The Sentinels Boarfish

He reacted to the name like an accusation. Only then did Towhee realize she must’ve spoken too loudly. Her ears drew back and she grimaced slightly, though her expression cleared a moment later. It wore a look of naked wonder as she gaped at the young man.

She opened her mouth to say something when his averted eyes met hers again, suddenly cold. Towhee didn’t understand that any better than the question that fell from his lips. She couldn’t hear tone, though the look on his face said everything.

Don’t you know who I am? she asked. I’m your grandmother, Towhee. Your parents— She ran out of breath, sucked in another one noisily. They don’t know whether you’re dead or alive, which was a funny way to word it, she realized even as the words tumbled from her mouth.