“No way! Is she actually going to do it?” I heard the murmuring whispers below me.

Oh god. 

My heart pounding in my chest, as I inched my way to the top of the basement door frame. My calloused palms pressed against the neighboring poles, balancing my weight as I moved further from the ground. I glanced down at my two cousins and sister below me. 

My eyes widened.

Why would I do that?

My hands nearly dropped at the sight. I had to be ten feet from the ground already, with at least ten more to go. Not that I could tell from my shaky angle. I would’ve asked for the opinion of one of the observant viewers below me. But, to be quite honest, I didn’t want to know. I was already mentally preparing excuses to back out, and information like that would send me over the edge. But, none of my reasons seemed worthy enough. “Oh sorry, I got scared.” First, how lame does that sound? Second, no one would think I’m being serious. Known as the “dare-devil” of the family, hundred feet high roller-coasters didn’t scare me, but two walls did? It just doesn’t sound right. But…  it was true. The real question stood. Was backing out worth a stab at my reputation? A shout below me interrupted my inconclusive thoughts.

“You look like Spider-man!!” one of my cousins shouted with a laugh. 

Ignoring their comment, I asked “how much further?” I had to know. I convinced myself to stare straight ahead, rather than up or down, to not stimulate my already hyped-up nerves. Pretty smart move in hindsight, but not the most telling.

“Uhhh…” I heard footsteps on the wooden floor beneath me. “Probably ten feet, about two more jumps and then you’ll be done”

Sure, two more jumps but then I have to worry about how to get down. 

I took a long stretch with my arms and glued my hands to the grooves of the doorframe.

Once secure, I kept my head leveled and jumped my feet into their next position. 

Almost there, I convinced  myself.

Breaking my promise, I tilted my head upwards. I’ve never been happier to see the ceiling. I high-fived the “roof” of the basement, and let go of the breath I didn’t know I was holding. Claps erupted from below me. 

“Wow”

“Didn’t think you would go through with it”

“Ready to get down?”

My older sister asked the one question I was hoping would fall out of her mouth.

“Only if you’re offering.” But, I would never admit it.

“I am. Just let go, and we’ll be here to catch you.” My cousins groaned with annoyance.

You could’ve just asked me to jump off a cliff. My body trembled with fear while thinking about my options. 

There’s no guarantee that they will catch me. BUT, I don’t think I can suffer through that mental torment once more.

“Fine” I responded.

I counted down from three at a whisper. At zero, I screwed my eyes shut and released my limbs from the wall. While praying for safety.

My small body flew through the air. I finally peaked open once arms were wrapped all around me. Before I knew it, I was back at the ground again.

“That wasn’t bad right?” one of my cousins asked.

I tilted my head indicating a “how would you know?” look. 

My body was released from the sweaty grasp of hands, and I was placed cross-legged onto the wooden floor. I could have kissed the ground in relief. Never again, my subconscious told me.

For the remainder of the evening, the day’s memories flooded through my brain. My body still tingles at the thought. That night, my dreams consisted of a mystery girl and her venturous climb to the sky.