Leap of Faith

I look down.

It's a long way down. Not the kind of drop most would survive. I'm sure I wouldn't, not with my tiny, frail body. Hitting the ground is not what I am built for.

I am on top of a tall building. I can't say anything more about it than that it's tall and noisy. Also a bit bright. It scares me, but jumping scares me more.

I still prepare. Take a few steps back from the edge to make it feel less scary. It doesn't help. I try to run forward, and I stop. It's too high. Too dangerous. Too new.

Another looks at me. I see disapproval in her eyes.

They tell me I should go. Jump. There's nothing to be scared of.

But I know there is. I looked. I saw. We're a long way up. It will hurt.

I hesitate.

And then everyone else starts moving. They run towards the edge

I need to go. I see them approach the edge.

The others jump off one by one. I am still scared, but I don't want to be late. The thought of being left behind is not pleasant.

I run too. Forward, as fast as I can. I hope going fast and with everyone else will make it feel less scary.

It doesn't.

We jump, we all jump.

For a moment I am in midair and worry I will fall.

But then I spread my wings and fly away together with all the other birds.

We take flight into the distance.