Benjiro had made it up this far with merely a few superficial abrasions, and he feels like he was being careful about the climb. With more pressing matters at hand, he doesn’t dwell on it, “Right. My mistake.” Having seen Russell perform, he’s not too concerned about his cousin participating in dangerous stunts that would actually put him at risk for breaking a leg.

Hoisting up to the next branch at his waist level, he crouches there as he maneuvers to get one foot over to the branch just above and beside it. Half rising, he makes his way forward with ginger steps that ease into his full weight only as he slides the other foot forward. Each consecutive step out makes the branches bow and sway a little more visibly with a rustle of the leaves.

Calling down to check with Russell as he gets nearly in reach of the chicken, wrapping one hand on the branch where it sits, he asks, “Are you ready?”