The Blossoming Birch tree - Part 3

The concluding part of The Blossoming Birch Tree series. Before you read this, read part 1 and part 2.

By Sorrelflower.

Chapter 1
"Are you feeling alright? You've been really tired lately." Whitebirch's warm breath stirred her ear fur as he touched his nose to it.

"I'm fine." sighed Blossomdew. Her eyelids felt droopy, her paws stumbling and clumsy. Whitebirch frowned, and stayed close to her. The other cats padded along, puffing their fur to keep out the cold; Tinycloud, Sandyfoot, Cherrytail, Smokepaw and their new companion, Kestrel. On her left, Echosong was frowning at her with the same concern as her mate.

"I think we should find somewhere to rest for the night. Blossomdew is exhausted."

"Yes, please." Tinycloud's short legs weren't helping with this, and she was tired too. All of them were. Sandyfoot swayed with tiredness with every step, Cherrytail's and Echosong's usually bright eyes were dull, and Smokepaw and Kestrel, the youngest of them and being eight-moons old, were falling behind. Even Whitebirch was slowing down, even though he was usually determined and never gave up. And she was beginning to stagger. She didn't know why she was like this now. She lay beside Echosong, who curled her tail around her as Whitebirch, Sandyfoot and Cherrytail dug a snow-den, Smokepaw and Kestrel half-heartedly building up the snow around it by sleepily patting the dug out snow down and around the mound for support. Tinycloud had found some moss, feathers and dry grass for bedding. Blossomdew went in first, collapsing onto a nest, panting with exhaustion. Whitebirch settled down beside her, still looking worried as the others settled around them. Echosong slept on her right with Cherrytail, Tinycloud and Sandyfoot, and she felt Smokepaw's tail tickle her cheek as she lay down beside Kestrel. She was so tired, and she feel asleep the moment Whitebirch pressed against her fur.Before she drifted off, she felt a tinge of worry.

What's happening to me?

More coming soon!