A Day in the Death

It started like any normal day. What a common way for things to start. I woke up half an hour before I had to leave for school, jumped out of bed and threw on some clothes before stumbling out of my bedroom. Then I realized it was the first day of summer break. Perfect. I could do whatever I wanted the entire day. So I called a friend of mine who I hadn't seen in a while, and asked her if she wanted to wander around our magnificent capitol building with me. We could bike there. Friendly as always, she readily agreed. An hour later, I was standing in front of the capitol with her. "Today, I can do anything," I told her. "That's great!" "Let's go to that highest balcony," I said, pointing. I grabbed her hand and ran through the front revolving doors, up winding, marble staircases, and across countless hallways. Finally, we found our way to the top. As I stepped outside on the balcony, I took a deep breath of the warm summer air and spread my arms wide, embracing the world. She and I looked at each other, grinned, and laughed. Then, just because I wanted to reach out to someone for support, I hugged her. Just because she was a wonderful friend. Just because I could do anything. Then I burst into tears, crying into her shoulder. She looked startled, then seemed as though she was about to launch into some sort of awkward and apologetic speech. I pressed my finger to her lips. "I just want to do something, to make an impact in the world, instead of being a total no one, before I die. But we both know how much of a failure I've turned out for these 16 long years." "Well, you'll have plenty of chances to make a difference in the world. And I don't think you're inconsequential." I cackled maniacally. "Who are we kidding? Today is my day to do what I want for myself, no one else. Do you know how long I've wanted to do things for myself? My very life has been for those who want me alive. I hate it. I hate me." She put her hand on my shoulder. "No—," "Today, I am too weak, too selfish to try living for others." And with that, I jumped over the low stone wall that separated me from groundless sky. Falling. Unbearable. Windy. Painful. Splat. My end.