Heron Lake Plateau Your love is like a car crash.

It had to be something else. Niamh signed “Promise” as soon as she was bidden, and prepared for whatever Towhee might tell her. Was it about Screech? About Raven? About her? Nothing could have prepared her for what Towhee would say next.

She wasn’t all female? The first statement, followed by a pause, confused Niamh. How could someone be female- which to Niamh, Towhee clearly was- but not quite? She looked puzzled, until Towhee clarified that physically, she had begun developing testicles.

The thought of that confused Niamh. -is she sure that’s what they are?- Niamh asked, not wanting to doubt Raven’s authority but at the same time...This wasn’t something Niamh had ever heard of. Obviously, though, it upset her. She could tell immediately that whatever effect it had on Towhee, she wasn’t happy. -I don’t know. Maybe they’ll go away? But if they don’t.- she said, and shrugged, apologetically. -it doesn’t change anything for me. Unless you want it to,- She said. Naturally, if Towhee felt it made her more male than female, she’d adjust...But she strongly doubted she’d feel any different about her friend. -You’re my person. That doesn’t change.-