Heron Lake Plateau who's saying nothing about as loud as she can.

Towhee didn't say anything again, and this time, Fin couldn't hang onto the frustration this made her feel. It had disappeared prior to the stiff nod she was given and replaced with only a lonesome sort of melancholy. Towhee might not want to scream at her, but Fin was beginning to feel desperate for something. For anything that told her the daughter she'd raised that had loved her and respected her was still there. Sure, being shouted at didn't really suggest love or respect. But it did suggest feeling. Tegan wasn't the only one who had changed.

When they found Tegan, one look at him had Fin steeling herself for another round of heart-bashing. Towhee excused herself and Fin stuck her tongue out in preparation to receive the girl's cheek because that's how this works now. She was grateful for the gesture, though still felt awful as Towhee disappeared. At least one step had been taken with her. Now it was time to take a step with the other.

"Hey kid," Fin said affectionately, turning to offer her son a smile that was well painted with concern, "I've missed you. How're you doing?"