Friends in Need snippet

I'd noticed that Rain Clan had an odd cat out: Rootclaw. She made no effort to befriend anyone, especially not the youngest cats. Maybe I should have left her alone, but being me, I'd sent the others out "hunting" even though the fresh-kill pile was spilling over. Now only I, Brairpelt and Rootclaw were in camp.

"Rootclaw, I don't like to see anyone unhappy."

"I'm not unhappy." She didn't look at me as she said it.

"Maybe not, but you aren't exactly popular around camp. You don't have to-"

She interrupted, "Are you trying to find me a mate? If so, I resent it."

My mouth was hanging open and I knew it. "That just isn't so! All I'm saying is, it wouldn't hurt to at least talk to someone. I was beginning to think you were mute."

Oh, 'Storm, you have no tact.

Rootclaw grimaced. Her forepaws kneaded the ground, and I saw that the right one was missing a claw. She caught me looking and raised her tail defiantly.

"I'll think about your advice. In the meantime, leader or no, I'll shred your ears if you pester me again."

"You're welcome."