From the story archive · Fictional encounter
First time skydiving. Strapped to the instructor, 12,000 feet up. He shouts over the wind, "Are you ready to jump?" Just as I nod yes—the barking spider makes its presence known. Even in the howling wind, the instructor heard it.
"Don't worry," he shouted, "happens to everyone! It's the altitude change!" I spent the entire freefall alternating between terror and embarrassment.