Wheeling Gull Isle Some kind of change, some kind of spinning away.

Her mind drifted to her recent visit with Jack, which inevitably led her to think about Maxim. Towhee had hardened her heart against the memory of her mate, though something about the endless blue stretching out in front of her—like a physical manifestation of her wide open future—made her relent. She let herself miss him for a moment.

If Maxim had never vanished, Towhee’s life would look a lot different right now. She would never think of his loss as a good thing, though she was grateful that when one door closed, a window opened. She might not have otherwise gotten to spend all this time lately with her family in their various villages, nor would she find herself now presented with the opportunity to keep doing that.

When young Dinah appeared in front of her and dropped a black feather on the sand, Towhee smiled and thought, Yes, this exactly. She straightened her slouching posture to inspect the small gift before her eyes cut up to the girl’s face. Not for the first time, a thought crossed her mind and she decided to voice it out loud.

First of all, thank you, she began, then said, You know, I’ve never known anyone to let their pups roam as freely as your folks let you guys go. I can’t figure out if it’s the fact that we’re on an island or if they’re maybe hippies along with all the woo woo stuff. Catching herself, Towhee added, Shit, don’t tell anyone I said that. I don’t want to get smited—smit—smitten—smut?

Always happy to have you! :)