Guardian Angel

I sat on the ledge, an edge slightly
extending from the side of the skyscraper. The window I arrived in lay parallel, offering an escape, a return to life. Hammering winds and thick, cold rain drops battered me as I simply sat in indecision. The moisture of the storm collected alongside me, providing a means to slip. Below me, the blue and red lights of police cars flashed against the windows of smaller buildings, furthering my hesitation and fear. The dark expanse of the hour held me in isolation.

In my mind, the thoughts and
memories of my past guided indecision. The hallowed voices of passed loved ones and the overpowering embrace of depression consumed me. The urge to end it all continued to push me over the edge. The fear of death pulling me back. An unending cycle keeping me in place.

As I continued to sit in solemn
silence, the storm raged on. Even colder raindrops showered me and soaked my clothes. Unstoppable winds crashed against me, an immovable object. A bright streak of lightning struck in the distance, thunder deafening me a few moments later. The midnight darkness continued to hinder my vision.

In my solitude, murmuring voices
echoed from the window. The voices became louder, and soon enough, a head popped out from the window seal. Our eyes met and his smile of relief went from ear to ear. The light from the window shown on his blue uniform.

“Hey, Jeff,” said the man. The howling
winds muffled his words. “I'm officer Taylor, but you can call me Jim.”

I tried to speak, but no words came
out. I continued to sit, watching his next move.

“It's cold out here, Jeff,” said the
officer, smiling nervously. “How are you feeling?”

I stared at him, thinking of a response.

My cumulative emotions decided a simple answer.

“I'm scared.”

“It's okay to be afraid, Jeff,” assured
Jim. “We're going to get you out of here. Everything is going to be okay.”

“I don't know what to do.” Tears ran
down my face and I struggled to talk. “I-I can't jump, but I can't go back.”

“Jeff, don't worry about it. You don't
have to do anything.”

I continued to look at the officer and
then glanced around at the expanse surrounding me. A streak of lightning brightened the city and then returned to darkness with rumbling thunder.

“Got any family, Jeff,” asked Jim,
breaking the silence.

“Not anymore. Mom died in an
accident a few months ago.”

Jim stood in thought for a moment.

The stress of the situation forced him to think carefully of his words.

“Hey Jeff. I need you to do one thing
for me,” told the officer.

I looked him in the eyes, the gravity of
the situation apparent in his eyes.

“I need you to stand up.”

My gaze looked away from his. The
drop below me and the width of my ledge grew apparent. The roaring winds and the freezing rain discouraged any movement.

“I need you to trust me, Jeff. If you do
this, we can help you.”

My eyes locked back with his, and he
smiled. Against all fear and better judgement, I attempted to stand. The force of the storm crashed on me with full force as I slowly rose up. As I reached full stance, the officer smiled a sign of relief.

“Thank you, Jeff. You did great.”
As soon as he finished his sentence, a
form sat in wait in the corner of my eye. I turned to face it, and lost my balance on the slippery stone. Just as I began to fall, the form lunged out and caught me, their arms keeping a firm grasp. A bolt of lightning crashed nearby.

“We've got you, son,” said he. “You're
safe now.”

The man began to hoist us up to the
top of the tower. Rumbling thunder signalled the end of the storm, and the endless shower finally died down. Starry skies pierced through the retreating black clouds, as if heaven itself sighed a sigh of relief.

As we reached the top of the tower, a
dozen policeman clapped in glee and took me to a hospital. The officers asked if there was anything I wanted, and I simply requested to see Jim Taylor. Only, officer Taylor wasn't on duty that day.