The Turtle

"Finally!"

Eli tried to take deep breaths and focus on the task at hand. She clutched onto the branches tightly, her knuckles turning white with the effort.

Finally, they reached the top. The platform was made out of black wood, smooth and shiny in the morning sun. Ava and Eli collapsed onto it, panting and sweating from the exertion of the climb.

Eli was still shaking, her fear of heights causing her heart to race. Ava put her arm on her shoulder and whispered.

"We've reached it!"

Eli smiled at her friend, feeling proud of herself for overcoming her fear. She looked out at the view from the top of the tree, the brunt forest stretching out before her in every direction.

"Damn! That fire was strong! How much time did we spend climbing?"

The two girls sat on the platform for a while, enjoying the view and each other's company. Eventually, they packed up their things and began to look around, searching for any clues for what to do next.