Willowpaw was determined to learn everything she could from Brownclaw. She didn't care that her parents wouldn't appreciate it. She decided that she would do it for herself. One day, she would show her parents that she could do great. With or without Stormkit. Deep down, she knew that that was just a dream. A wish that would never come true. The Clan wanted Stormkit. Mintspot needed Stormkit. Even Willowpaw needed Stormkit. It wasn't a matter of life or death... well, maybe it was, in a way. It was just- Willowpaw knew Stormkit was the answer to everything. He was the reason she was not allowed to be happy. The reason Mintspot shunned her, why the whole Clan shunned her. Mintspot felt guilty to be happy when Stormkit might not be.
              "What's on your mind?" asked a voice. It was Brownclaw. Willowpaw was somewhat relieved. She liked her mentor. She was glad that she didn't have to think about Stormkit anymore. 
              "Nothing," shrugged Willowpaw. "What are we going to learn today?"
              "Nothing," answered Brownclaw. 
               "huh?" frowned Willowpaw, confused. 
              "Nothing until you tell me what's bothering you," Brownclaw clarified, his eyes round with care.
               "I- nothing's bothering me!" exclaimed Willowpaw. 
               "Of course something's bothering you. It's written all over your face. I know that face. You made it all the time as a kit. You always looked so.... thoughtful and sad, if I may say so myself. Not to judge, of course," Brownclaw said. 
               "I'm not sad," replied Willowpaw, grimacing slightly. 
               "Maybe not. But something is bothering you. It's my job as a mentor to find out what," Brownclaw said. Willowpaw started to object but thought better of it. 
               "I was just thinking about Stormkit. I wish he was here," Willowpaw finally admitted.  
               "Yeah...," nodded Brownclaw, memories flooding back. "We all do. Especially Mintspot. Is that why you're always down?" 
               "Yeah. I mean no. It's just, it's to respect him you know. Why should I be happy if Stormkit will never be?" Willowpaw explained. Brownclaw frowned at that. He thought for a moment. 
              "What do you mean?" he asked. 
             "That's what Mintspot tells me. She's right, I guess. Sometimes I feel so selfish. Because I can't help but feel happy," sighed Willowpaw. 
              "that's- that's ridiculous," Brownclaw put plainly. "I don't know why Mintspot would say such a thing. You don't know what happened to Stormkit. he may be having the time of his life as a kittypet. He may be in StarClan. We don't know. But you shouldn't just wallow in sadness, pretending it's respecting Stormkit." Willowpaw didn't know what to say. She had been told not to be happy her whole life. And now, her mentor was saying it was a ridiculous notion. 
             "I don't mean to insult Mintspot," Brownclaw clarified gently. "I can't imagine what she's going through. But she shouldn't be making you be sad for your brother."
             "It doesn't matter," Willowpaw shrugged. She wanted to get this conversation over with. She didn't want to say anymore. It might upset Mintspot. 
              "I was there, the night of your birth," Brownclaw said. "And... well maybe this story can wait till next time." Because Acornpaw and his mentor appeared. Sootwhisker smiled at them. 
             "Ready for training?" asked Sootwhisker. 
             "Huh?" Willowpaw frowned. Acornpaw kept quiet, not quite meeting Willowpaw's eyes. Brownclaw got up. 
            "I forgot to tell you. We're going to be training with Acornpaw and Sootwhisker today. How do you feel about that?" Brownclaw asked, looking at Willowpaw expectantly. 
              "Cool," was all Willowpaw could utter. She didn't know what she was going to do. She had been so mean to Acornpaw. Pushed him away. She wanted him more than ever. She wanted to tell him everything. But how could she fix what she had done? He probably never wanted to talk to her ever again. Brownclaw and Sootwhisker trotted in front, leading the two apprentices. Willowpaw and Acornpaw trailed behind, keeping their respective distanced. 
              "Why aren't you guys talking?" asked Sootwhisker, shooting them a questioning look. "Aren't you excited?" Brownclaw gazed at Willowpaw worriedly. 
             "Yeah. So excited," Willowpaw forced a grin. 
             "Totally," nodded Acornpaw. The two mentors chuckled then resumed their talk. Willowpaw's mind was reeling. What was she going to say? What was she going to do? She thought she was going to drown. 
             "Hey," Acornpaw finally said. 
             "H-hey," Willowpaw replied, stumbling slightly. Acornpaw cocked his head. 
             "Are you mad at me?" he asked. 
             "N-no! Are you mad at me?" Willowpaw asked back in a small voice. She knew the answer. Of course he was mad at her. She was probably the worst friend ever. 
             "Well. No," Acornpaw said. Willowpaw frowned and looked at him. 
            "What? Why?" she asked confusedly. 
               "I was mad at you at first," Acornpaw confessed. "But then, the more I thought about it, the more I knew it wasn't you. You were doing it for me. You didn't want me to be an outsider. But I don't mind. I don't mind being an outsider if it means I get to be with you." Willowpaw felt something flutter in her heart. She moved closer to Acornpaw. 
             "Thanks," she said. "I'm really sorry for what I said. I didn't mean it but... but why would you want to be friends with me over the other apprentices? Over your brother?" 
              "Cos you're my best friend!" cried Acornpaw as if it was obvious. "You're like the most kind and understanding cat ever." Willowpaw smiled. 
              "You're the nicest and funniest cat ever!" Willowpaw complimented back. It was so great to finally speak to Acornpaw. Everything seemed to flow freely. They complimented each other all the way till the training spot. 
              "What are you two lovebirds talking about?" teased Sootwhisker. Willowpaw and Acornpaw shot each other a confused look. What did he mean? Sootwhisker and Brownclaw burst into good natured laughter.