It had started out as a light hearted comment, a bit of sarcastic jest.
Now the ramifications were staring me in the face.
I was boxed into a situation that was was rapidly getting beyond my control. Other forces were now conspiring to turn an awkward situation into possible humiliation.
Should I stick to my current line, or look for an alternative route, one that would at least allow me to save face?
My stance was becoming more uncomfortable by the minute, as I shifted uneasily inside my predicament.
The temperature was also becoming decididly frosty. A chill wind was starting to blow in from seemingly all directions.
Retreat was certainly a possibility, but I hadn't come this far, just to back off at the first sign of difficulty. Besides, ego and vanity were also now getting in on the act.
My fingers reached out tentatively for a sequence which might work, but then, uncertain, pulled back before actually committing to the moves.
Confidence in my ability to extracate myself from difficult situations began to evaporate, as my brain clutched at ever thinner straws.
And amidst all this, I could see the great and the good of climbing looking down at me, with wry smiles on their faces.
Welcome to the machine, son.
Welcome, to UKC.
