Greatwater Lake (M) Butterflies taste through their feet.

By the time she thought to look backward again, he was merely a speck in the distance. Had he stopped? Towhee ground to a sudden halt, turning to look back properly. He wasn’t quite stationary but if she squinted, she could see that he was flagging.

She didn’t hear the cough, though her ears flicked as she deliberated whether to turn around and keep running or go back and reward his valiant attempt. Her body burned insistently as she panted, Towhee’s whole body flooding with endorphins and pheromones.

She licked some spittle from her chops and started walking back toward him, pace leisurely as her muscles ticked. She still hadn’t made up her mind whether he’d succeeded or failed. Her tail lashed as the distance between them narrowed.

When she came upon him, he was breathing harshly. His eyes were wet. Towhee’s heart sank. Even if she did deem him worthy, was he even up to the task at this point?