Redhawk Caldera Tea for three plus one.

It wasn't him. She knew that.

But Mou's absence was hurting her so acutely, so greatly, that in her poppy haze, she could almost believe it was his voice that rose above the mist. 

Hope, for an instant. Then Maegi saw her.

Every pawstep sent daggers through her heart anew. Every breath she took rattled her ribs. Her gaze was fixed on Towhee, burning dark and hot enough to melt ice.

You're back, she said dully, not bothering to roll out the welcome wagon for a woman who'd once tried to kill her. Maybe in better circumstances—but not now.

She'd returned to her family. Why couldn't Mou?

Why did he always have to chase ghosts?