Firefly Glen (PHE) Chicken charmers.

He answered logically. Towhee had grappled with this issue, infamously with Reyes. It had rankled her when the children had still wanted to be involved with their father, despite his unpredictable outbursts. But she had begrudgingly accepted their autonomy. It was bittersweet, that point in time when children were not fully grown but grown enough to make some of their own decisions (and mistakes).

I guess that’s how it should be, though it’s not always easy, accepting their choices, especially when they make childish ones, Towhee mused, lips lifting into an ironic smile.

Too soon, Bushtit would be old enough to make some decisions for himself. Towhee wondered if he would willingly travel with her, should she decide to resume her rover’s lifestyle, or if he would prefer a more stable home life. That was another impasse she’d hit with older children, causing a little lump in her throat.

I mean, it’s up to you, eventually, she murmured against the baby’s head, but I hope you stick with me. For as long as you want. Forever.

She stole a moment to snuggle against him, savoring this moment when he was still so small and reliant upon her. Towhee then raised her head to shoot Chakliux a smile, with a tinge of sleepy apology.

I think it’s time for me to get some shuteye too. I’m sure we’ll catch up another time, Chakliux. Happy hunting.