Alex followed gamely, making the climb without difficulty, heading for the tree that marked the end of the trail.
"Wow. I wonder how long kids have been coming up here." He traced names and initials and the curves of hearts. Some were fairly white and fresh; others looked ages old with the wood in the carvings weathered and dark.
He stood for a moment, enjoying the breeze through his hair, one hand on the tree, then looked back over his shoulder at Mona. "It's amazing up here. Wish there weren't so many rocks at the bottom. I'd so jump in from here..."