Friday Romance: The Climb
After getting back down, Timothy found his way over to a nearby bench to catch his breath. He looked back up at the towering wall he’d scaled moments earlier and thought back to the first time...
Timothy reached the top of the climbing wall. He pulled himself up and over the edge to take a seat. On the ground was his date, Jennifer, looking back at him and giving him a thumbs up to congratulate him. It was the first time he’d ever been able to reach the top after getting into the activity a year ago.
“Couldn’t have done it without you,” he said, cupping his hand around his mouth.
“What?”
He smiled and gave her a thumps up in return.
After getting back down, Timothy found his way over to a nearby bench to catch his breath. He looked back up at the towering wall he’d scaled moments earlier and thought back to the first time he’d stepped foot into the climbing gym.
“Has anyone ever reached the top?” Timothy asked. He was alongside his friend Rodney, the two of them looking for a new hobby after work instead of the same gym routine.
“A few people,” said the instructor. “With enough practice, I bet you can get up there.”
“I don’t know about that.”
Timothy snapped out of his daydream when Jennifer offered him a bottle of water.
“I’m so happy you could make it up there,” she said. “I remember when we first started talking on the app, you mentioned it being a goal of yours. I’m glad I was here to witness it. How did it feel up there?”
“Well, I’m a bit more fearful of heights than I thought I was.” He smiled. “It was great. The view was amazing. This place always felt so big to me, but from up there, it all seemed so small. It’s nice setting a goal and chasing after it.”
“Any other goals around here you’ve been meaning to conquer?” asked Jennifer. She looked around for another activity they could do. “What about those ropes over there? Have you tried those yet?”
Timothy looked over to where she was pointing and noticed three separate ropes reaching to the ceiling.
“I haven’t tried those yet,” he said. He got up from the bench and took another sip of his water. “I used to love doing the rope climb in elementary school. I remember in fifth grade, the gym teacher was so impressed with me being able to do it. She had me face off against the student teacher, Mr. G.”
“Did you win?”
“Unfortunately, I didn’t We both made it to the top only using our arms.” Timothy shook his head. “I retired after that.”
“I think it’s time you came out of retirement. That rope is calling your name.”
“Do you really think I can do it?”
“There’s nothing you can’t do. Not after making it to the top of the wall. That wall is the highest point in this whole place, and an orange level climb. That’s the toughest one. I’m still working my way through the blue.”
Timothy took in a deep breath. He let it out.
“Let’s do this,” he said.
The two of them walked over to where the ropes were and set down their water bottles.
Timothy craned his neck backward to see the top.
“It’s a long way up,” he said.
“You’ve got this,” reminded Jennifer. “Pretend it’s your rematch against Mr. G.”
“It’s been years in the making. I think I’m ready this time.”
“Up for a race?” said an unfamiliar voice.
“Is that you, Mr. G?” asked Timothy. He rubbed his eyes. It was unbelievable.
“Mr. G? I’m Eric. Eric Owens.” Eric raised his right eyebrow. “Race?”
“Oh, yeah. Sure,” said Timothy. He nodded and chalked his hands.
The two participants stood next to their ropes, with an empty one between them.
“Ready?” asked Jennifer.
The two men nodded.
“Get set... go!”