The walk was beautiful, or at least the long way was. James had found his own little path over the past few years to Ana’s house, and it was truly perfect. The route started a few paces outside of his backyard and spanned a mile or so, covering all types of terrain from hills to waterfalls, from rivers to natural caves. The route was always a sight to see.

James began his walk through the little opening in the two large evergreens that he and his father had planted when he was 6; [i]so James really didn’t do the work, figuring he was six, but he fancied that he [b]and[/b] his father did it together.[/i] James made the opening when he was 9 and had been exploring the forest ever since, strengthening a mental map of the area each time he traversed it.

[i]Walk straight until you come across the evergreen tree with the knot in its roots on the riverside. Hook a left and follow the river downstream until you reach the waterfall. Walk down the rocks to the bottom of the waterfall. Follow the river again, stopping at the first cave you come across (James called it Bass Cave; the opening of the cave looked like a giant bass’ mouth.). Take a right and walk for about 100 paces. Emerge from the forest. [/i]

When James emerged, he saw the farm, as usual, and Ana sitting on a hay bale.

“Hey, Ana! I was wondering if… um… instead of digging today…. you… um…. wanted to come see a….. um… cave that I found….” Asked James.

[i]The stuttering couldn’t have been any more obvious. He was nervous. Ok he was [b]really[/b] nervous. He and Ana had never gone in the forest together; they were only ever in the sight of her or James’ parents.[/i]

James awaited her reply, hoping she would say yes. This was his time to finally be alone with the prettiest girl in Flensburg (sorry Isabella!).