Reaching for the Heights

Andrea took her time descending from the fifty-year-old cherry tree in the vacant lot. The leafy giant held far more intrigue for her than the abandoned building on the property. Most of her friends had outgrown tree climbing, if they had ever had an interest. Granted, the kids she knew who had climbed trees had never reached the heights she dared. Hopping down, she hurried to make it to school before the tardy bell rang.

During lunch break, Andrea had a hard time making a decision. She was sure she could get a pick-up game of Ultimate Frisbee going, but the drain pipe behind the oak tree at the end of the classroom wing had been calling to her since she’d discovered it the previous week.

“What does she think she’s doing? Wonder if we should alert the janitor and let her get caught.” Andrea caught snatches of conversation as she stealthily approached her latest climbing target.

“Beats me, although I wish I were that agile and good at climbing.” Gavin shrugged his shoulders and sauntered toward the baseball diamond.

“Why?” Ian didn’t understand his friend’s needs for challenge and excitement.

Andrea found it difficult at times to ignore the boys’ taunts, although at other times, they made good comrades for her adventurous spirit. Her friends didn’t realize she had goals that went far beyond climbing whatever was handy. Occasionally, Andrea dreamed of the future: a time when she would climb trees and ladders and slide down poles, all to rescue people and help them in their distress.