I glance over his shoulder to see my mom holding on to him, sweating profusely. While looking at them, I notice just how farI’ve already fallen. My mom's feet keep slipping, causing me to inch closer to the ground. The vein in my dad’s forehead pulses in sync with those in his forearms as he bites his lip—he’s reaching his limit. I don't want to die, but if he doesn't let me go, we'll both fall.
“Dad, you need to let go,” I say evenly, attempting to smile but failing miserably because I know I’m about to meet death, and truthfully, I’m not ready to die. I had so much to live for.
But I can’t bear the thought of a single one of them going down with me.
“Not happening.” He grits his teeth.
“Please.” My voice breaks as I gaze into the eyes of my entire family. “I love you all. So much.”
Then, I twist the arm he’s holding in an attempt to pull away, closing my eyes one last time.
My mom screams in agony. My sister yelps. My brother gasps loudly.
I’m falling again.
But to my horror, I’m not alone.
No, no, no, no, no.
He didn’t let go. True to his stubborn nature, he’s still holding on to me, while the rest of my family watches from the trailside.
As we’re falling, he quickly tucks me into his arms one last time before we meet our end.
“It’s okay, Clo. We’re going to be just fine,” he whispers into my hair as we descend the last dozen feet.
Suddenly, my entire life is playing out before my eyes.
My first bike ride. My first day of school. My first friends. My first time dancing. My first family cabin trip. My first time swimming. My first hike. My first time driving. My firsttime. My first heartbreak. My first prom. My first job. My first solo vacation.My first hot-chocolate chat with my dad. My first time chasing dragonflies.
Dying alone would have been okay. I probably deserve it after putting myself in this situation.
But dying withhim? The person who has been my rock since the moment I opened my eyes in this world? Unacceptable. He deserves to live.
I don’t give a damn about what happens to me, but if he dies with me right now, I will never forgive myself. Mark my words.
Thud.
Crunch.
Snap.
Darkness.
A burst of scorching pain shoots violently through my body, rattling every inch of me. I have no idea how long I've been out.
I attempt to move, but I can’t. I think I’m paralyzed.
I attempt to speak, but I can’t do that either. My chest is killing me, and my breaths grow more and more ragged by the second.
I can't even open my eyes.
I know it for certainty now. I’m dying. I have minutes left, at most.
I can’t make sense of much right now, but I can feel my surroundings. My head is resting on his chest.
His still chest.
He isn’t breathing.
