Jump

Ever since his first jump he was clearly the best. He took to jumping like a fish to water. He had traveled the world fascinating any spectators who had nerve enough to watch him. His dazzling antics and apparent apathetic attitude towards being animate were certainly enough to excite anyone. It was obvious to see that Carter Mathews was born to bungee jump. Now at twenty-five years old he was about to embark on the most dangerous jump of his life. 1

It took roughly three months to build the temporary bridge over the Grand Canyon because of its massive width. Overall the project cost an estimated 2.5 million dollars, which was no big deal for Carter. He had made so much money, by performing his death defying stunts, that 2.5 million was practically nothing.2

The jump was scheduled for two o’clock that afternoon and as the technician crew prepared the setting, Carter was in his small mobile trailer preparing himself for his jump. 3

Outside a crowd of people began to gather by the canyons edge to witness this fantastic event. There was, of course, a fee of ten dollars to enter the area. Local vendors had arrived and were setting up their colorful, attractive, kiosks. There was a podium set up at the edge of the canyon and Carter was scheduled to appear at one thirty and give a short speech.4

Spectators began to get antsy when one thirty finally arrived and Carter hadn’t been there that exact moment. But his agent kept assuring the crowd that he was on his way.5

When Carter finally arrived, the standing ovation he received seemed to last forever. He just kept waving and thanking them for being so kind. When the crowd finally settled down Carter began his speech.6

Not too far away, on the temporary bridge, two workers sat eating their lunch and listening to Carters diatribe. Their nametags read ‘Joe’ and ‘Steve’.7

“Look at him, just sitting up there looking down on everybody.” Steve said, “Its like he thinks he’s better than us or something. I mean, what has he ever really contributed to society? Nothing, that’s what!”8

“Relax, he’s just an entertainer. That’s his job. Not to work, but to entertain.” Joe replied.9

“But I don’t get what’s so entertaining about watching a man jump off a bridge attached to a giant rubber band and come right back up. It’s pointless to me, and stupid.” Steve continued to argue.10

“Give it a rest man. Look he’s done talking. He’s gonna jump now.” 11

“Who cares?”12

“They do, Steve, they do” Joe said referring to the massive crowd of people who were growing rowdy with cheers and noise.13

Carter stepped up to the small stage constructed in the middle of the bridge. Joe and Steve both put down their lunches and rushed over to help secure Carter for his jump. They put three sets of metal clamps around his ankles and locked the bungee cords in as tight as they would go. They backed away.14

“You’re all set for you jump, Mr. Mathews.” Steve said.15

“Whatever.” Carter answered in a rather condescending tone.16

As the two workers walked away Joe noticed that Steve seemed completely unaffected by Carters rude remarks.17

“What’s up?” Joe said.18

“What do you mean?”19

“Why didn’t you blow up on Carter? He was really rude to you.”20

“I decided to hold my tongue.”21

“Whoa. Now I know something’s wrong. You’re known, and mostly disliked, for being so outspoken. Why hold your tongue this time?”22

“Well,” Steve said, “sometimes actions speak louder than words.”23

They both turned around and watched as Carter jumped off the ledge soon followed by his severed cord.24