The air was thick and humid, enveloping the city like a wet blanket. The only sound was the intermittent buzzing of a fly as the sun beat mercilessly down. The man sat with his head in his hands on the veranda of his modest home. He had been sitting there motionless for hours. He felt as though he were suffocating.

He had felt this way for quite some time–ever since his wife left. He had no acquaintances, family, or employment. It was as if he was the only person in the universe. He tried seeking help, but even seeing a therapist didn’t work. He had taken medication, but it did not affect his condition.

As he opened his eyes, it appeared the world was closing in on him. He felt as though he would be destroyed. He rose to his feet and began to pace back and forth. He had to act.

He entered the house and retrieved his keys—to find something, anything, to restore his sense of vitality. He entered his vehicle and drove away. After travelling for hours, he reached a tiny town. He inhaled the clean air and surveyed the surroundings. The town was serene and quiet. A sense of tranquilly washed over him.

The man began walking down the street with no destination in mind.

After walking for some time, he reached a park where he sat on a bench. The park was crowded with people enjoying the day. He observed the people for some time—children playing, couples strolling together, and families enjoying outings. He felt a twinge of envy. it dawned on him that he wanted what they had.

He stood up and resumed his trek. He continued his walk for some time until he reached a river. He sat on the bank and observed the passing water. He closed his eyes and listened to the water’s sound. He felt the sun shining down on him and the wind caressing his tresses.

For the first time in a while, he finally felt at ease. He felt as though he could breathe at last. Opening his eyes, he observed the river. He was aware of what he needed to do.

He stood and removed his shoes. He rolled up his trousers and entered the water. It felt a little cold at first, but he quickly got used to it. He began swimming, allowing the current to transport him downstream. He swam for a considerable distance until he reached a waterfall. He halted and observed the cascade. It was beautiful, but dangerous.

Despite knowing he had to cross the waterfall, he was terrified. He wasn’t sure if he could complete the task. Inhaling deeply, he plunged into the water. He swam as vigorously as he could, and quickly reached the waterfall. He landed with a splash in the pool below. He opened his eyes and scanned the area. He had a life.

He had survived both the waterfall and his monotonous existence. He was at last liberated. He rose to his feet and waded from the pool. He removed his drenched clothing and lay down on the grass.

He shut his eyes again and allowed the sun’s beams to stroke his face. As if the burden of the world had been removed from his shoulders, a sense of liberation swept over him. For the first time in a very long time, he felt truly alive.

The man lay in the grass for a long time, simply appreciating the sensations of the sun on his skin and the breeze in his hair. He had not felt this calm for a very long time. He eventually stood up and began walking back to his vehicle. He did not know what he would do next, but he was confident that he would be fine. He had survived both the waterfall and his monotonous existence. He was at last liberated.

He started his vehicle and drove away. Unaware of his destination, but without a care in the world, simply the satisfaction to be alive. After driving for a while, he reached a fork in the road and stopped to examine the placards. One sign directed him back to the city he had just left. The other sign showed the route to a settlement he had never been to before.

After thinking for a moment, he turned the car towards the new town. He had no idea what he would discover there, but was eager to find out. He continued driving until he reached the new town. It was small and peaceful, and appeared to be a pleasant place to reside in.

He located and checked into a motel. He was fatigued, so as soon as he entered the room, he went to bed. Having slept peacefully that night, he awoke the next morning feeling revitalised and refreshed.

He rose from his bed and proceeded to the window. He took in the view of the town below. It was a lovely day, and the town appeared tranquil and inviting.

He decided to take a stroll. He walked around the town for some time, just to get a sense for it. He met some welcoming individuals and began to feel as though he belonged here.

Eventually, he arrived at a park, sat on a bench and observed the passersby. He felt satisfied and at ease.

He knew he had discovered a new abode.

He was at last alive. He was finally liberated.