Work Text:
A sharp breeze cut through the nighttime forest but she didn’t feel it. She couldn’t feel much anymore. Physically the sundress did little to stop the frigid temperature from numbing every expanse of skin it touched. The heels that went with the dress were forgotten miles back. Neither were appropriate for the weather but none of that would matter for much longer.
She allowed the sounds of the forest to drown out the concerns of her mind. 50 more feet. Even in the dark, creatures were active. Bats chittered in the air. Raccoons and possums slunk through the undergrowth, trying to get out of the way of the person walking through their forest at such a strange time. 25 feet. In the distance, a much larger being could be heard. Sticks crack and leaves crunch far away. ‘At least the animals will find use in my body.’ 5 feet. The destination was reached.
At the edge of hill currently being stood on was a sheer drop. ‘This should be high enough.’ A bunch of rock shards rained down, down, down, as she toed the edge of the cliff. Freezing fingers of wind reached out and grabbed at her, inviting the final step. 1 foot. The noises of the forest continue in spite of the action about to take place. The lives of the animals won’t be effected by this choice.
A deep breath is taken and released, creating a damp cloud of a final breath. The ground disappears with a final step. Emptiness, internal and external. One second falling the next an abrupt stop. Pain starts to seep into the corners of her consciousness. Aches and broken bits distantly throbbing. The forest goes quiet for a minute, as if spooked by a loud impact. ‘Oh that was me.’ She closes her eyes and lets the pain and cold drift her mind off into eternity.
However, the forest continues with its life. The bats continue to fly, the possums and raccoons go back to foraging, and the large creature in the distance speeds up its approach.