Swinging above the Earth

I am on a sort of tether, swinging very high above the Earth - so much so that I can see the curvature of the planet. My friend Holly is next to me. We are both tethered and being pulled back. Suddenly we are released and we fly forward through the open air, gliding. I don't know if I am fascinated or frightened. I turn to Holly and say that I'm scared. She says there is nothing to worry about as long as our cords don't get crossed...