The Jump

I was going to do it. I was going to jump. Maybe.

Something was stopping me. Maybe it was the way the crystal clear water was lapping at the sides of the jagged cliff. Or that the ladder was about 1,000 metres long. That might of been a slight exaggeration but still it was a long way down. Suddenly, a loud yell broke my concentration. It was my older brother. He made it down so why couldn't I? My toes hung slightly over the edge. I took a deep breath. Make that a really deep breath. I jumped.

I opened my eyes. My head was whirling with doubt. What if I didn't make it? What would happen to my family? I wouldn't come back. Once I would go I would be gone. What about……………..

I just hit the the warm water with a splash. Six long seconds went by as small ripples that became bubbles rose to the surface. I gasped for air. I looked around and found myself in a large clear swimming hole with vines crawling up the edge of the cliff.

I took a breath and entered the blue water once again. Small electric blue streaks formed around me and disappeared at my every movement. My eyes squinting as the water washed out. I returned to the surface. My eyes were red and burning. The salt water entered my mouth. I wanted to spit it out but something came to mind. How was I going to get out? I was going to do it. I was going to climb the ladder. Maybe.