The Sentinels Boarfish

Her head reared back a little, as if she could hear his shout. Of course, she couldn’t, though she picked up on the exasperation. He didn’t realize she was deaf, of course he didn’t. They’d only met once or twice, so long ago.

I’m deaf, she explained, and I didn’t catch what you said. Can you please look right at me and repeat it? Why can’t you come?

After that clarification, Swordfish asked her to tell her where to find them, implying he would come to the copse after he was done with this task. Towhee felt a little dismayed. She couldn’t just leave here without him. What would she say to her daughter? Would Meerkat find any comfort in knowing Fish was keeping a promise to someone?

Searches can go on forever, Towhee said, trying not to air her true feelings about such futile undertakings. How long do you plan to look for her?