Veronica And The Volcano

The high steel bridge crossed a fluffy white sea. “We’ll take it over the clouds,” the Captain said to the girls. “I was no older than you when I crossed this bridge for the first time. The campsite is just on the other side, down the small volcano. Let’s break here and catch our breath, before the final push.”  Hungry from the hike, the girls scavenged in their packs. Veronica retrieved a granola bar and Maddy an apple. Together, they rested on some nearby rocks, gazing at scarlet wildflowers as birdsong filled the air. Veronica heard footsteps. Two hikers approached from the south, a silver-haired man and a blonde-haired boy. The man seemed to be at least seventy years old and the boy no older than twelve. “Howdee!” yelled the old timer in a thin, high voice. “On the way to Mystery, too?” “Yes, sir!” the Captain said. “Made our way over Magma Pass. How about you?” “From New Lava City, thank goodness,” the old man said, with a nod to the angry northern sky. “It’s my grandson’s first time. He has this cr