Redhawk Caldera California sun

Her father's knee-jerk reaction surprised a quiet huff from her. "What? No. It's not... like that," she explained haltingly. Wildfire drew in a breath. "We've just decided we'd be better as friends," she told him, trying to sound casual and like it had been a mutual decision. "I'll be all right," she repeated, and she meant it. She could survive this, somehow.

"Anyway, I should probably be heading back that way soon." She looked around but saw no signs of other Redhawks come to greet her, so she figured they were busy. "Tell everyone I said hey, mom especially. Oh, and don't forget to tell the babies all about me. Mom promised."