Ocean's Breath Plateau Duet for theremin and lap steel.

-He wants to know if we want to,- Bushtit began signing.

Walk with him. Yeah, I actually caught that bit, Towhee replied in a lowered voice before raising it to add, Sure, let’s do the grand tour.

Motioning for her son to join the old man, Towhee plucked up his prized rat and brought up the rear. She didn’t mind hanging out in the background while “Ditty” showed her son around the place. She only planned to cut in once they reached the spectacular ocean views.

Though he didn’t speak, “Ditty’s” questioning glances were loud, clear and very easy to read. Towhee ignored them at first, wondering why men always tried to stake some sort of claim on her offspring. It rankled, though she had to admit that this one seemed a lot more paternal than his actual father.

The nth time he caught her eye, Towhee stopped, set down the rat and mouthed, “No, he was born at the end of summer. He has no father.” Realizing how that sounded, she snorted and said, “It was an immaculate conception.” Well, that was one word for it, anyway…

She stooped to grab the rodent again, orange gaze shifting back to Bushtit right as the little boy discovered something of interest on the ground.