"Don't look down, Christine. Keep your eyes focused on me." said the guide, as he edged backwards along the narrow cliff-side trail, hand extended, encouraging her to follow.
"I knew I never should have let Richard talk me into this..." grumbled the attractive young brunette, as she tried to distract herself from the hundred foot drop - which even with her back firmly against the rock wall, was approximately eight inches from the tips of her toes.
"You're doing fine! Another fifty feet and you're there!" Richard called out from above, interrupting her line of thought. Anger suddenly surged through her.
"An easy climb he says. Don't even need ropes he says. Well if it's so easy, he can just carry me the rest of the way!" she exclaimed, getting louder (and bolder) with every word.
Soon she was marching right along, and the surprised wilderness guide quickly turned around, not wanting to be overtaken by his charge.
"That's the way, Honey!" cheered Richard, until he saw her mood. Then the rich young executive's face fell.
"I'm done with these so called vacations! I want to go back to the lodge right now, and next time, I get to pick both the destination and the activities." she said firmly, hands on hips.
"Yes, Dear." he replied meekly, as he ran his hands through his short black hair.
"Excuse me, Ma'am. That was the only challenging part." interrupted the tough, wiry man who had helped her to keep her cool only minutes earlier.
"Still, we have to do it again on the way back. Might as well get it over with." she reasoned.
Richard stepped up, and took her hands. "Honey, I arranged for a helicopter to pick us up at the top. It was supposed to be a surprise. We're going to have a picnic in an alpine meadow, then it's to the airport. I have reservations in Bermuda for ten days, and you are free to choose the itinerary."
The slender young woman stood there, speechless for once. When she finally regained her composure, she hugged her fiance.
"I'm sorry, Honey. I noticed that you seemed very reluctant to cross the rope bridge when we explored Peru, and I wanted to help you get over your fear of heights. So we could continue to explore, without limits. We will only go on tame vacations from now on." he said sadly.
"Oh! I thought you were taking me here because it was your idea of a good time. I had no idea that you knew or cared if I was enjoying myself..." she said, mascara beginning to run down her face.
"I do love adventure - but I was also hoping this trip would help guide you to becoming more confident. I just want you to be happy..." he replied, offering her a tissue.
"I am happy. Happy that I have you, and that you really do care! We can still go on adventures, but I would also like some time to sunbathe on the beach." she said, beaming.
"Anything you want. The next ten days are yours!" he said, hugging her tightly.
Cover image made in Canva using their gallery