Death Day

Chapter 1: Jump

          "I'll see you at the Jumping Bridge!" I exclaimed as I hung up the phone on my friend Josie. Today was the day of the Ghost Jump. All the people who were the top of their class got to jump, then they had to pass a special test. It's a huge honor to go through the Ghost Jump. After you land, and die, your ghost gets appointed to a little girl, about 8-14, that aren't the top of the class. From there, you can either get them to the top and move on to the next girl, or not and stay the same. I was so excited! It's was only 5 minutes until the start, so I had to get on my way. Only the jumpers were allowed on the bridge as well, so everyone else (even the parents) had to stay in and watch it on TV. I said goodbye to my mom and dad, who were happy-crying. They were as proud and exited as I was! "Bye mom, bye dad! I love you both so much!" I exclaimed as I hugged each of them. Then I ran out the door and hopped onto my bike. I rode down the block to Josie's house, and we biked down to the bridge together, conversing about how excited we are or about the test. When we got there, we had to crane our necks to see to the top of a huge staircase. "Let's race to the top." Said Josie, determined. "Okay, but I'll win!" I replied, rolling my eyes. She always would want to race me, and I would win every time. "Not this time!" Laughed Josie, who was already ahead of me. "Cheater," I giggled as I raced up to her. 

               Once we got to the top, we couldn't believe our eyes. The view was amazing! We ran to the organizers and were put into our jumping places. "2 minutes until jumping time!" I heard someone announce on a loudspeaker. I let out a little squee of excitement. Then, I saw the little boy next to me was nervous. I didn't want him to be scared, so I said, " Hey, once we jump, It'll all be over. you can still see everyone and you can still talk to your parents!" I tried comforting him. "I-I know but, I just don't want to get hurt." I couldn't help but chuckle. How did he think we would get hurt? "We won't get hurt. Death isn't a painful thing, it may tickle or even sting a bit, but only for a few seconds. Then you're dead and you can't feel anymore!" I tried to comfort him by putting my hand on his shoulder, and he turned around and hugged me. He was crying. I was surprised at first but then i heard a muffled "Thanks," and I said, "Hey, no problem. Just, be brave for me, okay?" He nodded and sniffed. "30 seconds!" I heard over the speakers. 

              I looked down for the first time. I was suddenly terrified. We were about 225 feet above the water. I knew as soon we hit the water, we would die. "10-9-8-7-" I heard. I took a few deep breaths. We all had to jump I reminded myself,  we all wanted to. I was trembling even more now. "3-2-1." I jumped. I closed my eyes and plummeted to my death. When I hit the water, I felt a pang of the worst pain I had ever felt. Then suddenly, there was nothing. I opened my eyes to see all white, then,  an elderly ghost staring back at me. "Hello Emily." He said with a warm smile."My name is John. I will be your sorter."