He nodded. “We don’t have a choice.” He wrapped the rope around his waist, tested the tension, then handed the rest to Lisa and two others. “Hold it tight. Don’t let go.” His tone was calm, but his eyes were sharp. Lisa gripped the rope, her palms already sweating.
David began his climb. Bark flaked beneath his boots as he searched for solid holds. He moved slowly, methodically, wrapping the rope around knots in the tree’s surface. Below, Lisa and the others held the rope taut, steadying him with every shift of weight. No one spoke.