How the hell Richard had managed to hold on to the ladder was a mystery even to him. The fact that the ladder itself hadn't buckled was also a miracle. He had heard some poor guy's screams as he hurtled past, narrowly missing him and Sarah on his way toward oblivion. Eventually everything had fallen silent. The first thing he became aware of was the beat of Sarah's heart and her rapid breathing against him.<br/><br/>"Well, if this is what paradise looks like then they could really do with an interior designer", he commented. His attempt at humour was more an attempt to mask the fact that he was shit scared.<br/><br/>"Then again, you're here so it must be heaven after all."<br/><br/>At that point the second thing that Richard became aware of was the incredible weakness of his arms and legs as he had one his utmost to keep<b>both</b>of them on the ladder. He slipped, almost falling, but had enough strength left to keep a grip on the ladder. Just.<br/><br/>"Better start climbing before my arms and legs give out", he suggested.