Page 30 of Swipe Right for Stardust

“This is quite the obstacle,” I muttered, more to myself than to Vanessa.

She stepped up beside me, her shoulder brushing mine. “Any ideas on how to cross it?”

The fallen log we’d used earlier was out of the question - too risky for this wider expanse. My gaze settled on the thick vines dangling from the trees on either side of the chasm.

“Those vines might be our best bet,” I said, pointing. “If we could weave them together, create a sort of makeshift bridge...”

Vanessa’s face lit up. “Like a rope bridge! That’s brilliant, Zarnak.”

Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I smiled despite the danger. “It’s not without risk,” I cautioned. “We’ll need to make sure the vines can support our weight.”

“Well, let’s get to it then,” Vanessa said, already moving towards the nearest vine.

We worked side by side, gathering vines and testing their strength. I notice how seamlessly we moved together, anticipating each other’s needs. Vanessa’s clever fingers wove the vines with surprising skill, while I focused on securing the anchors on our side of the chasm.

“Where did you learn to do that?” I asked, watching her work.

She laughed. “Summer camp. We made friendship bracelets, but I guess the principle is the same.”

I chuckled, marveling at how she could find humor in our precarious situation.

Suddenly, Taffy extended one of its appendages, reaching for a vine just out of our grasp.

“Well, would you look at that,” Vanessa said, grinning. “Looks like our little mascot wants to help.”

I blinked in surprise. “Remarkable. I hadn’t considered it might have such dexterity.”

With Taffy’s unexpected assistance, we made quick work of gathering the remaining vines. Once we had the primary structure ready, we attached a small, weighted object to a vine and threw it across the chasm. Taffy scampered across, skillfully secured the line to a sturdy tree on the opposite side.

Using this line, we set up a simple pulley system to gradually haul the woven vine bridge across. As Vanessa tied off the last knot, our hands brushed. I froze, electricity coursing through me at the contact.

“I think that’s it,” Vanessa said softly, her face inches from mine.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to focus. “Right. I should test it first.”

“Zarnak, wait-” Vanessa started, but I was already moving.

I gripped the vine bridge tightly before stepping out over the chasm. The structure swayed alarmingly, and I heard Vanessa gasp behind me. Gritting my teeth, I inched forward.

“It’s holding,” I called back, trying to keep my voice steady. “Just... stay there until I’m across.”

Each step was an eternity, the drop below seeming to grow with every moment. I forced myself not to look down, instead focusing on my goal. Halfway across, I heard an ominous creaking sound.

“Zarnak!” Vanessa cried out in alarm.

Before I could react, one of the vines snapped. I lost my balance, pitching sideways. My stomach fell into my throat as I felt myself falling, but instinct took over. I grabbed wildly at the remaining vines, managing to catch hold.

There I dangled, heart hammering in my chest, Vanessa’s panicked voice ringing in my ears. I couldn’t let her see how terrified I was. With a grunt of effort, I pulled myself up, muscles straining.

“I’m alright,” I called out, though my voice shook slightly. “Just... give me a moment.”

Using every ounce of strength I possessed, I hauled myself back onto the bridge. My fur was matted with sweat and glowing residue from the vines, but I didn’t care. With painstaking care, I made my way to the other side.

As soon as my feet touched solid ground, relief flooded through me. I turned back to Vanessa, seeing the fear etched on her face.

“It’s safe now,” I said, surprised at how steady my voice sounded. “Come on across. I’ll guide you.”

Vanessa hesitated for just a moment before stepping onto the bridge. I held my breath as she made her way towards me, my heart in my throat with every sway of the vines.

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