ZIPPED

The darkness all around the room should have been enough for Kathy to sleep peacefully. It was becoming a routine of sorts as the same horrible dream crept into her mind again tonight. This was the fourth night and it stirred her at 3am.

The prescription for sleep her doctor recommended was not working as either had hoped. Kathy woke up screaming and sat up while shaking in bed. She tried to fight back tears but couldn't. Her thin night shirt she just laundered was completely drenched in perspiration too.

She continued to sob as the vividness of her dream just would not cease. She and her husband Roger had been happily married for fifteen years when an unthinkable and unlikely event occurred.

"Don't be afraid Kathy!" he yelled while watching her zip line for the very first time.

Urban life had treated them extremely well, but nothing could compare to the ambiance of quiet greenspace, trees, and beautiful birds chirping among the fluffy clouds and a scenic landscape.

They decided to celebrate her birthday away from the city this year. Both longed to see nature and reconnect to it too. Roger had always been adventurous before they married and refused to change even once they tied the knot.

"I'm not afraid but this is a lot higher than I thought it would be Roger Allen," Kathy replied.

She took a deep breath and whisked fearlessly from the launch pad. It was a moment like no other for her. The initial reluctance to experience this flightless effect faded from her. Kathy loved Roger's birthday suggestion.

"Woo-Hooooooooooooo!!" yelled Kathy as her voice and the echo resonated through the air. She landed safely on the second platform and quickly waved back at Roger. Kathy finally exhaled a sigh of relief and patted herself on the back.

"Yessss, I did it baby-I love you Mr. Allen!" she belted loudly.

Roger prepared himself to join her and checked his cable straps before launching from the platform.

"I love you too Mrs. Allen and here I come to get you," he laughed jokingly.

Roger was only five minutes into his zip when he felt an intense pain in his arms and chest. The overwhelming sensation of it rendered him speechless and limp. He had no control of his limbs as he zipped towards Kathy.

Only a loud thud followed Roger when he reached the second platform. He wasn't moving but was blinking very slightly. He was struggling to speak to his wife.

"Roger, Roger, Roger!" Kathy repeated and yelled while attempting to get a response from him. He only murmured softly with his eyes closed.

The mobile devices were in their SUV but it was parked over twenty minutes away from the zip platform. Kathy instinctively tried to find a pulse but there was none. Over and over "One, two, three..." she tried to resuscitate him.

"No No No No No No, Roger No wake up baby, please," she pleaded and cried. She removed the safety straps while she continued to locate a pulse but there was no use-he was gone.

"Somebody help us please, I need to call 911 or can you call for my husband!" Kathy sobbed loudly and uncontrollably.

She held Roger in her arms and kissed his forehead while tears streamed down her face unto his.

There was no one else around the zip pad area. Only large birds were flying high and close above them. Their squawks killed the harsh silence and shook Kathy to her core.

She wouldn't and couldn't leave him and decided to wait for someone, anyone visiting the park to help them.

With Roger's head lying on her lap she continued to cry and stroke his dark, curly hair. While in her dazed out moment still riddled with shock she noticed the sudden change in weather. Dark ominous clouds began to roll in and light rain showers drizzled upon them.

-THE END