Freefall

‘Let go of me go, please!’

Adam’s feet scraped across the grass as he struggled.

‘This isn’t funny. It’s too high!’

Salty sea air filled his lungs as they neared the cliff edge. Bile rose in his throat.

‘Billy, please! Stop!’ He begged.

The boys laughed, carelessly dragging him.

As they reached the edge, Adam scrambled to find his footing.

‘What’s wrong?’ Billy teased, ‘Not scared of a little water?’

‘Don’t be a pussy,’ chimed James, releasing him.

Adam's arms flailed as he panicked to stay upright. Waves crashed against the rocks below as his stomach somersaulted.

‘I can’t swim,’ he stammered as his face grew hot with tears.

‘Poor, little crybaby needs some arm bands,’ Billy laughed, leaning closer. ‘Did you really think you could kiss my girl, and I wouldn’t find out?’

Adam felt a heavy thud in his back; he gasped for breath as the ground below him disappeared.

Jagged rocks turned to blue sky and back again as he tumbled helplessly.

The wind howled as Adam squeezed his eyes shut and braced for impact, sucking in air and holding his breath… and holding… and holding…

He felt like he’d been falling forever.

Adam whimpered, suddenly aware he could hear the seagulls above. The wind stood still, and the sound of the angry waves settled. He wasn’t falling anymore.

He cowered; wondering if he’d died but hadn’t registered the impact. Droplets of salty water sprayed his face. Terrified, he let out a slow breath and dared to look.

He was nose to nose with the water. His body was suspended in the air just inches away from the swell of the ocean as it twinkled. Adam gasped in disbelief as scared voices from above carried over the wind; he was flying.