Sun Mote Copse Coyote ugly.

It was at least reassuring to have a plan, and to know she would at least get there easier than expected. The trip back she could manage on her own if Killdeer, or someone else, didn’t want to come with. It did occur to her that, with Bronco gone, Killer might want her to stay. How would she respond if he asked?

As a mother, she should. But she’d made promises here too, and she couldn’t see herself settling happily in Brecheliant, even with her son there. Another worry to stew on until she got there.

Depends. How do you feel about more bad news? Fennec asked with a tight smile, then let out a breath of her own. It isn’t Penn, he’s fine. We’re fine, whatever it is we might be. It just didn’t work, us having kids this year. We tried, but nothing.

Towhee was the one she’d wanted to share this with and talk it through with. Out of anyone, she thought she’d understand… because she remembered a time, a long time ago, when Towhee had shared the same fears with her and Fig. Back before Meerkat had come along.

Penn had to stay and help his sister, but I wanted to be here with my family. I know there’s nothing that says next year won’t happen, but it sometimes feels like I can’t catch a fucking break. I want more so bad, and I know Penn does too. I really thought this year was going to be it.

She knew there was nothing Towhee could really do about it, but it felt good to finally say it out loud. She’d made the mistake of getting her hopes up and it only hurt that much more when they were crushed.