Bramblepoint Southstar.

That sounds suspiciously like heaven, Towhee teased, and I thought we mutually agreed we didn’t believe in the afterlife. Seeing the sudden dimming of her young friend’s face, she reached out to gently poke her shoulder. I appreciate the invitation, nonetheless.

Ceridwen provided a more serious response then, mentioning a visit to the coast and no particular agenda beyond that. That word (“coast”) always made her think of the island. If her message had been passed along to her poor grandsons, they hadn’t ventured to the mainland to check on her. Towhee didn’t fault them for that, she just worried about them out there on that godforsaken rock—tombstone, more accurately.

That’s a great outlook, she said, happy to let Dwin’s words recapture her attention and push it elsewhere. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… and again… and again… until the day I die. Marriage and children aren’t for everyone. You can have a very fulfilling life without either of those things. And a good support network is priceless. I’m glad to be part of yours and, of course, you’re in mine as well.

On the subject of support, Towhee wondered if Ceridwen might want to join forces and get a little hunting done. They could split the spoils, should they catch anything. Bushtit had a healthy appetite but he was still young, so he didn’t require much. Towhee wasn’t particularly hungry herself, not after languishing for so long.

I have to feed my kid sooner or later. Would you like to hunt with me? We could break a little bread before we go our separate ways again.