Redsand Canyon I can change a tire on the side of a road

Well, I should hope I'm your favorite, Killdeer said in mock affront, laughing. It lightened what she said next, despite the weight of it. I'm your only kid, he thought to add, but caught himself. There was a reason for that—and they both knew it well.

Stupid Germanicus.

I honestly don't feel like joining Epoch, Ma, he said. We'll ask. And whether they say yes or no, we'll figure it out. Find somewhere nice.

And if Towhee said no, she was dead to him.

Kidding. Kind of.