A Tale of Second Chances

Annelise Nea Verafuente

I always wanted to believe that everything happens for a reason, that there is something else behind this black-and-white world. That there is, truly, after the rigid storm, a beautiful rainbow. A promise, that after every dreadful thing that may happen, everything will still be alright.

But then, in reality, our principles, our beliefs, everything humane could disappoint the hell out of us. If not, then why would I be here, in the busy streets of Crushane City, lifelessly walking while bumping into a series of passersby?

All the noise of the city seems to be muffled as I cross the road. How did I even get here? 

I admit, life has been too harsh lately, actually, ever since... but I always had this tiny speck of hope that never left my heart no matter what the circumstances were. Until now. 

"I am so tired..." 

I know I did everything, but in the end, it still wasn't enough. 

2 years ago my life seemed perfect, I had everything. And today, I lost everything. 

I was an A-lister student, I had promising credentials, and was on top of my class. For some people that may not be a big deal, but for someone like me who came from a lineage of successful doctors, that was everything my life had bearing for. But look at me now, shattered, broken, lost.

I can't help but look at my cellphone screen, there are so many messages, calls, and notifications. All bidding their worries and pitied condolences. Condolences? 

I closed my eyes and all of a sudden the awful events that happened earlier flashed through my mind.

"We are very sorry, Ms. Verafuente, we did everything we could, but the damages were extensive. There was just not enough time and she was losing..."

I opened my eyes feeling more out of myself as I was moments ago.

The city lights flickered faintly in the distance, but they couldn't reach her now. Everything felt dull, like a painting left too long in the sun, its colors fading to a lifeless gray. Each step felt heavier, dragging me closer to the edge, closer to that final decision she had been wrestling with for hours.

The bridge looms ahead, its steel beams silhouetted against the dark sky. As I walk closer, a chill runs through me, and the weight of my despair feels heavier. The wind bites at my skin, but it's not the cold that makes me tremble, it's the thought that I'm feeling all these while I'm standing on the edge of the bridge, not even flinching on the slight chance that one wrong move, and it's over.

Huh, over. That's not too bad.

At least I'd finally have a decision that I made for myself. A decision that I actually have control over. 

I stop at the center, staring down at the dark water below. It rushes past, indifferent, and I can't help but wonder how it would feel to let go. Would it be instant? Or would I panic, fighting for breath as the cold envelops me? Well, the real question is, do I still have something worth fighting for? 

A sob escapes my lips, raw and jagged. I clutch the railing, my knuckles white against the cold metal. My thoughts swirl, a cacophony of grief and regret. 

The memories flood in, and I can barely breathe. What had we been talking about just hours ago? What could I have said that might have changed things? My heart aches, the void inside me growing larger.

I take a step closer to the edge, my toes brushing the concrete lip. The void below beckons me with promises of release, an end to this unrelenting pain. My heart pounds wildly in my chest, a frantic reminder that it still wants to fight, even when my mind is ready to surrender. But it's over. 

And then, in the distance, I hear it—a voice. Faint but familiar.

"Don't."

I freeze, my heart skipping a beat. It's impossible. No one is here. No one cares.

But the voice comes again, more urgent this time, echoing in the silence around me.

"Don't do this."

My breath hitches as I turn, expecting to see someone, anyone—but there's only the still night, the distant hum of life continuing without me.

My mind is playing tricks, clearly. I'm losing it. But the voice lingers, so real I can almost feel its presence. It isn't just any voice; it's his. The one I lost. The one who left me in this world alone.

"Please… just don't."

The water below surges, but it no longer calls to me as strongly. The pain is still there, deep and unrelenting, but now it feels like something I can grasp, something I can hold onto instead of letting it drown me. But it was not enough, I'm here, but a part of my heart is gone.

I closed my eyes and pondered. 

I saw my life crumble in front of me. I can't go back. 

I always thought I was strong, that my resilience had a wide room of limits, and that I would not be put in a situation wherein I would be able to find out the extent of that. Well, I was so dead wrong. 

The silence presses in around me, heavier than before, and the voice fades into nothingness. I'm left alone with my despair, drowning in it like the water below. I've tried to fight, but the battle feels too long and too lonely.

I step closer to the edge, my toes now fully off the ledge.

"Maybe… maybe this will bring peace," I whisper, the words escaping as if they were a fragile secret.

I close my eyes, letting the cool night air wash over me. And in that moment, I feel a flicker of relief, as if the weight of the world is about to lift. I lean forward, surrendering to the darkness below, the finality of it all promising a release I can no longer resist.

And I let go.