After walking a little farther through the forest with Leona happily guiding them—pointing left one moment, right the next, changing directions on a whim like she was steering her favorite ride—they finally reached a quiet spot beneath a rather large tree.
The tree itself looked ancient and weary, its bark cracked and rotten in places, with only a few sparse leaves clinging stubbornly to the branches.
It gave the impression that it might topple over or simply give up any day now.
Leona leaned forward over Luca's shoulder, eyes sparkling.
"Right here!" She ordered cheerfully. "Place the boulder down, Luca!"
He obeyed without complaint, lowering the massive rock with one hand until it settled onto the soft earth with a deep, resonant thud.
Boom!
The ground crunched and shifted slightly under its weight, but the boulder stayed firmly in place.
Seeing this, Leona squeezed him tight, her arms wrapping around his neck with sudden enthusiasm.
