shy of chicken

the morning air filled their noses with dew of pine needles and forest moss. shivering half from the chill of shaded trees and half from nerves, they crept closer to the edge. black water swirled below as they peaked over. dropping pebbles to get an idea of just how far the drop would be, one - two - three... the sound was drowned out by the rush of water. but, the splash created foreshadowed the magnificent explosion from the jump soon to commence. they gripped the the edge tightly as it was much further down than they had remembered. courage was abundant the night before when the dares were tossed about. but now, as the moment grew near, each boy became a little more compassionate, gentler, and forgiving.