Free Falling Without a Parachute

An indescribable feeling course through me as my body plummets towards the Earth. I’ve done hundreds of dives before and yet, the moment I leap out of the plane feels the same. Every thought escapes my mind and yet, I feel so sure of myself. The moments of free fall are incredibly brief and yet, they feel like forever. The screams of the other divers slice through the air. It’s incredibly loud yet, utterly calm and serene. I know that I’m falling at 140 miles per hour but, it doesn’t feel like I am. With the wind hitting every inch of my body, it feels as if I’m floating. I’m not excited but, I’m not afraid either. I feel… triumphant. It’s as if I’ve conquered the skies and have put death at my dominion.

I know that my minute of free fall is over when the people just above me have opened their parachutes. My hand moves towards the rip cord. Wait — where the hell is it?! I could’ve sworn that I had a parachute on my back before jumping! Someone would have noticed beforehand! I’ve done this so many times! Why did I forget? I look up. I’m already miles below everyone else. The others are gently floating down while my body is still accelerating towards the ground. 

My end has begun. Thoughts flood my mind and yet, everything seems to escape from my mind. The end will be one little moment but, feel like forever. The end is roaring in my ear. It’s incredibly loud yet, completely silent. I know that gravity is pulling me faster and faster towards the ground and yet, I feel as if I am completely still within this moment. Time is frozen yet, it is rushing right past me. An indescribable feeling courses through me as my body strikes the Earth…