Like I said…you wouldnt understand it. She hesitated here and the wild look melted out of her gaze. She now looked sad, almost lost. I suppose I have a lot to answer to?

Yes, I wont lie about that. But right now, I just need you to come with me. Come with me and we can talk it out. We can

Lisa interrupted her not by speaking, but by moving swiftly to the side of the bridge. It was so unexpected that Rachel wasnt fully aware of what the woman was doing until she was crawling over the edge and out onto the outer strut.

No! Lisa, dont do this.

Lisa got to her feet and looked back at Rachel. She was standing on the same support that the man had been standing on five minutes ago, a strut that served as the outer railthe last flat structure on the side of the bridge before the open air took over. Rachels only hope was that Lisa wouldnt go through with it. She suspected that she was living out some strange suicidal fantasy by talking these other people to their deaths and that she likely didnt actually have the fortitude to go through with it. But it was hard not to be afraid that she was wrong as Lisa stood there, less than foot from letting gravity claim her body and her life.

Please come down, Lisa. You know you dont want to do this.

How could you know that?

I know that because you fooled me. You fooled me not because you lied to me when we first spoke with you but because there was concern in your voice and the way you talked about those people youve tried to help. You do care. And youre good at what you do.

Lisa seemed to consider her words for a moment, and as she did, Rachel once again became aware of the duffel bag on her shoulder. Maybe she was going to have to use what was resting inside after all.

Im just so tired, Lisa said, inching to the side of the strut.

I know. You

Dont do that! Dont sympathize with me. You dont even know me!

Youre right, Rachel said. Slowly, she slid the duffel bag from her shoulder and held it in front of her. She unzipped it and took out its contents.

The bungee cord uncoiled as she lifted the harness out.

What is that? Lisa asked.

Its proof that I do know how you feel. Wanting to die. Not wanting to keep on with this life. Because the truth is, you dont know me, and I dont know you. Youve been keeping your depression a secret, right?