Touching Solid Ground

Shimmying down the rough bark took every bit of grip I had, but my boots finally hit real dirt under the tree! The ground was soft and cool beneath my soles. Right by a protruding root, I found an empty, dry snail shell caught between two fallen leaves. I picked it up, feeling its ridged spiral with my thumb. It was featherlight compared to everything I've lifted, yet completely intact. I set it safely in the hollow of the root before sitting back against the trunk to catch my breath. I'm finally standing in the open courtyard!