“Yes, Sixstar!” Sunnykit exclaimed. But then he shrank a little, hot with embarrassment.
“Then you will now be known as Sunnypaw. Birchtail, come forth. You will be Sunnypaw’s mentor.”
Birchtail stalked up, with a tired look in his eyes.
He touches noses with Sunnypaw and nods. He didn’t seem too enthusiastic.
Why doesn’t he seem happy to be a mentor? Hollowpaw was confused. Nonetheless, she had her mentor to focus on, Nightfur.
Over the next couple of days, Hollowkit is stuck between thinking about why Birchtail seemed upset, or even sand, and focusing on her training.
“Hollowpaw!” Nightfur yowled, jumping out of a bush. “Where have you been? I was worried sick!”
Hollowpaw shrank a little. “Sorry, Nightfur.. I won't disappear again.”
“Thank StarClan!” Nightfur sighed.
Later that day, around sunhigh, Hollowpaw decides to confront- no, speak with Birchtail. She spots him near the elder’s den, chatting with them.
I need to get him away from there somehow, Hollowpaw thought. I have to. Hollowpaw trods up to the elder’s den with an intent but calm expression. “Birchtail, can I have a word with you?”
Birchtail looks around before turning to face her.
“Yes?” He says.
“Follow me. We’ll walk and talk.” The two cats stalk off somewhere in the secluded camp.
“So, Birchtail. Why don’t you seem.. Enthusiastic about becoming a mentor? Sunnykit tells me you’re cold with him. He thinks you’re mad at him.”
Birchtail sighs. “Well, look, the only reason I'm like that with him is because I just.. I’m not social with many others. And being forced to be a mentor is hard. I have to train my apprentice, and also do patrols, and sometimes apprentice work, since you two are the only apprentices besides Acornpaw.”
Hollowpaw did not expect that dump of emotional stress.
“Oh. I see. How can I.. Help?” Hollowpaw said, wholeheartedly.
Birchtail sighs, and even in that one sigh any cat could tell that it is full of emotion. Sadness. Uncertainty. Maybe frustration? “It’s something for me to deal with, Hollowpaw. You’re a great cat. But, sometimes, you need to know not every