Tranquility

Sixth Call

Triggerwarning!

Fallen through the cracks of the night sky
A light goes out on the other side
Suicide, suicide, suicide

I haven't heard from him in a week.
I see that as a positive sign.
I'm just about to log off.
It's almost midnight.

My phone rings, and I get a gut feeling.

"Suicide Hotline, Harry Speaking."

"Hi, Harry."

"Louis? How are you?"

"I'm fine."

It's the way he says it
that makes the hair on my arms stand. He's so calm.
"Louis? What happened? Did you go to the hospital."

"I did. They let me go with a prescription of fucking painkillers."

"What? Did you tell them that you have suicidal thoughts?"

"I didn't use those words but it's pretty fucking obvious, Harry."

"You have to go back! Tell them!"

"I'm not gonna do that, Harry. I'm done."

I panic.
"What do you mean you're done?"

"You know what I mean. I just wanted to hear a friendly voice and thank you for trying but I'm a lost cause, Harry. Don't feel bad about it."

"No, no, no. Don't! Where are you? What city?"

"You can't save me."

"Where are you?"

"Do you think it will hurt?"

"WHERE ARE YOU?"

"Geez, London. It's too late. I just wanted to say goodbye. I'm sorry to put this on you but I'm good now. Don't worry about me. This is for the best."

"What bridge?"

Silence.

"WHAT BRIDGE, LOUIS? PLEASE!"

"I made up me mind. I just wanted to say goodbye."

"Lou.. please. Don't do this. Let me help you. What bridge?"

"Southwark."

Louis hangs up.
I immediately redial the number.
Busy tone.
I call the emergency number to let them know they have a jumper on Southwark bridge and tell them to hurry.
I call Louis again. Still busy.
I hesitate but then I grab my things and run out to my car and get in. I drive as fast as I can to the bridge.

When I get there I'm met with blue and red lights.
I get out of my car.
They're loading someone into the ambulance.
I can't see.

I break down.
Too late.