7/22/14
Tommy tripped on a rock in the path and the sudden jerk hurt his neck. “Figures!” he said to himself. He continued a bit more slowly on the downward trail to the river. He didn’t want to miss the little cut off path to the overhang. The main trail led to a large open area where people often picnicked with a nice view of the river below. But the little side path led to a flat boulder which served as a natural platform overhanging the river.
There was a story that many years ago some kids had jumped from it thinking it was a good place to swim, but they had drowned instead. It turned out that the current there was so swift and turbulent that it kept them under water far longer than anyone could hold their breath. Ever since then there were signs forbidding swimming and a small fence to prevent accidental falls.
This is where Tommy was headed. And there wouldn’t be an accidental fall coming up. He smiled to himself at his clever word play. Everyone should understand, he thought. Nothing was going right. This would be best for all.
Despite being 26 years old he wasn’t able to make it on his own. He lived in a rental apartment owned by his mother. Yes, he paid rent. But they both were aware she could get a lot more if she rented it to someone else. Although she said she was getting by, Tommy knew she really needed any extra money she could get. Things had been hard for both of them ever since his father had died.
It wasn’t fair! It just wasn’t fair. Why did he have to die? Why hadn’t the treatments worked? Why did he get sick in the first place? There were so many things Dad would be able to help him with. He was so smart he could do anything. He’d be able to help Tommy get out of all his problems. His mother just didn’t understand guy things. All she’d say is, “Oh, baby, I know you can do whatever you try to do.” Didn’t she know that doesn’t help? In fact, it only made him feel worse. Well, he’d soon be seeing his father again. Then they’d only have to wait for Mom to come for things to be like old times.
Besides, there was the trouble at work he didn’t want to face anymore. Why did those girls have to report him? All he did was ask them out. They are single after all. And it’s so lonely not having someone to care for. They could have just said no. But now his boss was going to make him take classes on workplace harassment. Sheesh! How stupid is that? Since when did it become a crime for a single guy to be interested in pretty girls? Well, it wasn’t going to be an issue much longer.
Tommy could tell by the growing sound of the river that he was almost to the end of the path. He reviewed his plan once more. He’d take off all his clothes, fold them neatly and lay them across the fence. He wasn’t sure why he had to be naked to do it, but that seemed to be what many others did. Then he’d stand on the edge with his back to the river, close his eyes, and slowly lean backwards until he lost his balance. The rest would happen by itself and pretty quickly.
He pushed into the small clearing, then stopped frozen. Someone else was already there. A young lady, perhaps early twenties, was standing on the ledge in only her bra and panties. As soon as she saw Tommy she grabbed her dress from the fence and held it in front of herself.
“Do you mind?” she said bruskly. “I’d like a little privacy please.”
“I know what you’re about to do,” replied Tommy. “And afterwards there will be lots and lots of people looking at you in your underwear. So what’s the difference of one more?”
“I don’t know. But there is. So could you turn around?”
Tommy complied and faced away. This would make a good mystery for the police. They’d spend months trying to figure out how these two people knew each other and why they both decided to end it all together. He chuckled. Then thinking it had been enough time for her to jump already he turned around again. But she was still there. She had her dress back on and was brushing her hair as if nothing unusual had just happened.
“What?” Tommy asked. “Aren’t you going to go?”
“Nah. I’ve changed my mind. You’ve spoiled the feeling. Maybe I’ll try another day. But you can go if you want.”
“With you watching?”
“Sure. Why not? You were watching me.”
“No I wasn’t. I just came up. I didn’t know anyone would be here.”
“Yeah, right. So, why are you doing it?”
“That’s kind of personal, don’t you think?”
“Well, since we’ve shared the moment this far, I thought you wouldn’t mind.”
“Oh. Yeah, I guess. I’m, it’s. I’m lonely, okay?”
“I know. It’s hard being alone and not having anyone to care for. Why doesn’t anyone want me?”
“I don’t know. You’re pretty enough. I’d sure go out with you if I could.”
“Really? You really think so?”
“Mm, hmm. But no one wants to go out with me either.”
“You know what? I’m feeling kind of cold now. Could you walk me back up the trail to my car? You can always come back later, if you still want to.”
“Yeah. I’d like that. Here, you’d better hold my hand so you don’t trip on anything. You could get hurt if you fall.”
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