Sorry for not updating in so long. My life has been pretty hectic.

L is for Loser

Jamie walked quickly through the dark park. He was tired and just wanted to get home. Work seemed extra-long today. He yawned and wrapped his coat closer to his body. The park was eerily empty. The moon light turned everything a light blue color. Jamie looked forward and thought he saw someone standing on the top of the bridge over the river. He snuck closer and confirmed that there was someone up there. Jamie approached slowly. A stick snapped under his foot and the figure turned to look at Jamie.

It was a young boy, no older than 16. His face was wet with tears. He looked surprised and then angry.

"Keep walking." The boy turned back to face the river and let out a sob. Jamie took a step closer.

"Why don't you tell me your name?"

"Why don't you leave me alone?"

"My name is Jamie. And I am not leaving here until you tell me why you are up there."

"Why do you care?"

"Because I care about all of God's creatures and none of them should take their own life. So what's your name?"

"Jonathan." It was barely a whisper.

"Ok, Jonathan. What are you doing up there?" Jamie took a step closer.

"I'm a loser."

"Why do you think that?"

"That's what everyone tells me, so it must be true."

"What do you mean everyone?"

"My parents, my friends-well used to be friends and my ex-girlfriend."

"Do you believe that you are a loser?"

"I didn't before, but now I do."

"Why?"

"Because I can't do anything right. I always make my parents mad and I can never please my friends and I was too stupid to realize that I was pushing my girlfriend away." Jamie took another step closer, until he was leaning against the bridge.

"Why don't you take a seat." Jonathan hesitated and then sat. "So you think that jumping off this bridge and ending your life will solve all your problems? What about your parents? Don't you think that they will be broken because of your actions? And how will you ever be able to make up with your girlfriend if you're dead?" Jonathan looked at Jamie and then tears sprung to his eyes.

"I…I never thought of that." Jonathan hung his head. "I feel pretty stupid right now." Jamie reached out a hand and placed it on Jonathan's back.

"Don't be. You're young and this is the time for you to make mistakes and learn from them." Jonathan met Jamie's eyes.

"I just can't see how life could get any better."

"I have been in a situation like yours before. I lost one of my older brothers and then I lost my mother. I thought about doing the same thing as you, but then I realized that I still had my brother, my sister, and my dad. My point is that life will always get better. You can't reach the good if you don't go through some bad." Jonathan moved slowly and climbed down from the bridge. He stared at Jamie for a second and then wrapped him in a hug.

"Thank you so much!" Jonathan pulled back and wiped away the tears. "I never realized how much of an impact my one choice would make."

"Just remember, that life always gets better." Jonathan smiled at Jamie. "I'll walk you home."

After giving Jonathan his number, Jamie walked home and thought about the time that he was up on that bridge and Danny had to talk him down. He wiped his eyes and kept walking. When he got home a light in his apartment was on. He froze for a second and then slowly opened the door. Danny was sprawled out on the couch with a beer. He smiled when Jamie walked in.

"Thought you forgot about our plans tonight." Jamie smiled.

"No, I just had to do something at work." Danny rose and walked towards Jamie.

"Ok, then let's go." Jamie suddenly grabbed Danny and crushed him in a hug. Danny was stunned for a moment. "What's this for?"

"I just wanted to say thank you."

"For what?"

"For talking me down from that bridge, after mom and Joe."

"What are big brothers for?" Jamie released Danny. They stared at each other for a moment and then headed out the door. Jamie knew that if he needed him, Danny would always be there.