Heron Lake Plateau Your love is like a car crash.

Although she couldn't hear her friend's struggle for breath, Towhee nonetheless reacted as if she'd fallen on top of a flaming hot stove top rather than a living, breathing wolf. She pitched herself sideways off her friend and quickly leaped to her feet. She pivoted slightly to look down at Niamh, feeling a jolt of fear when she saw the Gamma's erratic movements, not to mention the tears in her eyes.

"You ok—" Towhee began to press when it struck her that Niamh was only laughing. Feeling giddy with relief—she would've felt terrible if she'd hurt her Person, even if it was all Niamh's fault—she swooped in again, unable to resist the temptation of her friend's exposed rib cage as she renewed her tickle attack.