A Chapter to End

The edge of the world draws me like a moth to a flame. Sometimes I wish I could simply fall off and never have to see the tarnished remnants of my once beloved existence. All those people who said they loved me...who would've known that every single world was a lie?

If only they could watch me now, they'd really love me. For being strong enough to deal with all my problems.

But I'm not even dealing with them at all.

I'm ending them.

Right now.

The edge is merely paces in front of me. Only a few feet, and then a few thousand before a rushing river that leads right to the ocean.

Every drop of water is beautiful. Together, they carry the dead to the sea.

I've waited my whole life for this the moment. For the chance. To die.

Jump.

I take a step. A little rock rolls under my feet. I shut my eyes and wince at the sound. For a minute, it will hurt...

Jump.

Oh, but only for a minute. The true pain has been all these torturous years; filled to the brim with abuse and loneliness...

Jump.

One last step...

Just one last moment to say-

"Stop."

I jolt away from the cliff at the sound of his voice.

"Excuse me, sir, but I don't know you. You don't know me...and I had plans to die today."

He studies me intensely, I search his eyes for some sign of recognition. But nothing comes.

"I know that you have so much yet to live and I can't let you go."

"You don't even know me."

A pregnant pause ensues. His eyes begin to trickle tears and he sinks to his knees.

"Please...just don't give in. Don't let yourself fade away."

"And why shouldn't I?"

The stranger shakes his head.

"Because just minutes before you got here, I was gonna jump, too."