An Almost Death || Dan and Phil One Shot

Two

"I need your phone, you see I left my phone and keys in my flat and I don't really remember how I got here. May I use your phone so that I can call a pal?"

"Yes, of course no problem, here." I unlocked my phone and gave it to him. He dialed in a number and started speaking to someone. I turned away for a bit because I don't really like listening to other people's conversations. Then he came to me and handed my phone, 

"Hey, can you tell them where we are so that they can come bring me back home?" he smiled warmly. I nodded and grabbed my phone.

---on the phone---

"Hello?"

"Hi! How are you?" replied the voice from the other end.

"I'm good, thank you"

"Look, I am so sorry you had to deal with that. Are you ok?"

"Yes, don't worry. Your friend and I are both fine. He is just a bit shaken up so I was planning on taking him to a Starbucks that is nearby and you can meet up with us there."

"Wait, he mentioned that you're on a bridge right? And if I am not mistaken, that bridge is near a college?"

"Yes, that's right. I can give you the exact address if you'd like-."

"Oh, it's ok! I know exactly where you two are. It might take me awhile to get there since it is a bit far away from where I am but don't worry, I'll get there. Just keep him company in the meantime please?"

"Yes sure no problem, we will see you soon."

"Alright, bye"

---end of phone call---

"Alright, I just finished talking to your friend and they are on their way over here. So we can wait for them at the Starbucks over there, if you don't mind?"

"Yea, sure."

"Oh right I almost forgot, my name is Ivy. Ivy Hox. And yours?" I stretched out my hand for a handshake.

He stayed silent. He was clearly still a bit lost and dazed. I slowly put my hand down. "It's fine if you don't want to mention your name. I understand if you still don't trust me. I would be too if I were you. So um... shall we go?"

He nodded and we silently walked together. Once, I go there I pulled the heavy door and we both entered Starbucks. The smell of coffee made me feel welcomed and at peace. I find a table for two near a window. I told him that we should sit there. He nodded and quietly followed me to the table.

"Would you like something to drink?" I asked as I stood up to get in line to order.

"A cup of coffee would be nice. Thank you."

"Sure, no problem. Just stay here, I'll be back." I walked away and stood in line waiting to order. I watched him as I was waiting in line. He would slowly glance at the window and down at the table. Once I finished ordering I brought both cups to our table. I didn't expect full on cups like at a dinner or restaurant. Back in New York, everything is portable. I haven't been to a Starbucks that gives your order in cups when you want to stay inside. When I placed his coffee first on the table, he looked up, "Thank you, I could have helped you with that." Breaking a small smile after that sentence.

"No, don't worry. I didn't have any trouble with it." I sat down and started to drink my second cup of coffee. The first one sadly got knocked over when I went to help him. I took a sip and he did as well. We sat there yet again in silence. It's bizarre what just happened over a span of minutes . I, a college student, ended up saving someone's life and then I invited them to a cup of coffee. What a crazy way to start the morning.

After some time, I broke the silence, "Listen, I know I am a complete stranger who you have no idea of but I know the feeling; wanting to end it all." I said looking down at my coffee, stirring it with the spoon. From the corner of my eye, I saw him look towards me and no longer at the window.

"On those days, I stand exactly where I found you today. Looking at the city waiting for me to actually build the guts to jump. But I never do because I am a coward." I scoffed. "I can't handle pain or seeing others in pain. I'm too empathetic and that's what stops me. I can't picture my mother crying her eyes out if I died. I can't deal with how my parents would try to tell my younger siblings that I died." I look up and see him, his eyes were glossy.

"It's those moments that I am thankful that I realized how much pain I would cause if I decided to end it all. Instead of 'fixing' the problem, I would create another one and leave many people in pain. I realized how many things I'll miss out on if I ever did jump. The sunsets. the smell of coffee, the crisp autumn weather, seeing a cat sitting on a window, the smell of pine, watching the clouds roll by... those things keep me going. Small things, of course, but they are all valid reasons to keep going." I felt a knot in my throat. I directed my gaze to the window. "I will always  remember something someone I look up to  said 'To me the meaning of a human life is to be happy. It's to achieve happiness right now, it's to make sure you're happy in the future.' and that's what I try to follow."

He continued to stay silent but I knew he was thinking about what I said.  "Thank you." he said softly, his focus was still on the coffee. I responded with a warm smile.