//------------------------------//
// Chapter 19 
// Story: Tavi and Vi 
// by Master Koschei 
//------------------------------//

	It’s a funny thing, staring death in the face.  Yet here I am, wind whipping my hair into my face as I stand on top of this ten-story building.  I figure this should be far enough to get the job done.  No pain when I land.  Just quick release.  I look down over the edge and felt like I was about to fall; I take a small step back, not quite ready.
I look up into the sky, watching the clouds slowly drift by.  I look down once more and see all the people milling about, unaware of what I am about to do.
Why won’t anyone stop me?
I place a careful foot on the ledge, then the other, slowly standing up. The wind has died down, but I still feel unsteady here.  I look out across the town, looking at all the rooftops.  I silently wonder how many other people have done what I’m about to do.
Please someone stop me
I look to the sky one last time.  I see a bird flying freely through the air.  I smile at it, knowing I can do that too.  All I have to do is take this one step forward and believe.  Then I’ll be free.  And I’ll never forget.
I don’t want to die…
I take a deep breath.
DOCTOR SAVE ME!
And then he’s there.  That wonderful, amazing, stupid man is there.  He’s yelling at me, but I don’t hear him.  He’s slowly getting closer, arms outstretched.  Some part of me wants to go to him, to hold him close and never let go and be ok with forgetting again.
But another part of me wants to smile at him, spread my arms and fall.
Which one will win, I wonder?  Will I simply give up everything to fly away someone I’m not, or will I go home with this person who really loves me and forget everything again?
I want my Doctor back!
He’s on the ledge with me now.
He’s holding my hand in his.
He’s looking directly into my eyes with those gorgeous, intelligent brown ones of his.
“If you’re going,” he says quietly, squeezing my hand.  “Let’s go together.”
He smiles at me, his smile that always made me feel warm and fuzzy inside.
And then we’re firmly on the roof, and I’m crying into his chest, and he’s holding me tight, and I can’t stop crying, and he’s shushing me, and he’s running his fingers through my hair.  He’s telling me everything is ok, that he’s always going to be there for me, that it’ll all be fine.
And I believe him.
And I smile.
He smiles back.  “I love you” he tells me.
“I l-love you, t-too,” I stutter.