Jumper

Even though dozens of people saw the body hit the sidewalk, only six people saw the man jump from his balcony. The man had stood on the edge of the balcony railing for at least a few minutes, before he stepped off the ledge. All six witnesses told the same story. Taking their statements was just a matter of getting it all on the record for the inquest. While they waited in the police station reception, the six swapped cell phone numbers. There was no specific reason, just a feeling they should stay in contact.

The first physical meeting of the group was a month after the event. Catherine was the first to start the conversation.

“I dream about it every night. I see him fall, but in my dreams he makes eye contact with me all the way down to the sidewalk.”

Tara nodded.

“I keep getting flashbacks at the oddest moments.”

Donna spoke.

“I don’t dream, because I can’t sleep.”

“I’m drinking myself to sleep every night,” said Stephen.

“Dope for me. I don’t dream,” replied Jennifer.

“Same here,” added Vicky.

“I can’t imagine what if felt like, to plunge so far,” said Tara.

“To feel your head pop open on impact.”

“I wonder why he did it?” mused Catherine.

“Money troubles. That’s what the newspaper said.”

“I heard it was his wife.”

“He was a troubled person,” said Donna.

“He must have been, to take his life like that.”

“I wonder what it felt like,” repeated Tara.

“Did time slow down for him?” asked Catherine.

“Did he have a feeling of euphoria, of finally being free?” said Jennifer.

“Perhaps,” replied Vicky.

“Perhaps he was terrified, regretting his final choice,” said Stephen.

No,” replied Jennifer firmly, shaking her head. “His body would have released enough endorphins to make his last seconds pure bliss.”

“Bliss,” repeated Tara in a dreamy tone.

“I wonder if we only experience true happiness just before death?” asked Vicky.

“Lots of studies suggest it’s true,” answered Donna.

“I almost envy him,” admitted Catherine.

“So do I,” added Tara.

“Me too,” whispered Vicky.

“Same,” said Stephen.

The others nodded.

“It would be wonderful to have that feeling.”

Stephen glanced towards the sliding doors to the balcony. They had met in his condo. It was neutral ground in the downtown core where they all worked.

“We’re on the fourteenth floor.”

The others looked at him, at the doors, at the balcony.

“Dare we?” whispered Donna.

“What about our families?”

“What about the euphoria?”

“Yes, you’re right, we must.”

The six stood, held hands with the person next to them, then opened the door to the balcony.

∼ RJ Meldrum