Oblivion

Jack shivered as he stepped out onto the deck. His bare feet chilled by the film of rain on the wooden planks. The icy North wind made his jet black hair dance and the taste of salt stung his lips. The music, light and laughter grew quieter with each step he took towards the bow. The rain pelted his face relentlessly as forks of lightning shattered the night sky. The waves pounded against the hull of the ship again and again. The rail grew ever closer as if encouraging him. Jack knew the end was drawing close. His life had spiralled out of control. Caught in a trap of chaos and misery. 'The cruise of a life time' He whispered to himself and smiled.

Thunder roared as Jack reached his destination, as if in anticipation of the climax. Jack smoothly jumped the rail and swung precariously over the front of the ship. He heard a man shout something he couldn't quite make out through the wind and the rain. He turned to see a middle aged man in uniform running towards him. He was offering help and advice but Jack had heard it all before. They said he was incurable, 'extreme paranoid Skitzophrenia' Whatever that meant. Jack simply smiled at him and toppled backwards into emptiness. He took a deep breath of cool night air as he fell. He didn't know why, it would just make it take longer.

As he dropped, weightless, it seemed to take an age. Memories and choices flashed before his eyes. And finally he hit the surface and sunk deep into the dark silent water. His limbs felt heavy, his eyelids shut, it was the end of a long, hard life. Peace at last he thought. But then instinct took hold and panic set in. He needed to breathe, he struggled, reaching for the surface and for the air he needed. Doubts began to cross his mind, what if he didn't need to die? But then acceptance returned and he began to sink down again into the depths. As the last of his breath disappeared and the orbs of precious air escaped from his lips. A light suddenly shone out from the darkness, blinding yet welcoming. As it surrounded and consumed him he knew he'd finally reached what he'd craved for so long. Oblivion.