(Play music when you see this ***)

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The next morning found Ever laying on the roof with Rewis curled up on his stomach. The cat was covered with his cloak so he could be sheltered from the harsh wind. Ever didn't mind the cold, and the wind calmed him somewhat. Coming home yesterday had been a nightmare. His mother had asked question after question about how he enjoyed himself and whether he got enough to eat.

He'd managed to avoid most of her questions and had climbed up onto the roof again where he'd remained until his father came home. Dining with his family for supper had raised more problems. Ever's appetite still hadn't returned so he picked aimlessly at his food. This time his father was the one who questioned him, only this time they were more probing questions. Why aren't you eating? Are you alright? Do you feel ill? Did something happen at lunch today? Why won't you answer me?

After his mother joined in Ever excused himself and went back onto the roof to watch the sunset. He would have stayed out later but his father had called him inside, claiming that if Ever didn't come down he was going to come up and get him. The last thing Ever needed was for someone to intrude his place. For as long as he'd been climbing onto the roof no one had ever climbed up after him.

That is, everyone except Rewis.
"Looks like you're the only friend I have Rew," Ever sighed and brushed his fingers through the cat's fur. Rewis purred and parted his jaw in a large yawn. There hadn't been breakfast for the old tom today, but the cat didn't mind. He'd caught plenty of mice who were trying to raid the bakery last night so he was more than full. For now, he was content to lay in the warmth of his human's cloak.

The cat raised his head and blinked sleepily. Ever lifted his own head and stared at the cat.
"Is it time for you to go again?"
Rewis flexed his paws and flicked his tail, considering whether or not he wanted to face the elements in order to reach his resting place. In the end, he decided that he'd be happier to stay with his human for a little while longer. Laying his head back down Rewis closed his eyes.

Ever smiled and resumed his petting. Rewis started to purr again as he did so.
"I wish you wouldn't go all the time Rewis, why can't you stay here with me? Mother and father wouldn't mind, especially if you hunted mice."
Rewis' purring stopped abruptly when Ever ceased petting him. The old cat lifted his head and narrowed his eyes.
Why had his human stopped grooming?
"I worry about you Rewis, especially during the winter," Ever sat up causing the cat to spring off his stomach. He stared at him with his snaggle-tooth sticking out and his head tilted to the side.

What was going on here? He did not give his human permission to sit up. His human never disobeyed him, he was perfectly trained!
"You're getting old Rew," Ever sighed and looked down at his shirt. It was covered in Rewis' grey fur. "One day you won't be able to climb up here and see me. You might not come back at all..."
Rewis flicked his ears. Something was wrong with his human, he never acted like this.
"What if you freeze during the night? What if you can't find food and starve?" Tears were starting to form in Ever's eyes and he quickly wiped them away with the back of his hand. "Am I really crying over a cat?"

Oh yes, something was definitely wrong with his human. Rewis could sense it, and he started to tear at the roof with his claws. This wasn't right! His human should not be upset, he was here with him! Why wasn't he happy anymore? Most cats wouldn't care about their human's feelings, but Rewis wasn't like other cats. His human had provided him food and care for many seasons, and for that Rewis would always be grateful.

He also knew that if something happened to his human, he wouldn't make it. Rising to his paws, Rewis padded over to his human and crawled onto his lap. Purring as loud as he could Rewis pressed his front paws against his human's chest and butted his head against his. It was the ultimate sign of trust. There was no higher honor a cat could bestow, and in this moment Rewis was showing his human that he trusted him with his life. If this didn't make his human feel better nothing would.

Ever smiled as Rewis' soft head rubbed against his cheek, catching some of the tears that fell from his eyes.
"Yes, I am crying over a cat," Ever gently scratched behind Rewis' ear, "he's my best friend."
Rewis lowered himself and sat down on his human's lap. His head had gotten wet from his human's tears but he didn't mind. His human was happy again, it worked!

Something in the sky caught Ever's attention, and his smile grew wider. The tawny owl was flying to the forest again. Both boy and cat watched as she soared overhead before disappearing into the trees.
"Isn't she something Rew?" Ever sighed. The cat flicked his tail, That bird would be enough to last me through the winter....

Seeing the forest reminded Ever of yesterday. Though he'd tried hard to forget it, the name Sable May continued to haunt him, and how he shouldn't have lost his temper like that. Getting as angry as he did would've only fed their suspicion towards him. It was only a matter of whether they would tell anyone. His biggest concern at the moment was Thaxter, his father was Thenry who just so happened to be his father's best friend.

Lesim and Thenry had been close ever since they were boys, and they'd hope that their own sons would be friends as well. Which, Ever still couldn't understand why either of them had thought that would happen. Thaxter was five years older than Ever, in two years he'd turn twenty and become an adult. Not only that but the two were complete opposites. Thaxter was warm and friendly while Ever was cold and distant. Neither of the boys shared any interests, and Ever had figured out rather quickly that the only reason Thaxter spent time with him was that their fathers put him up to it.

The question still remained though, would Thaxter tell his father about him? If he did he'd have to explain to Thenry why he thought that way about Ever, which would mean confessing that they were talking about Sable May. If Ever's memory was correct, and it usually was, Thaxter and Cily had made it perfectly clear that they weren't supposed to talk about Sable. Telling anyone would mean bringing up the story, which could very well get them in trouble.

So for now, I should be safe.
He laid himself back down on the roof and Rewis nestled in the crook of his arm.
"You don't think I'm crazy, right Rew?"
The cat responded by purring into his ear. Ever chuckled and draped his cloak over Rewis.
He looked up at the sky which was still covered with clouds. Of all the seasons winter was Ever's favorite. Everything was cold, quiet, and peaceful. It was like the whole earth was resting, recovering its strength after a long year of toil and storms.

"Most people don't like the winter because it makes doing things outside difficult," he muttered, "the ones who do like it are the younger kids, and that's only if it snows once. If it snows more than one time then it's a nuisance."
It was infuriating how no one in his village seemed to have their own opinion. They all followed after each other blindly without thinking about where they were putting their feet. What frustrated Ever the most was that he was the only one who seemed to notice this.

"How can so many people be so stupid? Sometimes I just want to slap them all in the face."
Rewis lifted his head up and peered at him through narrowed eyes.
"Sorry Rew, didn't mean to get so loud," Ever sighed and scratched behind the cat's ear, "it's just that you're only one I can talk to."
Rewis yawned and crawled out of the crook of his arm. He stretched and gave each of his paws a little shake.

"Time for you to leave again?" Ever sat up and stretched his arms above his head. Rewis blinked once and flicked his tail, Don't worry, I'll be back tomorrow. And you'd better have some food for me this time!
"Well, I won't stop you. See you later Rew."
Again Ever watched his furry companion crawl to the edge of the roof before jumping down onto the fence and to the ground below.
I'll have to make sure to give him something special tomorrow, Ever thought as he went to lay himself back down.

"Ever! There's someone here to see you!" Lesim hollered from below. Ever groaned and buried his face in his hands.
Why? Why couldn't he just be left alone?!
His father didn't have work today since it was their family's "Rest Day."
Every family had a day where they were not required to any kind of labor, that meant the other families would make meals for them, fetch their water, and anything else they needed. Ever usually spent his family's Rest Day on the roof avoiding his father.

"Come on Ever! It's rude to keep a guest waiting!"
But it's not rude to bother someone who wants to be alone?
Groaning loud enough for his father to hear, Ever started to climb down the roof and into the backyard. Lesim was waiting for him with his arms crossed.
"Don't climb down so fast boy! You could slip and hurt yourself!"
Ever grunted in response and headed into the house to see who his "guest" was. What if it was Thaxter? Or Faegan? Or worse, Faegan and Cily together?

His mother was inside at the dining table talking to whoever was visiting. She turned around when Ever entered the room and smiled.
"Look Ever, it's Mallie the baker's daughter. She came to see you."
Mallie? What was she doing here?
"Hello Ever," she stood up from where she'd been sitting and smiled. Her hair was down today and she was wearing a light blue dress.
"Hello Mallie," he replied before his mother got a chance to scold him for not responding.

"Mallie was hoping you'd spend some time with her today," Eline was beaming and there was a glow in her eyes. Why was she so happy about this?
Ever wasn't.
"You don't have to if you don't want to Ever," Mallie said while playing with her hair, "I just thought I'd ask."
"Why Ever would just love to!" Eline chimed in before Ever could even open his mouth. "He's always so lonely," his mother continued, "spending time with friends is exactly what he needs!"

Ever openly glared at his mother but she ignored it. He felt a hand on his shoulder pushing him forward, his father.
"Go on now Ever! Enjoy yourself for once, be a normal kid for a change."
Normal.
What was their definition of normal?
Always be happy? Obey the rules?
The opposite of me?

With his mother and father urging him on Ever reluctantly followed Mallie outside and into the cold. He could feel Eline and Lesim's eyes on him as he walked. Why did they feel the need to do this? It didn't do him any good, or anyone else for that matter.
All around them the village was bustling with activity. People were going from place to place bringing clothes, food, and other necessities to whoever needed them. No one bought or purchased anything, the people worked together and shared the fruits of their labor.

No one went hungry, and no one lacked anything. It was how it had always been, how it always should be. Mallie said nothing as they walked side by side. One of the village dogs, who happened to be the largest, was trotting along and sniffing at the grass. The dogs were trained to guard the village from any dangers that could enter it. They were allowed to roam freely and patrol the area.

Ever didn't like them.

"Ever?" Mallie asked turning to him.
"What?"
"I'm really sorry about yesterday," she murmured, "it wasn't right what Faegan and the others were saying about you."
Ever stiffened and was about to turn around and go home right then and there. Mallie seemed to sense this because she suddenly grabbed his arm.
"You know how Faegan is, he just says things without thinking."
"Maybe he should start thinking then," Ever growled, "all of you should."
"Ever please, I don't want you to feel bad." Mallie squeezed his arm tighter, and it might've just been Ever's imagination, but he thought he could see tears in her eyes.

"How else am I supposed to feel? All of them compared me to an insane killer."
"But you know that story isn't true Ever! You said so yourself remember?"
That caught his interest.
"You don't believe it either?" He asked skeptically.
"How could I? It's impossible!" Mallie huffed throwing her hands in the air. "I can't believe they'd actually fall for that nonsense, and they're supposed to be the older ones!"

She had a point there. He and Mallie were the young ones. If anyone was expected to believe the tale of Sable May it would be them. Yet somehow, it was the three oldest who'd gobbled the tale up like a basket of sweets. Of course, Mallie was still older than him, but only by a year. Did she really think differently from the others? Had he finally found someone like himself?
"Why do you believe that the story isn't true?" He questioned.
"Because you said it wasn't," she replied.
"That's it? You're just taking my word for it?"
"Well, yes."

Ever's heart sank and his shoulders sagged. It felt like the entire world was suddenly pressing down on him.
"What if I'm wrong Mallie? Did you ever consider that?"
She shook her head. "Why should I? You said it wasn't true, and I believe you."
"I knew it, I just knew it." Ever pulled his cloak around his arms and stormed off.
"Ever wait! You knew what?" Mallie called chasing after him.
"That you're just like everyone else!" He shouted whirling around to face her. Mallie stopped in her tracks, hurt and confusion plastered on her face.

A few people had also stopped upon hearing Ever's voice, but after seeing who it was many continued on their way while a few lingered around to see what would happen.
Mallie was still staring at him, her bottom lip quivering slightly. Ever noticed for the first time that she had a gap between her two front teeth and that she never actually closed her mouth all the way.

He sighed and debated on whether or not he should apologize to her. After all, she was the only one who didn't think he was crazy and had tried to defend him yesterday.
But how can I when I don't know if she's doing it because she wants to, or because someone told her to?
In a village full of blind people following the blind how could he trust anyone? Did his own parents truly love him? Or did they pretend to because that was what the other families did?

How could he know the truth if it didn't exist in this world?

Whistling caught his attention and he turned around to see the last person he wanted to see.
Faegan.
The tall boy was swinging his gangly arms and frolicking around without a care in the world. That all changed when his eyes landed on Ever.
Ever narrowed his eyes at him. Not necessarily in a mean way, but one to show him that he wasn't happy to see him.

Faegan gulped and looked side to side, searching for another place to go but there was nothing. He could either turn around or go towards Ever. Gulping Faegan shuffled nervously up to Ever, keeping his hands clasped together in front of him.
"Uh, heya Ever. Heya Mallie."
"Hello Faegan," Mallie greeted. She glanced over at Ever but he remained silent. He would not speak to Faegan. Unless it was something he actually wanted to say to the twig of a human.

"Wha' brings the two of ya' here?" He asked placing his hands in his pockets. Ever noticed that while he was facing Mallie, his eyes were locked on him.
Is he really that stupid? He thinks I'll attack him the second he takes his eyes off me.
"I was apologizing to Ever for yesterday," Mallie replied with her hands clasped behind her back, "he was upset so I thought an apology would cheer him up."
Does she even realize how stupid that sounds? Oh, poor Ever is sad, I know what will cheer him up! I'll apologize for the people who are actually responsible for making him sad instead of making them do it themselves!

"Oh yeah, I almos' forgo' 'bout that. Cily an' I were talkin' las' nigh' an' she said some things."
"Like what?" Ever snapped.
Both Faegan and Mallie flinched. The tall boy looked like he wished he hadn't said anything.
"Well go on, tell me what Cily said. I insist," Ever took a step forward, causing Faegan to scramble back a few steps.
Pathetic...

"Ever stop!" Mallie begged. "You're scaring him!"
"I only asked him a question! He should just answer it!"
"Come on Ever, ya' know Cily and I are your friends."
"You were never my friends! None of you were!" Ever's hands curled into fists again. When Faegan saw this he yelped and sprang back, his entire body trembling in fear.
"People are staring Ever," Mallie whispered nervously, "maybe you should go home now..."

Ever turned away from Faegan and followed Mallie's gaze. Sure enough, a small crowd of people had gathered, all of them staring and whispering.
Whispering about him.
His heart started to hammer against his chest, except it wasn't from anger.
What's going on?
He could feel each and every individual eye on him. Hear every single whisper.

"Something isn't right with that boy."

"Why haven't his parents done something about him already?"

"I saw him the other day, he wouldn't even glance in my direction!"

"Mark my words he's going to end up just like the others."

"Surely the Elders have noticed his behavior by now, I've gone to them multiple times and they haven't done anything about it yet."

"He's sick that's what it is. Sick in the head."

"Look at his hands! He's about to hit that boy I just know it!"

"Mallie better be careful, he could be after her next."

"This is exactly what happened with Sable May before she went insane."

No.
No he did not just hear that.
He did not just hear that name.

Sable May

Now it was spreading. Everywhere he looked, every person he saw was whispering the name to each other.
Whispering and staring at him.

They think that I'm like her, they think that I'm the next Sable May!

He had to get out of here, now!
Forgetting Faegan and Mallie he ran. People were quick to get out of his way, avoiding him like he had the plague. Tears were filling Ever's eyes and he hastily wiped them away. He needed to get as far away from these people as possible. He was going back to his house, back onto the roof. He would stay there forever if he had to.

He wouldn't eat, wouldn't drink. He would just lay there until the cold took him, perhaps the wind would carry him away, somewhere far from the village.
Maybe...
He'd just run away.
Ever darted into a small alley between two buildings and collapsed onto the cold grass.
Run away? How could he just run away?

The village was the only place he'd ever known, he'd never dreamed of leaving before. His parents, his home, everything he'd grown up with was here.
How could I just leave? Where would I go? What would I eat? Winter is coming, I could freeze to death!
Ever shook his head and sat up against one of the wooden buildings. He drew his knees up to his chest and wrapped his arms around them, burying his face into his arms.
What was he supposed to do? He couldn't stay here and he couldn't go. There was no one in this village who he could turn to, no one he could trust.

In a village full of people, he was alone.
In a village where people cared for each other, he was neglected.
In a village that people called perfect, he was the only one who saw it's flaws.

Why did I have to be born like this? Why couldn't I be like everyone else?
But he didn't want to be like everyone else! How they all acted drived him insane! And if they all acted like him, then it would be worse!
I don't want to be like them, and I don't want them to be like me!
He was stuck running in circles, and he'd stay this way for as long as he remained in the village.
Could he really do it? Could he really leave this place?

I could sneak out at night, grab some food and water and run. Our house is close to one of the fences, it would be easy!
Ever lifted his face up, his lips turned up slightly. The more he thought about it, the more he wanted to do it.
Why shouldn't he leave? No one cared about him here, he'd be doing everyone a favor if he left.
He could wander the world as he pleased, no one would be around to tell him that he needed to be normal or that something was wrong with him.

He'd make his own life, his own rules! And the best part of it all is that he'd finally be alone!
I could even take Rewis with me! It would just be the two of us. He'd love being outside of the village, he could hunt field mice and I could catch him fish.
Ever stood to his feet, his entire body trembling in excitement. Tomorrow when Rewis came to see him on the roof, he'd take him and together they'd leave the village.

The sudden howl of a dog made him jump. He turned towards the sound and his blood ran cold. A flash of grey raced past, followed by a large dog loping after it.
Oh no, oh please no!
Ever ran out from between the houses and chased after the dog, horrified to see that two more dogs had joined the chase.
"Rewis!" He screamed the cat's name but it was lost over the baying of the dogs. The old tom was doing his best to outrun the dogs, but his legs weren't as strong as they used to be.

Another dog sprang at the cat, barking madly. Rewis' paws scrambled as he made a sharp turn and darted out of harm's way. The dog's massive paws slammed into the earth, missing him by a whisker. Ever kept running, calling Rewis' name over and over again, hoping that someone would put two and two together and call off the dogs. The dogs were trained to respond only to a certain group of people, surely one of them had to be nearby!

Ever's head snapped back and forth at the people he passed. None of them showing the least bit of concern for the filthy stray their dogs were hunting. Realizing that he wasn't going to get help from anyone Ever forced himself to go faster. Somehow he needed to get past the dogs in order to grab Rewis and make a run for it. The villagers might not care about a cat, but if the dogs started chasing him then surely they'd call the mutts off.

Right?

The chase led them to them to the woodworker's building. The woodworker was stacking chopping logs in half when he saw the dogs hunting down a mangy grey cat. He wasn't going to pay it any mind when Ever suddenly appeared, chasing after the dogs. Ever's lungs were burning as he sucked the cold air into his lungs, but he couldn't stop now. Rewis couldn't keep running forever, and he'd almost caught up to him!

Whether it was the cat's old legs, his tired lungs, or fate playing her cruel games, no one would ever know. All Ever knew was that one moment Rewis was running, and the next he was on the ground. It was something the old tom couldn't prevent. He'd lost his footing for one second, but it was enough to trip him and send his small body rolling onto the ground. Before he even had a chance to rise the first dog was on him.

Its fangs bit deep into his back, lifting him and shaking him back and forth, ignoring his cries of pain.
"REWIS!" Ever had never screamed so loud in his life. He watched in horror as the massive dog shook the cat like a rag doll before throwing him back onto the ground. It was only a short reprieve before another dog pounced, and another one joined.
Ever didn't waste another moment.
He knew where he was, and he'd heard the sound of an axe chopping wood.

The boy ran towards the woodworker, who'd paused his labor to watch the spectacle unfurl before him. He paid Ever no heed as he ran towards him and grabbed the axe he'd laid aside. It wasn't until Ever was charging the dogs that he noticed him.
Ever ignored the man's shouts, blinded by his anger he swung the axe without a second thought.

The first dog managed to avoid the blow, but the second one wasn't as lucky. The dog yelped as the axe cut across its side. Ever swung at the dog closest to Rewis and caught him on the leg. The dog fell with a howl of pain, it tried to stand only to have its back leg give out. Most of the dogs had backed away from Ever, but one still remained. The large dog was still tearing into the cat, unaware of the danger coming up behind him.

The dog never knew what hit him.

Ever screamed and slammed the axe into the dog's back. The animal collapsed immediately, but he didn't stop. Ever raised the axe and brought it down again.
And again.
And again.
Blood covered the grass, pooling around Ever's boots, but he didn't care. He continued to hack at the monster who'd attacked his friend, blinded by his rage.

Mrow...
Ever froze.
The axe fell from his hands and landed on the red ground below. He took no notice of the mutilated dog, the one he had killed. He didn't see the crowd of people who had gathered, horrified at what they'd just witnessed.
The only thing Ever saw was the old grey tomcat laying in a pool of his own blood.
"Rewis!" Ever moaned and ran to the cat's side. He dropped to his knees, feeling like he was going to be sick.

***

Rewis had nearly been torn to shreds. Patches of his fur were missing, replaced with gaping holes pouring blood. His tail was nothing more than a bloody stump, and the ear that Ever had always been so gentle with was gone. Four of his claws had been torn out, leaving his front paw a bloody mess. The worst wound of all had to be where the large dog had torn into Rewis' stomach, the smell was almost enough to make Ever vomit right then and there.

"Oh Rew," Ever shook his head and carefully gathered the cat in his arms. The left side of the cat's face was covered in blood, Ever tried to wipe it away with his cloak but there was just too much.
"I'm sorry Rewis," Ever cradled the small cat in his arms, "I'm so sorry."
Rewis stared up at his human with the eye that wasn't covered in blood. The old cat could feel his life slipping away, every breath he took hurt him. But it was alright, his human was here, his human would take care of him.

Something was wrong with his human though, he was upset again. No, his human shouldn't be sad, he made him feel better this morning!
A tear fell from Ever's eye, landing on the cat's chest.
"Please, don't leave me Rew..."
Rewis blinked once and attempted to purr. It was far too quiet, but he knew that his human could hear it. And that was fine, because it was meant for his human and him only.

Ever tried to smile at Rewis' attempts to comfort him, but it only made his chest tighten even more. He could barely breathe as he watched his friend die in his arms, what made it worse was that there was nothing he could do to save him.

His human was still upset.
There had to be some way to help him...
Rewis rubbed his head against his human's chest, though it hurt much worse than his purring, he was determined to make his human better before he left him.
Don't worry, it won't be long until another cat comes to claim you, then you can care for him just like you cared for me.
Personally, the old tom didn't want another cat owning his human. But he'd been so happy taking care of him, and since he wouldn't be here anymore his human would need something to give him purpose.

Yes, you'll make another cat very happy someday...
Rewis lowered his head and closed his eye.
Thank you for taking care of me...

The purring slowly faded away, and the old cat released his final breath.
"Rew?" Ever gave him a little shake, his body went numb.
"No Rew, please don't go. Don't leave me alone here! Please!" His cries grew louder, more tears began to fall.
"Wake up! Wake up you stupid cat!" Ever shook him harder, causing his head to bump against his chest.
"You're the only one I have in this stupid village! You can't just leave me! Please Rewis come back! COME BACK!"

There was no response.

Ever screamed and buried his face into the cat's matted fur. He didn't care about the blood covering his face and hands. He didn't care about the people staring.
He was gone, his only friend, the only one who could make him smile, had just been torn from him.

The crowd of people whispered to each other, none of them knowing what to make of the situation. In their eyes, the boy had gone mad. Two of the village dogs had been wounded, and a third one lay dead. No one had seen anything like this before, and it only served to feed the fire of suspicion that was spreading throughout the village.

No one dared go near the blood-soaked boy cradling the dead cat, except for Mallie and Faegan. The baker's daughter was both disgusted and appalled, but she didn't know who she was supposed to feel disgusted towards, Ever or the dog that had started all this. Faegan's horror was evident, and like Mallie he too was disgusted with what he saw. Unlike Mallie, however, he knew exactly who his disgust was aimed at.

"For goodness' sake Ever, it was jus' a stupid cat!"
Ever's eyes flew open and he whirled around to face the tall boy. If he was angry before it was nothing compared to the storm that was now raging inside of him.
"This stupid cat deserved to live more than you Faegan!" Ever screamed. Faegan quickly backed away into the crowd of people. Mallie remained rooted to the ground, her mouth open in shock. Ever let his gaze pass over the people gathered. Any one of them could have stopped this, they could have helped him stop the dogs.

But none of them had, none of them cared.

Ever looked down at Rewis' still body. The smell had become worse and his body was starting to stiffen. Wrapping the old tom in his cloak Ever stood to his feet, ignoring the startled gasps people gave when they saw all the blood covering him. Keeping his head down Ever walked straight through the crowd of people, who darted in any direction they could to avoid him. Ever paid them no mind. His only concern was getting his friend far away from the people who had killed him.

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He wiped another tear from his eye as he laid the shovel on the ground. He hadn't asked to borrow it, no one had been there to stop him from taking it. Ever lowered himself to his knees beside the small hole. On his left lay Rewis, his body wrapped up tightly in Ever's cloak. He did not feel the cold, he was too numb for that.

Gently, Ever picked up Rewis and laid him comfortably inside the shallow grave. He felt more tears coming, and this time he let them fall. He would never hear his purr again, or feel his claws prick his legs. Holding back another sob Ever began to scoop dirt over Rewis' lifeless body.
He'd never groom his grey fur again, or scratch behind his torn ear.
Ever crouched down and used his hands to pat the earth down. Then he reached over and placed the ten stones he had gathered in a circle on Rewis' grave.

He'd never get to see him again.

Finally, he placed a white flower in the center of the circle, burying the stem so it wouldn't blow away. He sat down with his hands on his legs, staring blankly at the grave.

He'd buried him outside the village, far enough from the western fence that no one would see it. He refused to lay Rewis to rest in the same place as the people who'd murdered him. Ever remained by his friend's grave for hours. Detached from the world around him.
He no longer thought about running away, how could he if his best friend wouldn't be with him?

Lowering his head Ever finally allowed himself to cry. His cries were swept up by the wind and carried away from the village. They reached the edge of the forest, where the trees heard the sound, but could do nothing for the boy whom the cries belonged to.
Yet, in the darkest parts of the forest, there was another who heard the cries. One who stood and listened, but did not know who the sound came from.

All it knew, was that they were cries of grief.

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So...

I just killed off a cat...

That happened...

So yeah, what'd you guys think?

Did Ever go a little crazy? Or do you think he was right to feel that way?

The next chapter should be out soon, things are going to start getting even more crazy.

Alright, I'm out