Broken Antler Fen Good girls Bad guys

Embry hadn't intended to stir up anxiety. He had just meant that the plant was a rare and inspirational sight. Here I go again. He watched the female's expression change with mounting guilt. "Uh, no. No, I don't think it's quite that important." He said, his voice slurring in his haste. He bent his head to the ground and frowned. No, that was definitely not how he meant for that to come out.
     "I mean, er... I mean it is important - very, very important." He countered his previous statement. "It's just nothing to worry about. This plant can care for itself, too. And there are plenty of others, anyway. Besides, it'll probably die before it reaches maturity." He spoke without thinking, which was quite unusual for Embry. As soon as he said it, he felt his heart drop. "Ugh, I'm saying this all wrong." He laughed, half to himself.