan in my own way. We need all kinds of skills—”

Spiraltail cut him off, his voice cold and resolute. “If this is the path you’ve chosen, then you’ve turned your back on everything I stand for. I disown you. You’re no longer my son.”

The harsh words struck like a blow, and Spiraltail watched as Vinepaw’s face fell, the joy of the reunion crushed under the weight of rejection. As Spiraltail turned away, the camp’s lively sounds felt distant, his heart heavy with the realization that his return had only deepened the rift between them.