Two Eyes Cenote víscera

The valleys didn’t capture Bushtit’s attention for long. He opted to lead them back west a ways. Towhee didn’t complain, even though her leg never stopped aching. She only put weight on it every few steps, which helped, but she swore the atrophy was getting worse for it. She wondered if it would eventually shrivel up and fall off. What a wild thought

Oh, I know where we are, Towhee said as they approached the cenote. The last time I was here—several of your lifetimes ago—I went cliff diving with a coyote. No shit. I bet you’ll wanna jump too, when you see it.

Indeed, Bushtit took a moment to survey the drop into the pool below, then backed up a few steps and made a run for it. Towhee laughed as she watched him arc into the air, then disappear from sight. She hastened to the ledge, though she didn’t manage to catch his splash. She watched as he resurfaced and paddled toward the pool’s edge.

Good thing I gave you swimming lessons, huh? she called down to him. Wait there, I’m coming down too, she added, not bothering to shuffle backward before simply hopping into the open space.

She gasped when she kicked back to the surface, letting out a little laugh as she swam to join Bushtit. As she pulled herself out of the roiling water, a familiar scent threaded into her nose. It was unmistakable, especially down here where the air was so damp.

-Smell that?- she said, shooting Bushtit a quizzical look.

Nodding, he signed, -Dad.-