Keith Odell and Michelle Lavigne strapped themselves into the tandem parachute, bound together as tightly as conjoined twins.
The secure hold must have provided Michelle with a deep sense of safety as he guided her through the sky.
Meanwhile, I stood frozen, a wave of panic crashing over me as I stared at the remaining parachute.
A gaping hole marred its surface, the culprit had been brazen enough to leave behind the needle that had caused the damage, as if daring me to defy fate—
“You might as well just die!”
The hot air balloon drifted past the edge of the cliff, and I glanced down into the abyss, the depths stretching endlessly below me.
I closed my eyes and leaped, my unborn child with me.
The intense sensation of freefall gripped me as if my soul was being wrenched from my body.
I could see myself from above, my body plunging through the thick fog like a discarded rag doll, hurtling toward death at terrifying speed.
Memories of the past surged into my mind.
I had just learned how to skydive when I found out I was pregnant. I had planned to surprise Keith with the news on his birthday but now, it seemed, he wouldn’t have cared after all.
Only moments ago, I had begged him over and over again, “I’m pregnant, please, take me first.”
His patience had worn thin. “Chelle is terrified of heights, and she has a heart condition. I can’t leave her alone. If you’re going to fake a pregnancy, at least pick a better time.”
“I swear, I’m not lying!”
He was furious. “Astrid! Could you just be reasonable and stop causing trouble for everyone?”
Keith ignored me completely as he fastened the parachute’s safety straps around Michelle.
Meanwhile, I was on the verge of disaster.
I watched the two of them as they drifted away, showing no signs of concern.
Keith even slowed their descent, as though they were taking time to admire the scenic view below.
It didn’t matter if I died, but I couldn’t bear the thought of my unborn child never getting the chance to see the world.
I quickly called for help.
“Miss Copperfield, please remain calm,” the operator said when the call connected.
“First, reduce the weight in the balloon by discarding any unnecessary items. That will slow your descent.”
I followed the instructions, throwing out everything I could.
