“Hiss…” A distant hissing echoed through the cave, and a shiver went up Branch’s spine. The
hissing was giving him the creeps, yet it did not affect Bramble. She walked further and further
into the cave, searching for a good place to sleep. As she walked, the hissing got louder and
louder, and soon, it stopped. Bramble found himself face to face with a snake – a viper. It stared
at her with its black, beady eyes, and its scaly, green body coiled around the rocks in the cave.
“Um, Bramble, didn’t Mom tell us that we shouldn’t annoy vipers? We should retreat slowly and
get out of here.” Branch shifted uneasily. “What? You want to get out of the cave and get eaten by
the thing outside?” “No, but…” “Let’s fight this viper together and stay here for the night.” Branch
glanced at him, unsure if to agree or not. But Bramble leaped up and snapped at the viper, leaving
Branch frozen in terror. She tried to lift her paw, but it was stuck there. All she could do was to
watch as her brother fought the viper, and it snapping at him. At last, he pinned it down, but the
viper had already bitten him, leaving two tiny holes bleeding black blood.
“Bramble! Bramble! Are you alright? I never thought…” Branch choked on tears of regret,
barely able to speak. Bramble leaned to one side, and spoke. “It’s not your fault, Branch. I… was
foolish, and wanted to take on the viper.” “There’s no need to blame yourself, Bramble. It was all
my fault.” “I’m sorry, Bramble. I should have helped you. I…”She staggered back, overcome with
guilt. Bramble smiled weakly. “Be strong, Branch. We shall meet again someday…” His eyes closed
for the last time, and his furry pelt struck the ground. Tears streamed down Branch’s face, and she
slowly dragged herself out of the cave.
As the last drop of snow drifted on Branch’s pelt, she felt a bit of warmth in her heart.
Although Bramble had gone to another world, he will always be in Branch’s heart, reminding her
of the life ahead of her.
