He used to jump regularly when he was serving time in the air force, but not anymore.
He no longer jumped in the service of his country. No, he only wrote about it now. Journalism had taken the place of action. It wasn’t the same. He wasn’t sure why he came back here every few years to do it again; why he came back to pay for a jump. Cash down for a regular twelve thousand feet; just one turn of the altimeter, no need for oxygen apparatus. Was this just a way of kindling old memories? He didn’t think so. Was it a way of proving to himself that he was still up to it? No, not that either. Maybe, he just did it to break the monotony of his humdrum existence. That was probably closer to the truth than anything else.
It will never be known how the strap holding the chute-pack came free, but when it did, the whole thing got violently ripped off and tossed away. The incredible force of the wind grew stronger as he plummeted. The indescribable terror that took hold of him held fast for the longest time before changing, softening somehow. The horror of it was moving through some strange and incomprehensible transition, through to something else. Something calming. Along with this sense of growing euphoria came the image.
Blinding at first, then softening to show the full glory of the Archangel Gabriel, the great messenger of God. Gabriel, who traditionally helps journalists, writers, artists and teachers to convey their messages. Gabriel, with spreading arms and colossal wings. Wings, that would sweep together to form a loving embrace. Wings, waiting to break his fall. Into them, he fell. The peace and tranquillity of the moment he left the body, a thing no longer required. Who could have possibly imagined such a peaceful and happy way to go?
A strong smell of disinfectant stung his nostrils. He could hear buzzing and clicking behind his bed.
The damage to the fruit farmer’s netting was extensive. The tree that took the brunt of the fall would have to be replaced. The God-fearing owner of the land, knowing the circumstances, made no claim of any kind.
Despite all this… the man in the bed gave thanks to Gabriel.