Skydiving life

September 2, 1995

Today was a beautiful day to jump. There was not a cloud in the sky, and the air was crisp and fresh. I was all geared up, ready to board the airplane, when I saw Kev. He was talking to the instructor and looking my way. I pretended not to notice him, but deep inside, my heart was racing faster than the airplane engines. I had never felt this way before, not even with my other boyfriends. I couldn’t explain it, but I knew I wanted to get closer to him.

The airplane was ascending to 3500 feet, and it was my turn to jump. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and jumped headfirst into the unknown. It was a magical feeling, as if I was flying free like a bird. For a few seconds, I forgot all my troubles and felt invincible. Then, I pulled the ripcord, and my parachute opened smoothly. I looked around, and I saw Kev gliding like an eagle next to me. He smiled and waved, and, for a moment, nothing else mattered but the two of us in the sky.

We landed safely, and everyone cheered. I was happy, but I couldn’t ignore the fact that I felt something special for Kev. I wanted to talk to him, but I didn’t know how to approach him. Then, fate intervened, as it often does. Kev came over to me and asked if I wanted to grab a bite to eat with him. I was surprised but ecstatic. Of course, I said yes.

We went to a nearby diner, and we talked for hours. It was effortless to talk to him, as if we had known each other for years. He was smart, funny, and charming. He listened to me and shared his own stories. I…