Each Lift Felt Like a Little Victory

Hana worked fast, wrapping the rope around the thick base of the tree and pulling hard until the knot felt solid. She called down to Peter, letting him know it was ready. Seconds later, his voice echoed from below, and the first creature appeared, nestled in a bundle made from his jacket.

It looked fragile and terrified, its tiny body shaking as it rose into the open air. Hana leaned over the edge, hands steady despite the pounding in her chest, and gently pulled it to safety. The weight of the moment hit her. One was out. There was more to go and no room for mistakes.