Shadedsun nodded silently, giving the smallest of smiles to his daughters at the mention of berry-hunting. “Have fun.” He let out a sigh, laying back down, ignoring the curling pain in his stomach. As much as he wanted to go, he couldn’t bring himself to leave the den. To come face to face with cats he didn’t know, with a Clan he had come to so he could escape his own insignificant problems. “Bring me back a raspberry if you find one.” He directed his soft words towards the kits, laying back down onto his stomach. 

He heard their pawsteps as they exited, a small tug in his heart. What kind of father was he? Couldn’t even get up for his own kits. “Come on, Shaded, pull yourself together.” He grumbled to himself. 

Applekit, of course, was buzzing with excitement. Bouncing on her paws, she smiled widely up at her SummerClan dad. “Yay! Don’t worry, dad, I’ll bring you back the best raspberry!” She purred, already out of the den before anyone else. She laughed almost hysterically at Lilykit as she hung onto the squirrel. Skipping ahead of her family, a bit disappointed that Shadedsun couldn’t join them, she hummed a little tune, a light, joyful feeling in her heart. Exiting camp first, running ahead as if she were the happiest kit in the world, a different, quicker set of footsteps made her turn her head. 

“Wait up!” Shadedsun called, bolder this time. A small, growing smile on his face. He may not be better, yet, but he would get there. Even if it took an eternity, he’d be okay. They’d be okay.