A strong wind blew his lustrous black hair into disarray as a young man in his twenties balanced himself carefully on a narrow ledge on top of a high-rise building.

My name is Oliver, Oliver Reyes. Honestly, I’m not even sure if that is my real name.

His dark brown overcoat fluttered wildly like an eagle preparing to fly as the mighty wind continued to roar. Oliver lifted his head, observing the gloomy weather above.

Will you look at that? Even the dark clouds agreed with me to the decision I’m about to make, a sad day to a bitter ending of my enigmatic, pathetic life.

Oliver took a deep breath while his lips quivered.

All right, painless death option number one is too late now. I don’t have any sleeping pills on me for an overdose, but the idea of drifting away and not waking up as you die peacefully in your sleep is a painless way to go and romantic too. Wait a sec, who am I kidding? Suicide is never romantic. Only losers take their own life, and I’m one of those losers.

He slumped his shoulder, shaking his head.

Painless death option number two is also out of the question since I don’t have a gun. The brain will be dead before it receives any message from the pain receptors. You have to make sure that the bullet hits your insula. It should be easy, like turning on a light switch. Now, hold your horses. I don’t deserve any of these painless death options. For me, it has to be dramatic. For me, it must be a painful way to go.

He smacked his right palm to his forehead.

That leaves me with option number three, jumping to my death. Let’s imagine now if I take one more step and leap off this building.

Whoa. At this height, death option number three seems a good choice if you are into extreme pain and gore. There’s no truth to the saying that you’ll be dead before you hit the ground.

When we fall, our muscle tenses up, creating more anxiety than you can ever imagine. And the horror we experience during the fall, knowing full well of our imminent outcome, your poor heart.

Terminal velocity reaches 120 miles per hour, with wind resistance, as in your arms and legs all spread out like an eagle. Minus resistance, you can drop as fast as 200 miles per hour, but it doesn’t matter. Falling is not what kills you. It’s the sudden deceleration. That sudden impact to the ground is the killer.

The impact causes all of your cells to rupture. Blood vessels are torn open, including those inside your brain. Your aorta disconnects from your heart, creating massive internal bleeding. Your blood splatters everywhere. I can tell you. It’s not a pretty sight. Most of your bones, your skull, and your spine shatter into several pieces.

The funny thing is, your body can bounce or be buried deep into the ground, just like those silly cartoon shows. And you feel every inch of pain after impact, right before you die. Unfortunately, you don’t die instantly. It takes quite a while. Now, that is a messy way to go.

So, to all losers out there who are planning to leap off to their death — don’t do it. Just don’t. Anyway, back to me now.

He licked his lips while closing his eyes.

Everything is terrible. I cannot remember anything from my past. I have no records or data whatsoever here in the Philippines or probably even the entire planet. They told me I must be an abandoned child. Growing up with no parents, I know nothing about them if I have any siblings or other relatives that may still be alive. I have nobody to turn to, nothing to live for, like a ghost if I disappear, I won’t be miss at all.

Turning to his left, he viewed the urban landscape that stretched as far as the eyes could see.

Christian, my boss, and my friend, or so I thought. Well, you found me, believed in me, and supported me. I would never have succeeded without your full financial backing. Thank you, sincerely.

He stared to his right, admiring the orange glow of the sunset.

It looks like the calm before the storm, or should I say — my fall from Grace.

He inhaled deeply, closing his eyes as tears streamed down his cheeks.

I love my work, but I didn’t know I was lonely until you came along. Something just hit me, and I suddenly knew my life would never be complete without you.

Grace, you ignited me with this new weird feeling that I had never felt before. The moment I saw you, I was instantly drawn to you, wanting to be near you. As I approached you, my heart beat faster. When you stared right back at me, I couldn’t maintain eye contact. And when we finally talked — I just wanted to get out of there, but yet, I wanted to stay with you.

I couldn’t explain why, but I knew right away that I have a new mission. I needed to discover what was causing me to feel this way. And thankfully, you showed me. You made me understand. For the first time in my life, I experienced love. I was missing one bright spot in my dull, boring life — and that was you, Grace.

Never in my life had I thought of hurting you, but I still managed to do that. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I will never forgive myself, even when I’m gone from this cruel world.

He rubbed his icy hands together while preparing to jump.

Hold on. Wait a minute. I just had a new revelation. I am beginning to understand. Oliver Reyes, you are just being melodramatic, but are you going to end your life because of some lover’s quarrel? You’re not a loser, just an emotional moron. Come to think of it — all suicide attempts are impulsive. So, stop acting like an imbecile and grow up.

Oliver stepped down from the ledge, laughing as he shook his head in disbelief.

So, Mr. Nincompoop, you almost jump. What an idiot. Oliver, listen carefully. You need to go out there, find Grace, and show her how brilliant you are. Wait, I am thirsty again. I need water.

His mobile phone surprised him with its ring. He chuckled as he read the display.

I think my heart just skipped a beat, and these butterflies in my stomach are not helping either.

He inhaled deeply, holding his breath, then exhaling right before answering his phone.

“Hello, Grace. I’m so happy you called. I was just thinking about you, and I felt like an emotional wreck a few moments ago. Are you still mad at me? I hope not because I am madly in love with you.”

Oliver closed his eyes, waiting for her reply.

It’s nerve-racking. I’m on pins and needles, just at the edge of my seat. And I’m sweating like a pig.

He finally heard her voice.

“Oliver, for a smart scientist — you are such an idiot. Stop being melodramatic again. Anyway, you were right. Sorry, but I was too stupid to not listen to you. I found out something horrible, and I need you. You’re the only person I know that can help me.”