But Lilyflight shook her head sadly. “As much as I wish things were different, they’re not. And even if Rainpaw had made it, she probably would have died later from blood loss. Maybe it was more merciful for StarClan to take her when they did.”
Supaw was shaking now, and she couldn't bare for Lilyflight to see her like this, so she jumped up and ran to the apprentices den to be alone.
She sighed sadly. “Poor Sunpaw,” she murmured. She gestured to Bramblefall with her tail and apologized.
Bramblefall walked over and sat down. "Didn't go too well?"
“She still blames herself,” Lilyflight explained sadly. “I think Whiteshine does, Sunpaw definitely does, and I do too. Everyone on that patrol has just been one sad mess lately. But it was so horrible... I smelled blood and fox, Sunpaw heard a scream, and then...” she had to stop because her voice was shaking too much.
Bramblefall scooted closer and licked her ears comfortingly. "I'm so sorry I sent you on that patrol." He said sadly.
“It’s not your fault at all!” Lilyflight told him. “It’s no one’s. But that’s the thing. When it’s no one’s fault, everyone feels the need to blame. And the first cat they blame is always themselves.”
"I know, but maybe shouldn't have sent any patrols that day. I don't blame myself." He told her, nuzzling her.
She nuzzled him back, sighing. “But there would have been no reason to just skip patrols. I wish Sunpaw would realize she did everything she could, more than we expected her to even. She avenged Rainpaw’s death! And believe me, if it would have saved Rainpaw, I would have gotten five more of these,” she said, gesturing to the gash in her flank.
"No way, I wouldn't have let you." He said, protectiveness and affection in his gaze.
