Redhawk Caldera a knot in the wood; the song of a thrush

Her answer was comforting, as was her assurance about personal questions—though he still was loath to make her feel uncomfortable. He'd latched onto the name 'Alaric,' though.

Boyfriend? Mate? No. If he were, he'd be here. Right?

And why did he care, anyway?

Okay, good, Killdeer replied. I'm glad to hear that for you. D'you know if they're very far away? 

He wondered where Fennec was now. There was a not-insignificant amount of guilt in parting ways with her—but they were both adults, and his mother could surely take care of herself.

Still. There wasn't a day that went by that he didn't feel somewhat bad about it.