An October Hike #13: Horned Owls?

I excuse myself from the circle to go gather my thoughts. Just far enough from the camp, that I can't hear them. From here I can catch a glimpse of the fields below. A lot of lights gather on the horizon - that must be Garden City. I wonder if I can make out Evergreen from here...

"Make out anything interesting?" a calm voice asks, surprising me. I get a sense of déjà vu.

"Just looking for ...horned owls?" I answer, and turn to face him. Him and his stupid cute face. I'm fighting to sound collected, but my heart is pounding, building up anxiety.

"Those are American so that'd be quite the scoop," Leo snorts. "You seemed a bit ...preoccupied at camp. Are you okay?"

He noticed, did he? Of course he did. I tried to socialize, but his occasional stares had me questioning my decision. Now I know what it is though. Even if my entire body is shaking, protesting.

Inktober2024 13 - Horizon by Doodles Most Foul (me)