Heron Lake Plateau Down in the Valley

When he noticed her, Towhee stiffened and sat up slightly straighter but otherwise didn't react. It didn't matter much because, a split second later, his prey showed itself. She still didn't move as Colt suddenly turned and galloped after the fleeing fox. Even had she wanted to assist (which she didn't), he would surely catch up to and dispatch his quarry before she even finished crossing the water.

He probably wouldn't return. Towhee inspected her throbbing paw, removing it from the water and pushing upward into a sit. She would wait and see, then head to the island's center to rest in the privacy of the shady trees.