Page 63 - Life's Outtakes 12

boy do you want on the rope for the

last climb?”

“Boy, nothin’,” I said. “A

responsible adult is my belayer.”

The tower director scowled.

“You’re supposed to trust your boys,

but I suppose requirements say you

just have to make the climbs.”

Rod buckled in on the rope, and I

started my last climb. By the time I

got to the top, I was shaking so much

I could hardly hold on.

“Are you ready, Rod?” I asked.

“Ready,” he replied.

I wasn’t sure I liked the chuckle

in his voice, but I was too tired to

hold on, so I let go. I immediately