Grouse Thicket and on the trees' rough husks

She hadn't visited the Thicket since that beautiful, handsome stranger had taken her on a trip (in more ways than one).  But old habits die hard, and she liked having a place that was just her own.  Even if sometimes the other Redhawks showed up here, she felt that this was kind of like her place where the Roost was kind of like Towhee's.  It was just understood.  

So she'd headed out and expected to be on her own.

Except.  Today, there was that child she still didn't know the name of.  And usually she doesn't have a problem with kids.  She might not be the best with them, but she doesn't hate them.  She doesn't hate him either.

He just reminds her of that day.  

But it isn't his fault.  She realizes she's been staring.  Luckily he's a kid, and his nose was so deep in the dirt he might not have noticed.  Um, hey, she calls, clearing her throat, what're you doing?  Please stay away from the apples.