The Twolegs took Catnip's limp body out to their monster and drove away. Amber couldn't help but stare in shocked silence for a moment before turning in the lean on Smokey's shoulder.
"He's gone..." She whispered.
"We have to have Faith, Amber." Smokey looked as though he was trying to hold back a sob. "The vet might be able to fix him."
"Maybe." Amber murmured, though inside she knew that wouldn't happen.

The next few days were miserable and empty. There was a Catnip-shaped hole left in the barn where the old cat should've been. Amber lay in her nest. She hadn't eaten since the Two legs took her grand-father away and, despite Smokey and Coals best efforts, she hadn't left her nest either.
"Hey." The soothing mew of Coal's sounded behind her.
I wish he could  just stay here beside me.
She looked up at Coal and he dropped a mouse in front of her. "Eat." He looked at her expectantly.
"I don't feel like it." She shoved the mouse away with one paw and put the other one over her face.
"I'm not eating again until you eat." Coal meowed firmly.
No! This is my grief; he shouldn't be suffering.
"Fine." She stretched her neck forward and took a bite of the warm mouse. It felt so good to have food in her after days of nothing. She quickly finished it.
  I'm glad I have him here to protect me.
Coal laid down beside her. "Isn't that better? You shouldn't harm yourself over things you can't control."
Amber didn't say anything, just rested her head on Coal and entwined her tail with his. He purred and they just laid there, not speaking, not stirring, just...warmth.

Amber found herself in the field again. Foxstar stood in front of her. "Hello, my daughter." His warm smile and eyes were so kind and gentle, she wishes that she could have known her father in his living days.
"Can I ask you something?" Amber blurted. Foxstar nodded. "How did you know that you wanted a future with my mother?"
Foxstar didn't answer immediately, but he looked like he was choosing his next words carefully. Finally, he spoke. "Your mother was... extraordinary. I'd never met a she-cat like her." He smiled. "She made me feel warm inside." He looked directly into Ambers eyes. "Why do you ask?"
"I'm in love with Coal. I think... I think I'm ready for a future with him."
"So wake up and tell him that. I know he feels the same way."
Amber smiled and nodded decisively.

When she opened her eyes, Coal was still there. When Amber stirred, his eyes fluttered open too. "How are you?" He murmured, his face close enough to hers to feel his breath.
"Better, now. I-"
"I'm sorry, but I need to tell you something, Amber." Coals eyes looked full of emotion. "I love you."
"I love you too, but-"
"No, I mean, I love-love you. I want a future with you." He looked almost pleading.
"Coal, I... I was going to say the same thing."