Redhawk Caldera Circus minimus.

Towhee had prepared herself in case Fennec reacted badly, especially since it always seemed to be the case with them lately. But instead of falling prey to bellyache or heartache, she quietly went through another round of her breathing exercises. She tried to keep in mind all the words of wisdom Raven had given her. Towhee didn't think she would ever quite achieve anything akin to zen, though the methods really did work better than she ever would've expected.

"I went to see Rave because I was having mental health issues," Towhee explained. "You could've helped me with the stomach issues but I needed to get away and talk to someone else about my—depression." She faltered slightly, if only because it still felt a little weird and vulnerable to admit that to herself, much less anyone else. But another few breaths and she felt steadier again.

"There is no part of me that thinks you're a screw-up, Fen," she continued, truly puzzled. What makes you think that? she almost asked, though instead, Towhee said, "I'm sorry I made you feel that way," because she had, by leaving. She could own that much. It had been necessary, yes, but she'd also recognized the selfishness in it from go.

But where had she gone wrong prior to that? "I definitely have plenty of those," Towhee acknowledged, "though I'm working on them. And when it comes to you, I don't know the meaning of 'don't bother.' I want to understand how I fucked up so I can, um, do better." She paused, clearly reflecting on something momentarily before finishing quietly, "I just want to put things right between us, Fen."