Chapter Twenty-Six

I watch her face as she soaks in our final destination.

It's a pond, about the size of a swimming pool. It's got lily pads floating on the surface, along with moss and pine needles. A small lazy waterfall trickles water into the pond from upstream. I know from previous exploring that there is a small cave that is behind the waterfall. I don't know where it leads because I'm too big to fit, but I'm assuming the water escapes into it and underground somewhere.

There are lots of large flat boulders lining the pond, perfect for sitting on. Some are leaned against each other straight up or at odd angles.

"It's so pretty." She finally breathes out after what seems like hours. I smile. I like seeing her happy. I lead her to one of the rocks, and help her up onto it, climbing up after. I sit down in the middle, leaned back on my hands with my legs stretched out in front of me. She stands near the edge, peering into the water. I wonder what she's thinking about.

"Sorry for leaving you like tha