The birds lightly sing as Jadon and his friend, Tyler, stride along the riverbank. Their feet are sore from all the pebbles getting trapped in their shoes. From time to time, they have to walk through the river because the coast would become too steep, almost a cliff.

As the balls of their feet reach the river’s bottom, the tiny minnows scatter, wondering why such a foreign species is wandering

through their native land. The two boys had heard from several friends and siblings of a rope swing nestled deep within the creek’s dense foliage.

They didn’t know exactly where the location was, or how find it; but that’s what made the trek an adventure. It was somewhere unknown to them, and their vulnerability created a thrill.

As the river’s thin, windy route starts to diverge, the trees finally separate, and the sun’s vibrant rays begin to streak through the scattered leaves and light up the forest ground. The warmth of the gleaming light allows Jadon to pause for a second to finally air out his soggy shoes and to remove all the pebbles.

Tyler, from a farther distance now, yells to Jadon.

“Come on, I see the bridge! We’re almost there.”

Jadon pats out the last bit of sediment from his shoe, throws the adidas on, and lifts himself up. He starts jogging to where Tyler sat, waiting, where he hears the revving of engines and the light moan of tires against the road. He looks farther and notices a bridge that towers over the river, holding multiple lanes of everyday cars bustling along their way.

The boys make their way to the bridge and spot the swing in the distance, alone in the open. Now it’s time to race.

Jadon boasts after sprinting to the monstrous tree.

“I totally won that one.” He laughs and gives Tyler a tap on the arm.

Tyler shrugs his shoulders. He looks down at his legs, now sore from the trek.

“Well the few hours of walking was worth it. We made it.”

Jadon repositions his view forward and admires the gleaming turquoise water filling the natural pool, overlooked by a cliff, carrying a tall tree with a rope to swing off of. The lush greenery densely encompasses the body of water, creating a mirage of a jungle.

Jadon smiles. He takes in the scenery, enjoying every last bit of it.

“Yep. We made it.”

Name has been altered to protect the identity of friend