A Narrow Crossing

Stepping out from the brush, I placed one heavy boot upon the slick white bark of a fallen birch log spanning the dry gully. ...Khhh. The pale trunk groaned under my weight. I froze, extending both clawed arms outward to catch my balance while my frayed fringes swayed in the morning breeze. Slowly, one deliberate step after another, I shuffled along the narrow wood. *Click.* A dry curl of papery bark peeled loose beneath my tread and spiraled down into the ferns below. I held completely motionless until the wood ceased shuddering, then pushed forward three steady paces onto solid bank.