The Jumper
“I am just calling to tell you that I have had enough. The medical tests came back positive.”
“Where are you, Sis?”
“I’m at Honeymoon Rock.”
“What is the weather like?”
“The weather is beautiful and the sea is balmy. Never mind the weather report. That is not why I am here.”
“How did you get there? You are not supposed to drive with the deteriorating vision in your left eye. The doctor said that it would take at least six weeks to heal after the last operation.”
“I consulted with the doctor this morning and he basically told me that I would never be able to drive again. The cancer has returned and the eye is damaged beyond repair; no further surgery will help. I’m going to lose the eye, Mary!”
“You took a hell of a risk driving all the way out to Honeymoon Rock. Are you alone?”
“Yes, I am alone … very alone.”
“I take it that you can still see well enough out of your right eye.”
“Of course I can. Otherwise I would not have been able to drive out here. You are not making any sense, Mary. But then again, you have always harped on the nonsensical things and it irritates the shit out of me.”
“Don’t swear. It is not becoming of a lady to swear.”
“You might be the eldest, but don’t lecture me. I’m sorry now that I have called you.”
“Why did you call, Sarah?”
“I am going to jump. I have reached the end of my tether.”
“Still, why call me?”
“I did not want to leave my car here unattended – with the high crime rate in this area the wheels would surely be stolen long before they even find my body on the rocks below.”
“Wait! I’m coming to you.”
“Why? You won’t stop me.”
“No, I don’t want to stop you. I am going to push you off the cliff in case you should change your mind. This is the third time in so many months that you have threatened to commit suicide. I’ve had about as much as I can take of your selfish behaviour. Worried about the car wheels being stolen? Hell, you are not right in your mind! I’m going to ring off now and will be there in fifteen minutes.”
Half an hour later Mary’s front door bell rang. Sarah was standing there, pale and shaking with rage: “It is way past the fifteen minutes that you have said that it would take you to get there.”
“Come inside, Sarah. I have a bottle champagne chilling and some canapés plated; some of your favourites (no olives).”
“You are the worse sister that anyone could wish for.”
“Dry your tears and let’s celebrate our differences and my uncaring nature. Cheers!”
“I am not supposed to drink alcohol with my medication. You know that. Are you trying to kill me?”
“Come, put the glass down and give me a hug. We can argue later.”
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