The Fall

Every one leaves, no one stays forever, he reminded himself every time fear began to creep into his belly. It's natural, he told himself, shifting his position slightly. His mind kept reverting back to the one face that reminded him why he wanted to live. He could see her standing there, long luscious chestnut hair and eyes that always reflected the best part of him. She would be wearing her bright blue dress-she looked good in jewel tones-stretched out on a lounge chair by the pool, waiting for him.

He sighed. He knew he had to do it, it was not fair, but that was life. He tried to imagine what it would be like to leave this world-where would he go? He wondered if there was a heaven but even more if there was a hell. He pinched his eyes tightly closed-these thoughts were not helping.

Holding his breath he slowly opened his eyes and looked down. Just do it! He told himself. Slowly he let himself relax and began the fall. The wind rushed through his hair and he could not think, he could not even breath. He felt the tug of the rope and waited for the snap-waited for his final moment. The snap never came and the bungee cord faithfully propelled him into the sky like a missile. His heart pounded in his chest, pumping blood with ferocious veracity-he was alive.