A Nice Easy Start

A nice easy start? Bollocks.

I don’t want to fall. The tendons anchored in my forearms sing. Everything is tight. Everything. I could stay here indefinitely but that isn’t really an option. Climb or fall. The excitement in the back of my throat sours into fear, spreading out, quickening my breath, imagination tumbling. Is the equipment good, the rope knotted right, harness buckled tight. Bollocks. I think I’m stuck. How far above the gear am I? Too far, I don’t want to let go. Breathe, blow. Drop your heel.

What will they tell my parents? What if someone checks my internet history?