Higher and higher he climbed. The tree creaked, leaves rustling with each movement. Lisa’s hands burned from the rope, but she didn’t loosen her grip. She couldn’t. She tracked his every motion, each inch forward a small victory. The nest drew nearer. So did the edge of fear.
David finally reached the branch extending over the shed. It groaned beneath his weight, but he inched forward until he could look into the nest. He stilled. From below, Lisa saw him pause completely. “Is she there?” she called, voice tight. David’s answer came softly. “Yes. She’s here.”