The following morning, they set out for Eagle’s Peak.
The trail wound through dense forest before opening onto dramatic cliffside views.
Sunlight filtered through towering evergreens.
Birdsong echoed across the valley.
Tourists frequently described the summit as magical.
Emma paused often to photograph wildflowers and distant mountain ranges.
Photography had taught her to observe details.
Subtle expressions.
Environmental shifts.
Moments others overlooked.
Halfway through the hike, Brooke suggested taking a group picture near the overlook.
“Come on,” she insisted.
“We haven’t taken one together in years.”
Emma smiled.
“Okay.”
The cliff edge remained protected by a narrow safety barrier.
Beyond it stretched hundreds of feet of rocky descent.
The women positioned themselves carefully.
Natalie adjusted the camera timer.
Claire laughed nervously.
“Everyone squeeze closer.”
Emma stepped slightly forward.
