Summary

Standing on the ledge, Benecke felt comfortable. His handholds were secure and his feet were well positioned. As he shimmied toward the sheet, Benecke suppressed any fear that arose, but he realized that “it was much darker” (25) outside than he had thought. Benecke forced himself not to look down as he progressed, and he eventually arrived at the corner on which the yellow sheet was trapped.

Benecke crouched down with his body pressing on the building’s wall. As he grabbed the sheet, he saw all of Lexington Avenue, including “miles of traffic signals” and “Loew’s Theater” (29). This caused Benecke to feel an immense amount of fear. The fear almost caused Benecke to fall, but he leaned into the corner to stop himself. However, the fear now paralyzed him.

“Shuddering beyond control” (31), Benecke concluded that it was impossible for him to move...