The sun was beginning to set over DayClan territory, but Peachblush was only now waking up. He winced mid-yawn as he saw the moon beginning to peek its way out from under the clouds, the faint outlines of the constellations in the sky. He used to know them all by heart, back when he was a SpringClan warrior going stargazing every night. Now he doubted he could name more than two or three.

Peachblush padded out somewhat uncertainly into the camp. He gave the area a quick scan for his mate Fuzzyheart, who was nowhere to be found (unless the tom had crept up behind him - which Peachblush supposed was entirely likely to be honest, that scoundrel of his). He looked around for Glowstar too, also to no avail. Being on friendly terms with the DayClan leader certainly had its perks - namely, the freedom to do nothing but lie around camp all day, feeling sorry for himself as he slept until nightfall. DayClan welcoming Peachblush and Fuzzyheart with open arms had been a blessing at first, back when the shock of failing both SpringClan and Absum Lux in less than twelve moons had prevented him from being much use for the Clan at all. But time had passed, and Peachblush was fairly certain that their patience with him would be running out shortly if he didn't get off his furry butt and do something to help out. You're one of the most experienced cats in this part of the forest, he thought to himself bitterly. You've led twice. Surely you can go on a little hunting trip.

And yet the strength wouldn't come to him. Try as he might, he simply couldn't muster the energy to pad out of camp; it was as if there was something dragging him down, like the ground had sprouted roots that kept him chained to the earth. He sighed, and resigned himself to simply resting in the same spot as always for a few more hours, until it was dark enough to justify dragging himself back into the warriors' den. I'll try again tomorrow, he promised himself. I might feel a little better then.

Somehow, he doubted he would.