Russetsky's Regret

'''"I didn't mean to leave the Pine! It wasn't even my own fault I left because I was exiled!" Russetsky hung his head sadly. Hawk's Screech stared at him with pity, resting his tail-tip on his shoulder for some comfort. "It's Mud's own fault I was kicked out."'''

'''"Mud is a terrible cat," Hawk's Screech murmured half to himself in agreement, his gaze drifting up to the dull sky and graying clouds. "I'm sorry if the Cats of the Pine exiled you, but the Shadows is your new home. Forget about the Pine." '''

'''"I can't," Russetsky sighed. "I left so many cats I grew up with and got to know. . . I can't just forget about all the memories I've had there. I was even born in the Pine." '''

'''"And I was born here, in the lake. Well, not actually in it because I'd drown, but. . ." Russetsky stared distantly before he walked away, heading over to the fresh-kill pile, his tail drooping behind him. '''