Sun Mote Copse Coyote ugly.

She sagged with relief when Fennec said she could come along. Visiting the caldera wasn’t her idea of a good time, though she would do anything to be there for her grandson. Better late than never, she mused to herself when guilt knotted her stomach.

I’d like to be here for the birth, though we can head out soon after. Is that alright? she asked. I’m sorry about all the bad news, she added, touching Fen’s shoulder.

It would be hard to leave her newest grandchildren so soon, yet her eldest needed them. Towhee would be back soon, she knew. But she also reminded herself that she didn’t actually live here. Traveling where she was needed most at any given time was the name of the game. That thought settled something inside her.