Standing in the darkness was a man around his age. His hands were in his pockets.

He was undoubtedly handsome. So good-looking that it hurt to look at him, and you'd have to cover your own face with shame.

Handsome, except for the smile on his face that would've been better if it wasn't there.

"Are you sure you want to go through with this? It looks pretty cold down there."

Raymond turned away. He wanted to speak. He'd say, Fuck off. Leave me alone. I can do it, and his voice would come out strong and deep. Anyone who heard him would believe he meant it.

But if that were the case, he wouldn't have any reason to die in the first place.

Standing there, he thought, You must feel sorry for me, but if you knew, you'd be glad you're not me.

With such a miserable, pathetic existence, like a roach against a bright light, all he could do was retreat to the darkest corners of the room.

"Don’t be like that. If you’re going to do it, what’s the harm in a little conversation beforehand? I’m not trying to change your mind or anything, if that’s what you’re afraid of. Only, there’s got to be a better way." The man walked to the edge of the bridge. "They'll be scraping you off the rocks by morning. Or a sailor will fish your bloated body up."

"Stop it," Raymond said.

A tiredness settled in his bones. He waited for the man to leave, but no one moved.

Of all times, why now?

This wasn’t how he wanted it to go. He wanted to leave quietly and without a trace.

"I know what you’re trying to do."

"Oh, really? What am I trying to do?"

"You’re trying to talk me out of it." Anger coursed through him. "You think you're doing a favour by saving me. You want to be a good person, but you don't get it! Anyone who’s been born right wouldn’t know what I’ve gone through!"

He took a step closer to the edge. "This isn't living! I never asked for it! You people all don’t want me to do it... You don’t want me to go through with it!"

"No. I couldn't care less."

Raymond flinched. The man’s callous tone of voice was matched by his uplifted smile. Gentle and yet cruel, like he was playing with him.

His body felt heavy. His mind was drained. He didn’t know if he’d regret it tomorrow, and he didn’t dare think there was a tomorrow.

Deep in his heart, he resented the man for arriving when he did. Otherwise, it would’ve been easy.

Why did he have to make it hard?

But the man couldn’t read his mind. His gaze remained even.

He took out a gun and tossed it at Raymond.

"If you want to kill yourself, use it. But if you let me, I'll show you somewhere fun."