Gustfoot padded outside and sat next to the entrance to the clans’ nursery den. She quietly groomed herself, the silence of the warm Greenleaf night calming her nervous feelings about the litter she had just delivered. She let out a heavy sigh, and Mistystar padded up to her, her sleep-deprived eyes bloodshot as she greeted Gustfoot. “Hello, Gustfoot, how is Hollyleaf doing? Are the kits healthy?” “Yes, she just gave birth to two toms.” Mistystar waved her tail in excitement. “That’s great news!” But then she hung her head, and let out a heavy sigh. “It’s a shame their father isn’t here anymore.”