Like Glass

 — windpaw

Leopardheart is dead.

The Clan is in an uproar. Why wouldn't they be? Their medicine cat suddenly turns up dead, with the cause of death being unknown to them.

Her death was caused by either poisoning or a hit to the back of the head. I told them. They doubted me. I don't know how they could doubt their new medicine cat.

''What do you know? ''they jeered. ''You're younger than most of us. It's not like you conducted an investigation.''

Why do I even bother? If that's all they have to say to me, then I...

What's the point? Why do I... why do I even try...?

. ..

I let out a scream of frustration and swing my claws at the nearest object. Tree bark clicks against my claws and falls to the ground. Then everything's silent again.

"Why is this happening...?" I hiss to myself. "The only one that really cared about me is dead, and everyone else is ignoring me. It's like I'm supposed to be alone." I sigh, then bitterly growl, "Thanks, StarClan. Glad I could count on you."

I rip my claws out of the tree with more force than necessary and retract them before standing.

I'm at the GorseClan border. It's nearly dusk - the Clan must be mourning Leopardheart by now. Maybe she's already been buried. I really don't care about it anymore.

I've been away since dawn, when Leopardheart's body was discovered. Normally the Clan would have sent out a search party by now, because they were worried. But apparently they didn't send one, or I would've been found by now. Am I really that unwanted?

I guess it doesn't matter anymore, since I won't be going back anyway.

After staring blankly at the sky for ten minutes, I step over the border, onto GorseClan's territory. I intend to head for the moor just beyond their territory, since no one would bother looking there for a "lost kit".

Suddenly a voice sounds behind me. "Windpaw! What're you doing!?"

I hesitantly turn to see Hollypaw. "Why do you care?" I snap abrasively.

The white-furred apprentice steps back, his eyes wide. "I-I noticed you weren't at camp, and I started to worry, s-so I... came to look for you." He looks at his paws, as if he's embarrassed.

"Tell the Clan I'm gone." I hiss, turning away.

"B-but Windpaw! You can't leave!" Hollypaw gasps. "The Clan needs you! You're the medicine cat now. Please stay!" he pleads, his eyes wide in distress.

I step away from him. "You can't change my mind." I