"you're so brave," she said, like i had a choice. as if the alternative wasn't just… stagnation. it's not bravery when the cliff is crumbling beneath your feet, it's just physics, isn't it? gravity. the thread snaps and suddenly i'm freefalling again, but this time i packed a parachute and i think i know how to use it, more or less i hope. the parachute is just my GPS and a half-eaten bag of stale chips and mochi's disdainful glare from the passenger seat but whatever. it's something. it's practice. and maybe that's all bravery really is, just showing up to rehearsals for the real thing even when you're pretty sure you're gonna forget your lines. maybe next time i'll remember the damn water bottle. maybe next time it'll fit in the cupholder.