I remained a few steps behind Aster so that I was staring at his back. His shoulders were loose, allowing his arms to swing freely. He looked happy. As if he wouldn't die at any second.

It was almost too trusting.

My stomach twisted thinking about it. How could I doubt my ally so much? Sure, I nearly attacked Mona, but we became friends instantly. Ed was a great guy, and something about him reminded me of Caden. Aster, though? No matter what, I didn't know how I felt about him. Even if he was kind to me.

My thoughts wrapped around me, sealing me from the outside world. I was so focused on them I nearly slipped off a cliff, falling to what surely would have been my doom.

"Hey, there," Aster chuckled. He grabbed my hand and gently tugged me away from the edge. "Not so fast."

My ears were hot as I turned around, my body inches from his. Aster released my hand and grinned. I looked away, finding interest in our next obstacle.

It was as if a chunk of land had fallen, leaving a gap where it should have been. A rope the width of my thumbs stuck together stretched across it, trailing endlessly across the other side.

"It's too far to tightrope on," Ed said. I snorted. I could barely balance on the flat ground. I would be hopeless walking across a cord while being a hundred feet in the air.

Tilly stared at it hopelessly. It was impossible for us to get across, and four people would be even tougher.

"Wait," Aster smiled. "I might have an idea."

"This is stupid," I muttered. "It's not going to work."

"Oh, come on," Aster said from behind me. "You don't know until you try."

Aster had found a log on the floor and reassured us that the rope could hold our weight. Not having any other ideas, we decided to go with it. I regretted it from the start.

"Maybe we should think of something else," I said. Aster's hands were on my hips as he helped me up on a trunk so I could assemble myself. His breath was warm against my neck, but I didn't shoot away from it like I thought I would. Something about him right there was soothing, making me feel like he was right...

"You're not afraid, are you?"

The feeling was gone.

"Of course not!" I snapped, turning to look at him. "Let's get this over with."

Aster's lips twitched. My legs felt weak as he stared at me, his brown eyes studying my face. After a long moment, he let go of me. I nearly fell off the trunk in shock but shook it off. I gripped the wood tightly, my hands trembling. I looked behind me. Ed sent me a nod and Tilly smiled. I released a shaky breath and bent my knees.

It was like jumping to the other side. Except this time, I didn't have Mona to help me.

I went over the conversation I had with Aster in my head. "Are you sure it's safe?"

"Safe as zip lining can be. I did it a lot as a kid."

"Yeah, when you had gear."

"This should be the same thing."

"What if we stop?"

"You shouldn't. There's a slight slope, so you should keep going."

"Whatever." Then I had kicked a rock, not wanting to hear any more of his plan.

I squeezed my eyes shut, not wanting to watch as I jumped off. I kicked off of the wood and began to slide.

My first thought was that the wood had broken, and that I was falling. When my eyes peeled open, though, it revealed my feet dangling over the green leaves and rushing water, which were whizzing past me so quickly that I could hardly comprehend what I was seeing. My heart was caught in my throat. My fingers tightened their grip on the wood. A few splinters pierced my palms.

It was the best feeling in the world.

I smiled. My fears slipped away with the wind. My hair whipped behind me, blowing as freely as I felt. Any second the wood could break, or I could slip and fall, but I couldn't help but enjoy this moment. After all, it might have been the only time I could zip line. Why not have a little fun?

I couldn't help but feel disappointed as my feet landed on solid ground. It happened too quickly. I wanted to do it again. I wanted the feeling of freedom and happiness, the thrill of my stomach churning and my heart jumping into my throat. It was something that I hadn't felt in a long time. I was hungry for more.

Ed and Tilly came next. Tilly was small enough to wrap her arms around Ed and still not break the stick that he was clutching on to. We insisted that Ed should go alone because of his wounded shoulder, but he only swatted us away.

"I'm fine," he had said. "Besides, how can I be useful if I'm seen as crippled?"

As much as I had wanted to deny it, I didn't. Instead, I had stepped back and had allowed him to do what he wanted.

But if you kill Tilly because of your stubbornness, I'll make sure you die twice.

Ed came sliding down and set Tilly down next to him. Tilly appeared to have enjoyed the ride and gave Ed's neck a final squeeze before falling next to him. He smiled warmly at the small girl, giving her shoulder a squeeze.

Ed checked the knot on the tree above us. He tightened it before holding up his hand. I could see Aster gliding down, ready to meet up with us.

Aster's glasses were in between his teeth and his hair was tousled. He was breathing heavily. A look was in his eye, one that I couldn't grab. The only word I could find for it was excitement.

He slid his glasses back on his face. "I told you it would work."

"Oh, be quiet."

Aster laughed. I almost laughed along with him. He began to walk, and I couldn't help but run to catch up to him. Something wanted me to trail behind, but something else told me to talk to him. He wasn't a bad guy, after all.

But maybe he is. Don't trust him; it's not good for you.

Too bad, I argued. If I'm going to be with him, then I might as well try to trust him.

And with that, I let my suspicions drop. I walked right next to him. From the corner of my eye, I could see his lips twitching. I couldn't help but grin.

I hadn't found any legitimate reason to dislike Aster. There was no reason for me not to trust him. 

Happy Monday! Zip lining, how fun! Who knew that something so dangerous could be so awesome? Don't forget to vote, comment, read, and share this story with your friends. Try voting with your knee. Stay cool.

This song, Youth by Daughter, is what I imagine she'd feel while she's flying through the air. Daughter has beautiful songs and a fantastic voice; I hope you enjoy.