She looked hesitant and peeked at the wall again. “You got this. Just take your time. I’ll be guiding you the whole time.” I stepped closer to her, tugging on the part of the harness around her waist to make sure it was secure. “Does it feel okay?”
She nodded. “It’s fine.”
“A’right. Then you’re up.” Lifting the corners of my mouth, I stepped back and got in position.
Nakyra stepped to the wall.
It was comical watching Nakyra try to climb the wall. Her movements were clumsy and uncertain. Every few minutes or steps she would look over her shoulder, down at me, forassurance. She was almost halfway up the wall. It wasn’t as tall as the one I’d climbed nor was it as complicated.
“You’re doing good. Keep going,” I encouraged.
She pushed out a deep breath and nodded then gave her attention back to the wall. She looked up and reached her right hand to grab the fake rock in front of her. Her climb was slow, but it was clear she was gaining more confidence the higher she went.
“Ah!” she shrieked when her foot missed a rock. She flailed her feet, causing her to lose balance.
“Careful. You’re fine!”
Catching her eye, I gave her an encouraging nod. She took a few breaths then gave me a shaky smile before nodding and continuing.
Nakyra continued the climb and eventually got to the top. Her mouth turned up in a wide grin as she looked down at me.
“I did it!” she shouted while grinning. Seeing that smile on her face caused my heart to speed up. Pride filled my chest knowing she was enjoying herself.
“I told you that you had it! Do you remember how to come down?”
Nodding, she started the lowering process. She was halfway down when she missed a step.
“Ah!” she shrieked, falling back. I kept a grip on the rope, slowed her fall, and stepped forward. With my arms up, she landed in them and gripped tightly.
I chuckled. “I told you I’d catch you before you hit the ground.” Her eyes were wide when she faced me breathing heavily. Her lashes fluttered, dusting the top of her flushed cheeks.
“I was doing so good too.”
“You were, almost forgot it was your first time.” Her body rested against mine.
“Ma’am, are you okay?” the worker asked as he stepped closer.
“Yeah, I’m fine. My heart’s pounding though.”
“Your adrenaline is pumping. Just take a couple breaths,” I told her.
She made no attempt to leave my hold and I didn’t bother to put her down. She lay her head to the side and rested it on my chest.
Her eyes lifted to meet mine. “You were right. I did have a good time,” she mentioned after a few seconds with a small smile plastered on her face. Her eyes beamed and her cheeks were rosy. I loved that although she was limited with her hearing, she never let it stop her from doing anything. Her strength and determination to live a normal life were something I couldn’t ignore.
“What you mean did? We’re doing one more. This time a different wall.”
“Wait what?”
Smirking, I lowered her to her feet. She seemed to remember I was holding her once her feet touched the ground.
“Let’s grab some water then we can start again.”
“You’re insane,” she breathed, making me laugh. A smile slowly formed on her face.
This was the right call for her. I knew in the car she was starting to get in her feelings about Rome, but now her focus was on climbing and it seemed the situation with the hospital was now pushed to the back of her mind.
____
