Freefall

Freefalling...

Smoke and flames erupted, dispelling Angel’s orange aura, and leaving me alone to fall to my death.

Despite my inevitable plummet to my death, I could still appreciate the clarity offered above the clouds. A vast expanse of blue and white for miles in all directions. The sun positioned above all, looking down on Earth and its inhabitants. If I were a god, this is where I would make my kingdom. My kingdom would serve as a reminder to my subjects of my otherworldly omnipotence.

Views like this are what proves to me that there is a higher power of some sorts. Not from the physical sight itself, but the extensional humbleness that it instills in us. Reminding us that we are only human, and that there are things beyond our realm of comprehension. Rendering us a short moment of calmness to reminisce and reflect on our life. 

Daring us to ask ourselves...

Was it all worth it?

Will anyone care that I die?

What is my legacy?

So few of us ever are aware enough to ask ourselves and answer truthfully. I don’t know if I’m aware enough to answer, or I just don’t give a f**k at this particular moment.

I am falling from the upper levels of the atmosphere to the ground below without a parachute, it doesn’t matter what I answer. No one will know my answers except for me. I don’t care to answer. I’m content with dying and allowing those still alive to define my legacy. 

Was I a b*****d?

Yes.

Have I killed people?

Yes.

Am I a bad guy?

I don’t know. That is for everyone else to decide.

I give myself five to ten minutes before I end up making my own grave. I’m fine with that.  If this is my time, so be it, but I’m going to enjoy these last moments. Slowly, I rotated myself from my stomach to my back, crossing my hands behind my head and allowing my feet to cross as well. 

I rummaged through my utility belt for one last smoke. I was in luck.  It seemed Angel forgot to take my e-cig. Who would have thought that a long drag of some nicotine infused syrup, and a large release of strawberry kiwi smelling vapor would be so relaxing at this altitude. 

The clouds being produced by my awful habit fall in comparison to the natural beauty of the real deal. Breaking through the clouds, I was blessed with the most gorgeous view of Steelport. 

I have a belief that cities and places can take on human qualities in a sense from how much the people have impacted the specific area. In Steelport’s case it decided to adopt human’s pride, developing a photogenic personality over the time it has been inhabited. 

Nestled in a humble valley at the point the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers meet to form the Ohio river, lies the once steel producing titan known as Steelport. The rivers bend and twist their way through the area, leading to a somewhat “janky” city layout that somehow manages to work. Despite the chaotic layout and its aquatic curves, it made it all work with many bridges. In all her jankness, the city of Steelport at sunset is a sight to behold.

The sun’s rays were piercing through the thin layers of cloud over the city, and there wasn’t a grey cloud in sight. Yet, for some unknown reason there was an unusual heaviness to the air. Breathing wasn’t any different from before, except with each breath I could feel the air. Gently tickling my throat, the air made its way to my lungs before a tingling surge appeared in my chest.

No longer was I able to glide my limbs with ease through the air. It felt more like I was swimming than falling.

What the f**k is going on?

Breathing became harder and harder with each new breath I took in. The tingling sensation began to spread out over the rest of my body. No longer did I have toes or fingers. In their place were bundles of nerves throbbing with some unaccounted-for energy. My lungs were no longer filled with air, I could feel the soupy liquid splashing about inside. My vision had left me with nothing more than a narrow view down a tunnel surrounded in racing orbs of white, gray, and black.

“COWBOY SPOTTED! DOES ANYONE HAVE A SHOT!?”

Who the hell is that? What the f**k are they going to shoot me with?

"TAKING THE SHOT!"