You Should’ve Talked To Us

She stood on the hill, looking out at the ocean. The waves crashed onto the shore and wet the sand. The wind blew away her hat. It was cold, and a storm was coming. In the distance, she could see a small house. She wondered who lived in there. Whoever it was, they were probably having a great time. She imagined them eating pastries and playing board games with their family. If only she could have that…

She sat at her kitchen table. Her phone was silent. No one cared enough to text anymore.

She had cut off her family months ago. All her friends stopped talking to her after. Why? No one understood. She had lost her will to live.

I’m depressed.

I want to do it again.

The scars on her arm were now accompanying new ones.

Take a walk.

It’ll clear your head.

Are you listening…?

She was listening. She put on her sneakers and left.

It’s cold.

Where should I go?

The beach.

Ok.

She walked to the beach. The wind was loud and cold. She should’ve worn her coat. Next time, she’ll wear her coat. She passed the shops and cafes. There was this one woman, sitting with her boyfriend. They kissed. They’re happy.

I’m not.

She was now at the beach. The ocean was loud. She was standing on a hill. Around her, she could see the dead grass move in the wind. It’s cold outside. She kept walking.

It’s been an hour.

I know.

Don’t you want to go home?

No.

Alright.

She kept walking. An hour passed. Two? She had lost track of time. She ended up on a cliff.

How did I get here?

You zoned out.

The cliff was high. She could see the waves. They looked like they were hugging the sharp, jagged rocks at the bottom of the cliff. A single, silent tear trickled down her face. She took a step towards the edge. One more step. One more. She was right at the edge.

What would happen if you jumped?

Don’t you want to know?

No, I don’t.

You do.

I do.

She looked down. The cliff was really high.

An hour passed. She was still standing there. The edge of the cliff was so close. The waves were practically begging her. It was usually a beautiful place. Not today.

It was raining now.

Just one more step.

You can do it.

Listen to me.

You want this and you know it.

Her mind was right. So, so close. So easy to… just jump. Baby steps. She took baby steps. It was cold. Sunset. Rain. So close. Cold. Getting dark.

Jump.

Jump.

Jump.

She took another baby step. Last one and it’s over. Just one step. It’ll be quick. Cold. Jump.

Now.

Jump.

Do it.

DO IT!

She jumped. Her head hit a rock. It was getting dark. The water was freezing. She took her last breath.

“Hey, I’ve called you a couple times and you haven’t answered yet. We’re getting worried, please call back.”

Voicemails.

Missed calls.

Texts.

Her phone was blowing up. It had been three days and no one knew what happened. They did care after all. She could’ve stayed.

The police found her body a week after her death. Her family cremated her.

They cared after all.

They really did.

“You should’ve talked to us.”