The ladder creaked ominously under the climber’s weight. Samantha’s nails dug into her palms as she watched him ascend, step by agonizing step, until he reached the roofline. He disappeared from view, peering into the nest. Seconds stretched into eternity. No one moved. No one even dared whisper.
Everyone held their breath as the young man leaned further over the edge of the shed, peering deep into the nest. The orchard seemed to fall completely silent, even the breeze pausing, waiting. Samantha’s nails dug into her palms as she braced herself for whatever news would come.