“Yep. Super scared of heights. That’s me. I get like two feet high in the air and I’m all, Oh no, I’m going to die.”

I peered out the edge of the cart to see if anyone was doing anything about this disaster.

“Don’t look down,” Ruby said, rubbing the back of my neck in a way that was meant to be comforting but sent shivers through my body. It was a confusing mix of sensations.

“It’s going to be fine,” she said in a soothing voice, “I promise.”

I nodded, unable to say anything. The terrible feeling got stronger.

She stopped rubbing abruptly.

“Why did you suggest the Ferris wheel if you’re afraid of heights?”

“Um . . .”

“And the night we met you climbed an eight-foot wall.”

“I was trying to impress you?” I said hopefully.

She raised an eyebrow and waited. Damnit, that was so cool.

“OK, fine,” I burst out, “I’m not afraid of heights.”

“Well, what is it, then?” she said, leaning back in her seat. I’d preferred it when she was being sympathetic.

I closed my eyes dramatically and paused before taking a deep breath.

“I’m afraid I’m going to wet myself. I drank half a liter of Coke and I am fucking dying to pee, all right?” I said it all as quickly as possible, as though somehow the embarrassment would be over quicker.

Ruby burst out laughing.

“Why are you laughing?” I demanded. “This is a real danger here!” My voice was getting more panicked and out of control now that my secret was out there. “Like if we were on a roller coaster and it stopped suddenly, sure, we could be flung to our death or be mangled or something, but that would be a tragic accident. What’s going to happen to me? I’m going to wet myself and the girl I like is going to be right next to me. Not even in the same room. In the same two square feet. Oh God, what if my pee gets on you? What if when we finally get down, we open the door and a wave of pee just crashes out.”

Ruby was doubled over with laughter at this point, but she made the effort to sit up straight, then wiped her eyes with her hand.

She took my hand in hers. “We are going to get through this, I promise. You are not going to wet yourself. You’re a fully grown human and you have control over your own bladder. It only seems so bad because you’re focusing on it.”

“How can I not focus on it? Trust me, my body is demanding I focus on it.”

She bit her lip. A stray giggle escaped. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t laugh. This is all my fault really.”

“How is it your fault?”

“I should have warned you.”