Bitterroot Valley ✢ And his eyes all over me

Angel's face heated beneath her fur, but bravely, she gave a little nod and insisted, "Perfect."

She hardly felt perfect, but she knew she wasn't small. She'd lost hope that she might still grow a bit more, but her current size was nothing to sneeze at. She was strong — usually — and quick and clever. And she didn't want to be seen as little by the quiet, enigmatic man.

The steady pace of their work was not broken by the conversation. Angel Oak carried on while he spoke, lifting her head only when he'd finished speaking his piece. She tried to repeat what he'd just said. It took several tries, but eventually she got close:

"Tʉvʉʉ pagʉtsi."

Strong heart. Angel's thumped in her chest. She didn't feel strong.

"How do you say, I've missed you," she asked him.