Crossing the rope bridge

The students waited for the teacher to call on the first one to be called that would have to demonstrate the newly learned abilities. As they each tried to look nonchalant, in holding their breath, they each avoided direct eye contact with the teacher. After a few moments, the efforts began to incapacitate the shyest of the girls, and then the boy next to her slowly raised his hand to solidify his fears so he could give it a decent attempt. He knew what his father would say if he did not at least try to cross the rope and demonstrate some guts and manliness. That was what his father was all about, showing up to appear better than everyone else. The boy stepped forward and swallowed hard, even smirking in the direction of the teacher who had put forth the challenge.