The lovers ascend swiftly, hearts pulsing with each foothold. She always yearned to climb—swing from branches thick with foliage, apple-blossomed in spring. Now they sway, unsteady, on a winter limb. Only then does she remember the problem with descent. Remembers she has never known how to get herself un-treed.

Kelli Short Borges writes from her home in Phoenix, Arizona, where her family has lived for six generations. Her stories have won contests and been nominated for multiple awards. She is currently working on her first novel. You can connect with her at Kellishortborges.com.