"You sure you're okay?" Eric asked Penny again.

Penny nodded, smiling even though she knew her fellow ranger could see the unshed tears in her eyes. "I'm fine. Thanks again. And I'll make it up to you, I promise. Seriously, anything you need."

Eric gave a dismissive wave. "I know you will. Go take care of yourself."

Penny hadn't meant to start tearing up when she approached Eric to ask him to cover for her. She'd managed to hold it together from the ...