My twisting back and forth becomes violent. With the extra space comes the ability to take a full breath and the sense that I'll be okay. I just need to force my shoulder out of place for a moment. A burning ember brushes my cheek on its way down. I gaze up.
Time stands still for a moment.
In horror, I watch as the rope separates. The small end of the burning rope, still attached to the crane, makes a flip skyward as if waving good-bye. The top of the crane pulls rapidly away from me. A terrifying falling feeling envelops me. The pavement races up to meet me head on.