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.