Redsand Canyon Girl with the bat.

Kallik looked a bit like someone had kicked his puppy… or, well, jeez, Towhee needed to come up with a better metaphor. It was one of the few times she’d spotted any sort of emotion on his face, even if it was barely a hint. Man, there must be some real turmoil lurking beneath. Her heart went out to the guy.

Nah. At ease, soldier, Towhee replied, offering a small, playful salute. You’ll be fine, she repeated, just in case repetition might make it sink in better. As she saw him out the door, she already began thinking of any specific, tangible ways she could help the blindsided pair.