Bramblepoint I won't stumble back

Liffey's excitement was like a balm for Wildfire's aching heart, even if she couldn't manifest these little scraps of gladness in her expression. But then something in her crumbled when the girl mentioned her birthday. It shone a spotlight on Wildfire's heartbreak. She shouldn't even be able schedule a trip like this at all. She should have been barefoot and pregnant, then rearing her pups, come springtime. It felt like someone had taken an ice scream scoop and hollowed out her insides when the realization of her broken dreams washed over her for the nth time.

Her lower lip was quivering and Wildfire could feel the tears building up behind her chestnut eyes. "Good," she whispered a little inanely, trying to maintain control over herself. She knew it was a losing battle. "I will see you then, Liffey. Right now, I gotta..." It was probably pretty obvious why the red she-wolf was abruptly turning away. In fact, both Liffey and Jackrabbit probably saw the first splash of tears roll down her cheeks. "I'm sorry," she was able to snuffle before retreating toward the far edge of the forest, seeking solitude in her utmost grief.