Adrenaline

I mentally recite statistics – speed: 100mph, altitude: 10,000ft, skydive length: 5mins.

The instructor nods at me. It’s the signal. The rear of the plane opens, and I step closer to it. A gust of wind almost jostles me to the ground. Terror takes over me. I am frozen in place.

All I hear is my blood rushing in my ears – or maybe it’s the wind. My hands are shaking, and I can’t stop them.

I breathe, try to calm my heart. Having a heart attack while plummeting in the sky would not be optimal.

The gaze of the instructor becomes more insistent, and I know I need to jump. I curse everyone who encouraged me to do this – my reckless sister, my girlfriend who challenged me to “get out of my comfort zone”, my friends who agreed.

I step closer to the edge, close my eyes.

And I jump.

150 words

Castille VM.

Sep 2023