Lost Creek Hollow looking back to look forward

When he reached out, she gleefully threw herself at him, snuggling Tegan to within an inch of his life. When she stepped back, something came detached between them. Bat fought the impulse to restore order, instead letting them drift apart. It hurt more than she'd anticipated, making her question herself. Was she really over him? Could she really break up part ways with him?

You need to do this, for so many reasons, she coached herself, taking another step backward, eyes lingering on Tegan's familiar face. Love you, she thought but of course didn't say. The nature of that love had changed, yet it beat steadily in her heart. I'll come back for you one day. Bat did offer one last crooked smile and then forcibly turned away from Tegan and back toward the hollow.