Big Salmon Lake The wreckoning.

All of the steam whooshed out of Alivia when Towhee uttered her mother's name. 

She stepped forward and tucked her head, pressing her shoulder into her long-lost auntie in a gentle embrace. Maybe Alivia needed the hug, or maybe Towhee did. Maybe she only offered the hug so she could turn her head and hide the tears that had sprung into her eyes at the mention of Ruenna's name. 

When they stepped apart, Alivia sat back onto her haunches and swiped at her eyes with the back of her paw. "I have a message for you. From Mom."  

-Hi Towhee. It's Ruenna.- Alivia signed. She paused, waiting for Towhee to bid her continue. Truly, Alivia was incredulous that anyone could actually communicate like this, and she waited for some sign that Towhee was understanding the rehearsed paw motions.