Sun Mote Copse caught in a river of rockers and dreams

He'd gone looking for his brother and hadn't found him. Towhee found this utterly unsurprising. So many went missing and oftentimes, yet others went looking for them, almost always to no avail. She bit back a sigh at all the time wasted, not just Cinder's but everyone's. How many moments—and heartaches—could be saved with a simple "goodbye"?

Only when he questioned after everyone did a second realization sweep over Towhee, very nearly as devastating as the first. She would have the seriously unfortunate duty of telling Cinder about his parents. She sucked in a breath and braced herself, letting it out on a slow exhale.

"I'm fine, more or less, as is everyone here. But, Cinder..." It was still such a struggle, acknowledging the loss, especially aloud. "Your mom and dad passed away a while back. I can show you where they're buried, if you like." She paused before wondering, "Will you be staying?"