We run through large forests, shoe factories, and a seemingly endless number of basketball courts, but never feel safe enough anywhere. We run and keep running for so long that I can't remember who or what I am running from. Only a sense of fear, like an ever-present shadow, clings to our heels, pushing us forward on our journey to security.

Mid-leap, I twist back and see him: Mr. Krauth. A tall 6ft grumpy man, who is also the director of transportation at my school.

But we can't run forever, our bodies physically can't handle that, right? We come to a stop, however, not due to exhaustion or the waning of our determination, but because we reach the edge of a vast, vast waterfall. Labeling the waterfall, wherever that is, as "vast" doesn't do it justice; it is the greatest thing I have ever seen. A sight that defies mortal comprehension, somewhat resembling the exceptional Niagara Falls, but on a completely different scale. Tons and tons of water flow every second, yet it strangely remains silent, as if the strong streams of water, once energized and alive, turn into motionless objects as they fall into the abyss below. It occurs to me that the sheer depth of the cliff prevents the sound from reaching our ears, creating an eerie stillness in the air. This enormous sight extends for miles and miles, as far as the eye can see.

My friends and I are utterly breathless as the cliff brings us a sense of peace and calmness. But alas, our time is ticking: Mr. Krauth – with his piercing determination – manages to find us. He quickly walks up to one of my friends, who is peering down the cliff, and pushes him. I watch as his silhouette is swallowed by the mists, and the body disappears from my sight. I see my other friends leap into the abyss, and without much thought, I make a split-second decision to throw myself off the cliff.

The air pierces through my body as I fall headfirst through the mists and clouds. Despite the thick fog, I keep sight of all my friends, three hopeless bodies tumbling down the sides of the cliff. In this instant, there is no chaos, but only peace; my mind is sharper than ever, clear of any distractions and daydreams. I am in the moment.

We break through the clouds and I am immediately blinded by my next sight. A vast ocean, brighter than the brightest blue, encompasses my entire field of vision. There is nothing but water surrounding me, the waves like little folds on a bed sheet growing clearer and clearer every passing second. Amidst the beauty of this surreal moment, a quick thought occurs.

“Am I going to die?”

Throughout my life death has remained an obscurity, hidden behind the veil of the unknown. And now as I dive towards the vast expanse of the ocean, I will soon find out what death really is. I fix my eyes directly ahead of me, staring down exactly where I am to fall. The water approaches my face. I keep my eyes open till the very last moment.

The sensation of dampness engulfs my body. I wake up, not in the vast ocean which I was headed towards, but in a small puddle. As I lift my head up I realize I am lying amidst a forest floor, surrounded by flowers and trees. I can’t find any of my friends who I was falling with, I am completely alone. The forest watches me in silence, welcoming me with its ethereal peacefulness. I have no worries, none of that even exists here, only peace, comfort, and calm. There is a small wooden cabin to my right which I take note of as I pick myself up, and—

—RING RING RING

Please take me back. I crave the peace.