THE JUMPER

The Rogue Speaks:

The Jumper

"Jump! Jump! Jump!"

Miriam heard the sound before she heard the words.  A crowd of people in the street chanted, and gazed upward.  Fire trucks and police cars were parked haphazardly.  Miriam was less than a block from her wealthy father's high-rise apartment.  A sad and cryptic voice-mail had prompted her to visit him, bringing with her his favorite deli sandwich for a quick lunch.  The death of Miriam's mother several months earlier had left him lost and lonely, and she was hoping that her surprise visit would cheer him up a bit.

Her eyes followed those of the chanting crowd, up the side of the high-rise, to the twenty-second floor.  There she saw her father, his legs dangling from the top of his balcony, and his snow white hair blowing in the Windy City breeze.

"Dad!" she screamed,  in horror.  The world suddenly became surreal, and her knees gave out.  She dropped to the curb and vomited.

To be continued...


I'll bet you thought you'd have to wade through another of my political or religious rants for Alphabe-Thursday, the creation of Jenny Matlock, our fearless teacher. Well, I'm getting tired of the political process.  It's just so predictable these days.  I'd much rather watch re-runs while eating extra-dark chocolate squares.  I'll show up when it's time to vote, though!!  I made this extra short so you would have plenty of time to read the other students' lessons on Jenny's blog. HOWEVER, first please check out another Jumpers post.  It will kind of take your mind off the sadness of this one.

Now, I'm off to be one of the "ladies who lunch" with my Best Friend Artist.