Redhawk Caldera People always gave me love

You are fine, no worries!

What had she called him when they’d spoken last? Crispy? Towhee couldn’t quite remember, though she looked at Delos for a long moment. His sign would’ve earned a smile if not for the circumstances. All she could really manage was a dip of her head before her orange eyes cut back to his mother.

The way Leto phrased her question earned a quizzical squint. It sounded a bit like she she wanted the caldera to assume collective responsibility for him. But what about Leto? And her other kids? She tried to remember if there were other kids and blanked on that too.

The offer stands, but… what about you?

You can’t just leave him here, Towhee thought, though she didn’t voice it yet, in case she’d misunderstood Leto’s phrasing. She wasn’t exactly in the best shape at the moment; proper concentration was beyond her. She glanced at Alivia, wondering if she was alone in her misconstruation, but quickly returned her attention to Leto’s lips lest she miss something else.