Here’s another (last) look at Descent before it’s release on Monday, June 9th!

“When I reach the shore of the lagoon, you can toss your packs to me. I will begin to set up camp while the rest of you enjoy the benefits of the waterfall.” As Gabriel finishes explaining, he takes off his tunic and tucks it into his pack. My eyes are not sure what to look at, and I catch Mateo crossing his arms to pull his tunic over his head in my periphery.

I fiddle with my belt, and feel someone grazing the back of my arm then a pinch.

“Ow!”

“Just checking. This is definitely not a dream.” Alexis says from behind me. Her hand is a few inches from my arm, but her gaze is bouncing from the three shirtless guys in front of us. They each wear loose pants that hang to the middle of their calves.

“I think you’re supposed to pinch yourself,” I chide.

Abs, arms, pecs…eyes. I need to look at them in the eyes. Jesse has a knowing grin pasted across his face while Gabriel steps back toward the edge of the waterfall.

“See you down below.” The smile that spreads over his face is more childlike, full of joy and excitement. In a few seconds we all hear Gabriel meet the water with a splash.

“Well, gentlemen, I hope you aren’t planning to just stand there and look pretty all day,” Alexis jokes with waggling eyebrows. She takes her bag and sets it next to Mateo’s pack.

“Do you mind tossing it over to Gabriel? I’m afraid I won’t be able to throw it across the lagoon,” I ask Mateo.

“Sure….” As he answers, Alexis is already jumping off the edge of the waterfall.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!” The scream ends when Alexis hits the water. A few seconds later she pulls herself up to the surface and gasps for air.

“Woohoo! That was awesome!” she yells up at us. “Come on, Ollie.”

I look over at Mateo and Jesse, who are tossing packs out into the air. Unsure if I’ll be able to make the jump without peeing on myself in terror. I feel pressure on the back of my arm again, but this time it’s solid and calming.

Mateo moves close and gives me support, in more ways than one. It’s a glimpse of what we’ve had, and hopefully what we might still have. “You can do this, Ollie.” His confidence in me gives me courage. “I’ll be right behind you.”