Bramble listened, her brown fur bristling, until Lilac's mate, Cherry, shouldered his way into the box-nest.
"Hey, Bramble, hey, Gorgeous-"
He cut off in shock, trembling in front of her dead body. Lilac's gray-and-white fur was matted with blood, her green eyes glazed. Bramble slowly made her way to Cherry's side.
"She...she died giving birth to these three."
Cherry cast a glance over the one still body and the two squirming ones. His eyes flared.Bramble felt uneasy. "Er...Cherry?" She queried quietly.
Cherry was trembling with grief. "I..loved her."
Bramble's eyes misted with tears. "I know. But these kits are reminders of your mate. Treasure them, and take care of them like you would do if Lilac were still here. She would want you to do this. Please, Cherry. Take them with you."