Dull green coats the top of every rock that’s piled up in the river. The sound of them gently clinking together fills the silence with a soothing song. I carefully make my way down, avoiding slipping and falling down the unstable terrain. The soft running water puts my mind at ease.

I crouch down near the pristine water and lightly dip my hand in. Hmm, y’know, I remember then when it first aired on the news, that a guy slipped and cracked his head open in this very river. To be blunt, that’s a dumb death. It’s a shallow river, for crying out loud.

I slip my old boots off and toss them aside. I roll up my pants so they don't get wet and overall unpleasant to wear. The slippery moss feels like slime squelching under my feet, almost like crushing a snail. I like this river. It always was empty of people and away from pestering civilisation. It’s a place where I can avoid socialising.

When I was a kid, I used to come here all the time with my sister to play around and be... kids. Oh, to be free of all the daunting responsibilities of being an adult. Taxes and all that. Eugh! Even the thought scares me.

I wonder if I can still jump on the rocks like I used to, just like the good ol’ times. I stand on one foot and — as if it is a game of Hopscotch— I jump from one rock to another. Then another. Then another! I’m doing it! Sure it is a bit tricky now that I am bigger and heavier and —okay— I get a mini panic attack every time the rocks wobble under my feet. But I’m doing it so who cares?

Hell, I could even do it with my eyes closed because of how good I am! I've been coming here for years. I know this place like the back of my hand. With a deep breath, I shut my eyes. I’m relaxed. More focused. I can do this. I start my journey. One rock. Two roc-

A loud sound rings through my eardrums.

What the hell? I sit up from the river still in shock. I feel fine? I feel lighter. More free?

I stand up with a grunt. My head is spinning. I look down to check if I have injured my foot or something like that.

Oh? …Oh. That makes more sense. There under me... lies me! It isn’t the prettiest of sights. Crimson blood taints the water. Wow! What a dumb death.

You'll never guess who just aired on the news.