puddlepaw hadn't understood what death was until this moment. not really. sure, he had always know the definition, when a cat's life comes to an end, but he had never understood that end until it happened to his sister. briarpaw. oh, briarpaw. memories flashed through his mind like some kind of sped up movie trailer. snuggling together in their nest as kits, her paw guiding his to draw a flower in the sand, playing and laughing and enjoying life. the life that was now cut short. puddlepaw hadn't understood that death could happen to anyone, at any time. he had always thought of death like it was a faraway concept, like it would only come for you when it was your destiny, when even you knew that the time had come. how dare this be briarpaw's destiny, sweet, kind, innocent briarpaw's, destiny?! if life can be snatched away from anyone, at any time, what's the point of living? he himself could die tomorrow, and just like that, it would be over forever. puddlepaw hadn't understood the forever of death until this moment. briarpaw wouldn't come back. he would never speak to her again, never hug or draw with or play with or laugh with her again. was he already forgetting her smile? what color were her eyes? he wished he had payed more attention while she was alive, before she would be gone for the rest of time. puddlepaw hadn't understood what life was until this moment. as a kit, it was all fun and games, without a worry in the world about these things. but puddlepaw had to start living life to its fullest extent every day. he had to live every day like it was his last, like he should've when briarpaw was still around, like briarpaw herself would never get to. he had to be grateful for each new breath he was able to take, thankful for each new day he was able to wake up to. he had to stop wasting time on silly things, and focus on what's important, like family and friends. the cats that mattered, the cats that just like briarpaw, could leave him behind without a moment's notice. life was a fragile thing, but a beautiful one, and that beauty would not be lost on him anymore. now that briarpaw would never get to experience it again, he had to make up for it. he had to live life for her. he had to.
writing -- me / @calliepillars briarpaw -- @bob_guy_12 tn -- google
