This Life

September

I always thought about what I'd say to someone to talk them off a bridge. Or if my words would mean anything to someone who is so close the edge. That's why I was somewhat prepared when I stumbled upon a guy sitting on the edge of a bridge on my morning jog.

"What are you doing?" I half-shouted coming to stand by him. He turned his head ever so slightly so he could see my face. He then faced forward again.

"I'm thinking about it." He mumbled, without looking back at me, in a voice that was just above a whisper.

I tried to keep the rising panic out of my own voice as I replied, "don't do it." It seemed lame hearing it out loud but it's all I could think of at the moment.

I think he laughed at me but it was too quiet for me to hear. He sat in silence for a few minutes and I stood behind him a few metres away. My heart was beating abnormally fast as I waited for him to do something, anything.

He turned and got down from the ledge, landing firmly on his two feet. He stopped and stared at me for a while, as if challenging me to say something.

I stayed silent.

He turned and walked away.

I stood for a minute.

Then I continued on my jog home.