It was late in the afternoon. The temperature had dipped because the sun had begun to set. Its fresh colors brushed on the sky as if Van Gogh himself drew those rays. 

The orange globe stood bold and proud, a reflection of dawn, boasting that its departure was all but temporary, a promise that it will rise again, like her suffering and emptiness.

Her emotions had long since disappeared. She couldn't cry even if she tried because all that remained was an empty vase, dried up and broken after countless use. A lifeless shell, one that could easily float like those leaves dancing through the wind. Not a care in the world because the most painful experience was behind them. They managed to break free from the strong, overpowering oak tree. During which they gained the thing they craved the most, boundless freedom.

Irvana closed her eyes and pushed her head back to welcome the cool breeze that brushed along her skin and light brown curls. She could almost feel herself float along with those joyous leaves. She felt light and calm, a sense of peace she hadn't felt in a long time. As if time was at a standstill and nothing else in the world mattered.

Even though it wasn't a windy day, somehow, coupled with the passing cars and the large body of water below, standing on the bridge created a different atmosphere.

Moreover, Manhattan was congested and full of chatter like any other big city. But here alone, apart from the traffic noise behind her, it felt slightly different. Besides, it felt lucky that no one had stopped to ask her what she was doing up here.

And more importantly, NO Tommy. 

The thought disrupted her sense of calmness and sent shivers down her spine. Her chest tightened, and it suddenly felt like strong familiar hands crawling up her skin, reaching for her throat.

"Ah!" She gasped, leaning over the railing, facing down at the massive river that rushed wide and fast, flanking itself along the edges of the piers that held it together. A couple of deep breaths helped calm down.

Meanwhile, her eyes locked down the dark surface beneath. The more she listened to the splashing sounds, the more it drew her in. An intriguing invitation, one she felt compelled to accept —an enticing promise.

"How cold was the water at this time of year anyway?" she wondered. She assumed the fall would be at least 150 feet down before impact. Will her death be instant? Or would she suffer as the icy water kept her below the surface while she slowly drowned and froze to death?

The idea of fighting for air as persistent water gushed down her throat sent chills all over her body. Although she was extremely afraid of height, that fact didn't seem to faze her nonetheless. She had already made up her mind.

Two years ago, she would've never imagined herself at this very moment. Her heart began to race as she envisioned her story finally coming to an end. 

 "...No!" She shook her head sideways, refusing to think about the past any further. "What difference would it even make now anyway?... Yup, it's already decided. There's no going back now." 

She took a deep breath, closed hers, and pulled her flowy dress up slightly towards her knees?

"This is it."

"Are you going to jump or not?"

Startled, she turned around to where the voice had originated. She might have almost died of a heart attack rather than drowning. She hadn't expected anyone to notice her until it was too late.