Outside, Alder and Arjuna walked through Main Street in town. The city road was where all of the dead had been lain in orderly fashion. The bodies that had been retrieved, had all been organized, covered and bound with tags describing the lost soul within. Some of the cats had been identified and named, but most were unknown and therefore had tags that were only a visual observation of an unnamed body. The brothers walked through the rows of deceased, in search of the one that the eldest prince had forgotten to pray over. Though it appeared to be a search, in fact, Alder knew exactly where he was going.

“We’re almost there.” he said to his younger sibling. “Thanks for coming with me.”

“Of course.” Arjuna replied. “I do not think that I could come outside to this place on my own, either. It’s almost as though you can hear the echoes of sorrow with every footstep.”

“Do not say such things, little brother. The bodies here are empty. Their souls have gone to a place of rest. Try not to let the silence disrupt you, too much.”

“I will try.” Arjuna said, quietly. “But, I do not think that I can.”

Alder stopped in his trek and turned to face the blue tom. “You are not alone, Arjuna. Whenever you feel overwhelmed by the quiet stillness, just remember that you are surrounded by people that love you. You do not have to go through this painfulness on your own. If the burden of despair is too heavy, then let us help you carry it.” he said, smiling warmly at the boy.

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