They pulled the canoe above the water and started up.

At first, Muara went ahead.

She pointed out a bird with a red throat. She found a fallen flower and tucked it behind her ear. At every gap in the trees, the sea was farther below them.

Then the gaps grew fewer.

The path grew steeper.

Muara stopped beside a root that crossed the trail.

“I need to sit down.”

So they sat.

They drank some water. Wind passed her a piece of fruit.