Story: "The Tether"

This has been an incredibly challenging story to write, but ultimately, I think it's worth it.  It's a story of friendship on board a space elevator.

***UPDATE*** 2/2/2013: A revised version of this story is now online at Bradbury Quarterly.  Enjoy!

Nick gazed out the window on Gemini Deck of the Big Lift, searching for the tether that attached it to Earth.  The clouds swirled over the ocean, and the Florida coastline emerged like a gentle brushstroke.  But the tether was too thin, and the Earth too bright, for him to see it.  He could only take it on faith that it was still there.