I couldn't breathe.
I was too choked up from the endless sobbing and the shock.
This was all my fault.
If I hadn't existed, my sister would be alive, my family would be alive, my sister would be doing what she loves, and everything would be peaceful. None of this would've happened if I wasn't here.

All of a sudden, like a waterfall, the memories, flashbacks, and visions of my sister overtook my thoughts. My sister was all I could see, and that made matters worse.

"Why can't you leave...?" I asked quietly to my thoughts.

"Shadow? Shadow...? SHADOW!"  Paws shouted at me, and in an instant I was back to reality. I looked up at him and tilted my head...

He sighed, "Okay. You're awake..."

"Huh? Since when did you care about me?" This wasn't normal for Paws. He told me that he wouldn't treat me differently, but all I see is him getting softer in his core.

Paws shook his head, "Just forget this ever happened, okay?" He asked.

I looked around, and I noticed the others had fallen asleep in certain places. It was still night... It made sense. But, if they were asleep, how long was I out for?

"They told me to check on you. That's it... Don't think I'm treating you special because, well, I'm not. And, I won't ever treat you special." Paws walked off. His tough personality didn't bother me any... Paws was Paws, and that, my friend, is okay.

I sat down, thinking of what had all happened. Wolfie, from out of nowhere, came and sat next to me.

"Hey, kid. I'm sorry about what happened. Don't beat yourself over it, okay?" I turned to face Wolfie.

"How can I not? This was my fault. That's what it comes down to, and I'm not afraid to admit that."