Wembley took advantage of the moment to steal a kiss, then pulled back and nodded. "I always do, Gobo."

Whether it was the promise or the kiss that made him feel more courageous - or just the combination - was hard to say, but he was certainly feeling capable. He found places in the bark to grip onto, and began to climb and shimmy his way up the tree. He did slide down a bit here and there, but never actually fell.

Eventually, he made it to the first branch holding any apples, climbing out onto it a bit and jostling it with his hands.