"Come on, Lucas, you can do it!" Skylar said, slowly walking backward as she made it farther off the trail. "Just a few more steps, and we're there!"
Lucas released his throbbing knee, wincing. "It hurts."
"I know, baby, I know," his girlfriend cooed. "But we're literally there!" She pointed at the small clearing no more than a hundred feet away. "Look!"
Lucas set his eyes on the clearing. It looked magical from his vantage point, a hidden slice of paradise; just the way he remembered it.
He and his sister had discovered it nearly a decade ago during one of their explorations in the woods. At this time of day, the sun shone bright, yet only wisps of sunshine managed to pierce through the tall canopies. They hit the ground at different angles, bathing it in an almost mythical glow.
"Co
