Dependence

By Jeffrey A. Paolano

Praytel slips the life line through the carabineer until it snags on the true lover’s knot.

The rope snaps taut, jolting Praytel, eliciting a grunt through grit teeth.

Laminh, feeling the catch, howls into the wind, “You holding on little monkey boy?”

“Don’t you fill your rice bowl? You’re feather light. Steal English chocolate, that’ll add pounds,” advises Praytel in full voice.

Praytel’s waist-rope carries the carabineer absorbing Laminh’s weight, as well as the wind-force punishing Laminh’s body.

“Don’t piss on me little monkey boy,” Laminh admonishes, a dangle just below Praytel.

Praytel’s burden would be unbearable without Laminh’s heartrending encouragement.