The falling limb smashed against smaller branches like a bear crashing through the woods. Leaves ripped from their

moorings. Twigs snapped. Samantha screamed as she pitched forward toward the ground.

Donovan grabbed her. "I've got you."

Samantha pressed her back against the bark, gripping the drooping limb with her legs. Golden sunlight and blue sky

peeked through the leaves above her. Below her, the ground waited for her fall.

Donovan tugged on her arm, trying to haul her toward him.

"Let go of the limb."

"I can't." Samantha squeezed the limb, the rough bark digging into her thighs. "I'll fall."

"I won't let you fall." Donovan flexed his fingers against...