Redhawk Caldera New Cydonia.

Recovery wasn’t instantaneous. But @Killdeer had come home and Towhee’s appetite, energy and—let’s be real, her will to live—had returned with him. Day by day, she felt her vitality returning to her, boosted by every glance at her grandson, every waft of his scent. She could finally sleep again too, without worrying about nightmares.

But something strange was happening. At least, that’s the only word Towhee could think of as she plodded around the caldera’s rim following a brief catnap. Every night since that fateful day when she’d been so sure she wouldn’t live to see another sunrise, Towhee had dreamt of Maxim. They were all very vivid. And when she was awake—like right now—she swore she could feel his presence.

It was really weird, especially since she didn’t consider herself particularly spiritual, but it was also strangely comforting. Towhee pondered it as she gazed out at the sprawling wilderness beyond the caldera, her stride even but not particularly hasty. It was as she gazed in a northerly direction that she suddenly realized she felt a second presence today.

Guys, look, Towhee found herself saying out loud, I love and miss you every day. But what the fuck? This shit is creepy. She gave a random spot of thin air the hairy eyeball. I know I came close to joining you but I’ve decided to live a little longer, so, like… She waved a paw, then caught herself and let out a surprised laugh, Wait, do I even believe in this shit? I would say ‘no’ but I’m not so sure anymore, with you two haunting my ass.