The Will To
Live
By Randi
Orris
He starts to change suddenly, but subtly.
A hair cut.
Less smiling.
Deeper conversations.
Blood-shot eyes.
They have no idea whats coming.
Days go by, times marches on.
One day he doesn't show up to school.
He's at home, writing a note.
"Mom, I'm sorry. Its not your fault, you've done
nothing wrong. I love
you."
He takes a breath and continues.
"Dad, I don't want to hurt you, please take care of
mom."
A tear falls.
"Baby sister, I regret the fact that you will never remember
me. I bet you'll
grow up to become a beautiful young woman."
A sob escapes his body.
"Jack, my closest friend, I'm so sorry. I didn't
want to bother you with my feelings and thoughts, but then they
overtook me. I'll
miss you."
He's losing it now.
"Amanda, my love, I'm so sorry. I'll wait for you on
the other side. I'll love you
forever."
He runs his fingers through his hair as all his feelings flow
from his eyes.
He lays back on his bed, looks at the gun.
He clutches the note to his chest, closes his eyes.
One. Last. Breath.
Barrel to his head, hands shaking.
He puts his finger on the trigger.
Suddenly, he puts the gun down.
Tears the note to shreds.
He decided then to live.
To not give up.
Ten years from then he holds his newborn daughter for the first
time.
Looks into his wife, Amanda's, eyes.
His father and best friend congratulate him.
His mother is overcome wiith joy.
His sister becomes an aunt.
Life
continued.
He
Lived.