It was dark and cold and I had my sunglasses on. The wind blew fresh off of the water, making 41 feel more like 21 – The sound of waves crashing fell in tune with my heart beats.

Eighteen floors above from a concrete grave, inviting me closer to the edge until my bare feet hung over. You could see for miles the cities intertwined together, even in the dark.

Grasping the railing, my dreams come to life. Alone, I knew I could not leave this balcony – yet, my voice refused to call out.

Inside, I was warm. My body actively trying to sober me up and pain edged back into the night. Outside, my body shook from the cold, numbing my hands to the cool metal railing.

All at once, I collapsed into the safety of the balcony gripping onto the bars securely protecting me from stepping over. My body racked with sobs.

I left my sunglasses on, contouring my vision and making everything appear darker than it truly was. I took them off.

Your voice begins to fill my head, telling me a story unwritten. REminding me that it must be finished. You told me to listen.

Maybe this time, I will.