The wind whipped between the calm trees, the moon shinning high in the sky. The ocean's salty smell carried between the breeze.

A black tom could be seen sitting on a large rock that outlooked the ocean. His fur turned a dark silver-grey in the moonlight and his dull yellow eyes gleamed in the darkness. The wind blew his short fur, some palm leaves that were stuck in his fur swaying in the wind.

His gaze was serious and focused on the ocean. A second cat approached him, this one being a broad-shouldered dark brown tabby with a scarred face. He slowly padded up to the black tom, his movements slow.

He sat down beside the black tom, letting out a grunt of pain. His joints were stiff and old, making it hard for him to do anything. Once he settled down, he turned to the black tom, rasping "You need your rest, Night."

"They haven't come back," The black tom responded, his gaze growing defeated "How long have you been out here?" the older tom asked, ignoring what Night said. Night took a moment to respond, not staring down at the older cat.

"I've been out here since dusk," he responded "Night! I've told you about staying out late!" The older tom scolded him "I know, Thorn, I just couldn't sleep, that's all." Night responded quickly, his tail flicking in annoyance.

Thorn sighed, flicking his ears in frustration "Whether you can or can't sleep, we need you back home. You could get hurt!" Thorn responded "From what Thorn? There is nothing out here but us! They haven't returned in nearly 5 moonfalls!"

"They aren't coming back for us Night! They've forgotten us!" Thorn argued back, both standing to their paws and glaring up at each other. Night glared at the old tom, letting out a defeated sigh "Surely they'll come back to us."

Thorn rested one paw on Night's shoulder, who was now looking away in despair "I'm sorry Night, but I'm not sure if they will return." Thorn responded softly, gently licking his shoulder. Night stared blankly at the ground.

"Come now, you need your rest." Thorn murmured, leading Night away from the ocean view. Night followed, letting Thorn guide him away. He looked over his shoulder, a single thought flooding his mind.

Surely they'll come back to us, right?