The guy on the bench was still staring up at me like I was some kind of zoo exhibit. I could feel the heat creeping up my neck, but it wasn't like I could just pretend I wasn't stuck.
"Uh… hi?" I managed to say, waving awkwardly from the branch. "Don't suppose you know how to help someone get down?"
"Depends," he replied, smirking. "Are you usually stuck in trees?"
"No, I just got a little overexcited thinking I'd save a cat. Turns out it didn't need saving," I muttered, casting a glare down at the ground where the smug little fur ball had disappeared.
He laughed, standing up and walking closer to the tree. "Alright, alright. Let's get you down. I'll help guide you."
I took a deep breath, nodding. "Right. I'm listening."
"Okay, start by moving your left foot to that thicker branch there…" he instructed, gesturing to a lower branch with enough room for me to ease down. I did as he said, feeling a little more confident.
"Alright. Now, slowly reach down with your right hand… that's it," he said. "You're almost there."
I followed his directions carefully, getting closer and closer to the ground. With one last step, I thought I'd made it. But then my foot slipped on the last branch, and before I knew it, I was free-falling. Not good, not good!
"Oh no—!" I yelped, bracing for impact.
He looked up, eyes widening as I dropped toward him. Before he could react, I landed right on him, knocking both of us flat on the ground. For a second, all I could see were stars. Then I realized I was lying on top of him, both of us tangled up on the grass, his shocked face inches from mine.
"Ow," he groaned, wincing as he tried to sit up.
"Oh my god—I am so sorry!" I scrambled off him, feeling my cheeks go red. "Are you okay?"
He let out a short laugh, rubbing the back of his head. "Well, that was a bit more intense than I'd planned."
I buried my face in my hands, trying to contain my embarrassment. "Sorry, sorry… I'm usually more coordinated than this," I mumbled. Though, honestly, that was a lie—I'd been clumsy my whole life.
He just chuckled. "It's fine. Just try not to save any more cats alone."
I managed a shaky smile. "Thanks. For, you know, being my cushion."
He laughed again, brushing himself off as he stood up. I quickly dusted off my skirt and backpack, trying to hide how flustered I was. "I should, um, probably go before I fall on you again. Thanks for the help."
He grinned, the amusement still lingering in his eyes. "Anytime. Stay safe out there—try not to get stuck in any more trees."
I nodded, barely able to look him in the eye as I scurried off, still mortified. But as I got further away, I couldn't help but start laughing at the whole thing. Only me.
---
Back Home
I finally made it to our street, practically gasping for air after my mad dash from the park. My legs were wobbly, and my face was still warm from all the embarrassment. I was trying to compose myself when I heard a familiar voice behind me.
"What happened to you?" My brother's voice was filled with suspicion.
I turned to find him standing there, eyebrow raised. "I, uh… had a little incident."
"Uh-huh," he said, crossing his arms. "Did this 'incident' involve getting stuck in a tree?"
I groaned, running a hand over my face. "How did you know?"
"Lucky guess. So, how did you get down?"
I sighed. "A guy helped me. He told me where to step, but I… kind of fell on him."
He snorted, trying to hold back a laugh, but he wasn't even close to hiding it. "And I'm guessing you nearly flattened him?"
"Oh, thanks," I muttered, rolling my eyes. "Look, he was fine! I'm the one who's scarred for life from the embarrassment."
My brother's smirk only grew. "Well, come on, Little Miss Hero. Let's get you home before you manage to break both our reputations."
I tried to glare at him, but I couldn't help the smile breaking through. As we walked, I replayed the whole ridiculous scene in my mind, shaking my head at my own clumsiness. I was sure I'd feel every bruise tomorrow, but I couldn't help but laugh.