‘Of course you do. You’ll be fine, you were the best of all candidates for the new safety technology. I’m sure it’s just anticipation nerves. You’re not worried about the cameras and film crew are you?’

He shook his head, but he was. There was a huge amount of pressure on him to do this well, to be successful. Failure was not an option. 

‘They’ll be doing close up’s on my expressions won’t they?’ He said. ‘I’d best not do this then.’ He grimaced.

‘Better hope the wind doesn’t change.’ Jackie said laughing as she prepped the harness. ‘This is your dream come true. Just remember to smile, even when you want to scream.’

‘Ha.’ Micah looked at the flimsy looking cord that would keep him safe. ‘You sure that’s going to be strong enough if I slip?’

‘Yes, but you’re not going to slip, are you?’ Jackie grinned. ‘You know what to do.’

‘Chin up, look ahead, never look down, trust my feet, hold the bar at shoulder height and use it to balance myself.’

‘Perfect. Raise your arms.’ Jackie slipped the jacket over his head and pulled all the fasteners tight. It felt comforting, as if he was being hugged.

‘I’m going to pull and push you to make sure nothing will chaff,’ she said, and she grabbed the front of the jacket. ‘Are you ready?’

‘Yes.’ Micah lied. Jackie tugged and pulled him like a rag doll, but before the nausea was too much to bear, she stopped and loosened one of the straps.

‘Okay?’ she asked Micah. Her eyes flashed with concern and hope.

He swallowed. ‘I will be.’

Jackie nodded to the camera crew and they quietened. ‘I’m about to attach the harness. Let me know when you’re ready to film.’

A man checked the light, another tested sound, a woman tutted and patted dry Micah’s sweating face and then Jackie started attaching the harness, explaining what each part was for.

Micah listened carefully. This was his life after all, but he gulped when he broke the rules and looked down.

‘Last chance to back out.’ Jackie said.

The camera zoomed in on Micah’s face.

 ‘I’m not backing out. I want to thank everyone who’s made this possible. It’s my dream come true. It’ll change my life.’ He nodded at Jackie, blinked back tears, and stood.

Jackie turned her thumbs up and Micah took his first step in fifteen years, since the accident that severed his spine.