Page 50 of Free Fall

Frowning, I typeDoes it matter?

Not really

Then why are you asking?

Curiosity

Fair.Now he can indulge my curiosity in return.What’s your dream date?

Wow, are you going to try to impress me?

I just want an idea of what you’d like

I’ve never thought about it

More bubbles appear, and I wait as he continues to type.

I guess it’d be something unexpected and exciting, but not frightening

Define frightening

Well, for example, I’m afraid of heights

What part of heights scares you?

Looking down? The one time I went climbing with some friends up a small wall, I hated seeing the drop below me.

So, seeing the exposure is too much?

Yeah.

Did you fall at all?

Yeah

Did you hate the fall too?

No. Well, it wasn’t fun. But seeing the rock drop away behind me really freaked me out

Even though you were roped up?

Yeah. It doesn’t make sense. Lizard brain stuff, I think

Brains don’t have to make sense

So climbing isn’t likely to be a good date for me

Not so long as you can see how far away the ground is

Right, but I like hiking! I like a good view

Camping?

Camping is good

I’ll pick you up Friday at sunset which, according to Google, is going to be at 7:36

Alright. How should I dress?