Things to Do on the Edge of a Building

by Eckhouse

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You are standing on the edge of a building.

It’s neither your job nor your wish to be at this place, but you are there nevertheless. No railing exists that would prevent you from stepping off, but then no railing is typically necessary for the roof of a building filled with machinery. A railing would be of great comfort now, given the eighty floors of said building between you and the parking lot.

Despite calm conditions when last you were at ground level, there is a steady wind at this height punctuated by cold, sharp gusts. Once such gust momentarily pulls at your equilibrium, causing a surge of adrenaline that pricks your fingertips. The risk of falling and hazardous weather patterns notwithstanding, the view on your city from this vantage point is undeniably beautiful. Having the perspective to see such a number of people moving with each other, with the noise reduced to a distant drone, is oddly peaceful.

The five men behind you with weapons trained at your head, however, are not peaceful.

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Comments

Average Reader Rating: 5.0 stars out of 5

  1. Things to Do on the Edge of a Building

    Blusparrow's Buddy Icon Blusparrow

    Posted 9 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    wow
    looks like a good story starter! keep it going!

  2. Things to Do on the Edge of a Building

    someday_93's Buddy Icon someday_93

    Posted 9 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    This is awesome…I thought maybe suicide at first, and then the last line…wow. Really, really great writing! I agree with Bluesparrow, you could make a whole story out of it if you want, or just leave it at this. Both ways, amazing.

  3. Things to Do on the Edge of a Building

    Storykeeper of Fae's Buddy Icon Storykeeper of Fae

    Posted 8 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    WOW ! AMAZING ! I didn’t see the ending coming, you had me agape with awe with the line about equilibrium and adrenaline. Goosebumps, man! This is the best ficlet I’ve read in a while!

    LoA

  4. Things to Do on the Edge of a Building

    uselessness' Buddy Icon uselessness

    Posted 8 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Agreed, this was a great read! Very well done. I was so inspired, I wrote a sequel. :-)

  5. Things to Do on the Edge of a Building

    RunningWithScissors' Buddy Icon RunningWithScissors

    Posted 8 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    woah! 80 floorss!! dudee thatd be one button filled elevator. ;]

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