The plants looked similar to something she had been studying.
She left the main path to take photographs.
At first, the ground seemed stable.
She climbed across several flat rocks and followed a shallow channel where rainwater had recently flowed.
The vegetation became thicker.
Beyond it, she saw a narrow opening between two walls of stone.
Cool air moved through the gap.
She approached out of curiosity.
Inside, she discovered an area sheltered from direct sunlight.
Small plants grew along the edges of the stone.
She took several photographs, recorded notes, and collected a limited sample for her project.
Then she heard a cracking sound.
At first, she thought a branch had broken.
She turned.
A small stone rolled down the slope behind her.
Then another.
She looked up.
A section of loose rock shifted.
Before she could react, the ground beneath her right foot gave way.
She screamed.
Her backpack struck the wall as she slipped.
