Serial: An October Hike #5

A couple of hours up the trail we make a short stop. I really take in the view. The vast expanse behind us and the wide nature reserve ahead of us. I pick a space lower down - a clearing - and bring out a pair of binoculars. I soon turn to birdwatching instead. Something I don't think I've ever done that before. I wonder wh-

"Big on ornithology?" I jump as the voice on some very intriguing group leader rings out next to me.

"Uhm, I don't know, actually," I do a nervous smile. "Are you? Or, like, nature in general? Big, I mean." God, I'm just gonna shut my mouth now.