part 2 of the fierce race at extreme edge

Fran looked suspiciously at me. My hands immediately started to sweat as I looked up at the wall I was supposed to scale. Again. '321, go!' This time I would win, now that I know where exactly to put my shaking hands. I didn't even have time to sneak a look at Fran's progress. I scrambled up, up towards the top, banging my knees countless times in my haste to finish first. Suddenly I touched smooth wall and looked over at Fran. She had already jumped off the wall and smiled up at me. I pumped the air with my fist as warmth flooded over me.