Sitting on the railing, he pondered the possibilities of flight. He was enveloped in a fog of despair. Just moments before his chest was bursting with joyous ecstasy. The love of his life had accepted his proposal. Her smile was radiant. She spoke of an overflowing love for him.
If there hadn’t been that accident on the bridge?
Sitting.
Waiting.
It had angered her.
Days before she’d been despondent. He thought he would reach her with his proposal.
Frustrated, she’d gotten out of the car.
She jumped.
He wanted to fly.
He wanted to lift her up in his arms.
2015©Isadora DeLaVega
Genre: Flash Fiction
Word Count: 100
To join Rochelle and her Friday Fictioneers in this challenge click here or the froggy button:
************************
What is Depression?
Depression is a real illness that impacts the brain. Anyone suffering from depression will tell you, it’s not imaginary or “all in your head.” Depression is more than just feeling “down.” It is a serious illness caused by changes in brain chemistry. Research tells us that other factors contribute to the onset of depression, including genetics, changes in hormone levels, certain medical conditions, stress, grief or difficult life circumstances. Any of these factors alone or in combination can precipitate changes in brain chemistry that lead to depression’s many symptoms. info from the Univsersity of Michigan Mental Health
************************
For more information about depression:
World Mental Health Day October, 10, 2015 – Dignity Mental Health Foundation
University of Michigan Depression Center – Mental Health
Inside the Mind of Isadora 
September 29, 2015 at 2:26 pm
Realistic and well-written story, Isadora. My husband is bi-polar and suffers from depression. It’s hard just being near it. Someone suffering from it needs help as soon as possible. — Suzanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 29, 2015 at 3:45 pm
Hi Suzanne,
It’s a very confusing illness for all who have it and for those who love someone who has it. It’s an illness that has a stigma attached.
I have friends who have it and it can be overwhelming.
I think my character didn’t realize how ill she was due to his lack of knowledge about the illness. I tried to showcase in
my story that as a man he wanted to fix her and be in control of making her feel better. Sadly, it doesn’t work that way.
Thank you for coming by for a visit. You comments are always appreciated.
Isadora 😎
LikeLike
September 28, 2015 at 3:46 am
Sad how quickly the outlook can change from happiness to depression. It is hard work keeping the black dog at bay.
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 29, 2015 at 3:42 pm
Yes, it is a very overwhelming illness and very confusing for all who have it and for those who love someone who has it.
It’s an illness that has a stigma attached. I have friends who have it and it can be overwhelming.
Thank you for coming by for a visit. You comments is greatly appreciated.
Isadora 😎
LikeLike
September 27, 2015 at 7:20 pm
I’m a little confused.
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 29, 2015 at 3:39 pm
Hi Dawn,
I’m not sure what is confusing about the story. But … here is the intent of the story.
Anyone who suffers from depression or bi-polar has ups and downs constantly. At times, within minutes of happiness
there can be severe crashes down to suicide. The illness is devastating for those who have it. Yeras ago, it wasn’t even
recognized as an illness. I have family members who suffer from these debilitating illnesses. Suicide can occur in an instant.
Her boyfriend wanted to get her out of her despondecy with the engagement. It did for a moment and then she crashed.
If it was a longer story I could have created a better description. It’s the reason why I added the explanation of depression
at the bottom. Hope this helps.
Thanks for visiting.
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 26, 2015 at 1:29 am
Wonderful story Isadora and it helps to inform people about depression. Those who have not suffered with it may have a difficult time understanding and I think your story helps resolve some confusion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 29, 2015 at 3:36 pm
Hi PJ,
I have many friends and family members who suffer in silence. The stigma of it is as devastating as the illness.
I think more informationa dn stories need to be told about how it can take over a persons life and change everything.
I’m happy you enjoyed my story and fell I’ve enlightened a few poeple out there.
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 25, 2015 at 6:40 pm
Devastating.. how quickly it can go.. and how little we can do when we are faced with such sickness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 29, 2015 at 3:33 pm
Yes, devastating is a great word for it, Bjorn. Bi-polar depression which is the one I am writing about in this story
is like that. A person can go from extreme high to extreme low. A very confusing illness for all who have it and for
those who love someone who has it. It’s an illness that has a stigma attached. I have friends who have it and it can
be overwhelming. Thank you for coming by for a visit. You comments are always appreciated.
Isadora 😎
LikeLike
September 25, 2015 at 4:59 pm
Good portrayal of the confusion that surrounds depression and suicide.
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 29, 2015 at 3:27 pm
Yes, confusion is uppermost for those who are unaware of the illness. Stigma to talk about it places it in the closet of life.
Sad, indeed. Thank you for visiting, Tracey, and commenting.
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 25, 2015 at 4:41 pm
Very good story. I myself had only mild bouts of depression and think I can recognize and deal with that now. We’ve had some sad cases in the family and among colleagues, though. I wonder if you know Hyperbole and a half by Allie Brosh? She wrote about depression in a way people who suffer from it tell is very true, and anyone should be able to understand: http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.de/2011/10/adventures-in-depression.html and http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.de/2013/05/depression-part-two.html
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 29, 2015 at 3:51 pm
Hi Gahlearner,
Thank you for your very nice comment.
As you know, anyone who suffers from depression or bi-polar has ups and downs constantly. At times, within minutes of happiness
there can be severe crashes down to suicide. The illness is devastating for those who have it. Yeras ago, it wasn’t even
recognized as an illness. I have family members who suffer from these debilitating illnesses. Suicide can occur in an instant.
Her boyfriend wanted to get her out of her despondecy with the engagement. It did for a moment and then she crashed.
I think my character didn’t realize how ill she was due to his lack of knowledge about the illness. I tried to showcase in
my story that as a man he wanted to fix her and be in control of making her feeling better. Sadly, it doesn’t work that way.
I will check out the website you’ve posted. I appreciate it.
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 25, 2015 at 3:10 pm
This is third suicide story in a row I’ve read this morning. I’ve never experienced depression myself, but have close friends who deal with it on a regular basis. Terribly sad, and very real.
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 29, 2015 at 3:22 pm
I suppose the image of the bridge brought many to the suicide storyline. It’s a very overpowering illness for those who suffer with it.
I have had experiences with friends and family. It can be quite sad. I’ll bring my next story to the brighter side of the street. 😊Hopefully !!!
Thank you, rGayer for visiting, reading my story and commenting.
Isadora 😎
LikeLike
September 25, 2015 at 1:44 pm
So sad that her moods so dramatically and so completely. Her life could’ve changed with his love to hold onto, maybe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 29, 2015 at 3:25 pm
Sadly, the illness blinded her to the possibility of happiness in the future. A common thing with depression. Hopelessness, far outreaches,
hope. Glad you stopped by for a visit and liked your comment very much.
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 25, 2015 at 11:46 am
Depression and heartache … good writing, Isadora!
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 29, 2015 at 2:52 pm
I always appreciate your comments, aFrank. Kind and complimentary …
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 25, 2015 at 10:13 am
Querida Isadora,
Those who have never experienced clinical depression find it hard to understand how the depressed mind works. I’ve been on the other side of that. Twenty years ago I nearly succeeded in starving myself to death. Coming to on the floor of a thrift store surrounded by paramedics and curious onlookers was my wake up call, but recovery wasn’t easy. And I’m still and up and down emotional kind of person.
Engagement rings and flowers aren’t enough to make things “all better.” I felt for the boyfriend. I remember when all my husband could do to help was to sit and cry with me (which was the best thing he could’ve done).
I said all that to say how much I liked and appreciated your story. Buena cuenta.
Paz y Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 29, 2015 at 3:16 pm
Querida Rochelle,
There are many who suffer in silence because of the stigma associated with this illness.
I can identify with you so well, mi hermana. My mother suffered severe depression and schiztophrenia
when I was a child. Fortunately, my grandmother stepped in to care for us. But, I had a bout of anorexia
in my 20’s from the lack of understanding of her disconnection with her children. We all have adjustments to make in our
adult years but don’t realize it until we fall into a pattern that can hurt us. I’ve learned alot about the many
ways we’re affected in every aspect of our lives. Thank you for sharing this with me. You’re a wonderful woman.
I think my character didn’t realize how ill she was due to his lack of knowledge about the illness. I tried to showcase in
my story that as a man he wanted to fix her and be in control of making her feeling better. Sadly, it doesn’t work that way.
I’m happy my story was well-written and that you enjoyed it. I am always very appreciative of your advice and comments.
Your challenges help me to improve and write the best I can. Gracias …!!!
Con carino,
Isadora 😎
LikeLike
September 25, 2015 at 9:27 am
From the heights to the depths in an instant. Nicely done Isadora.
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 29, 2015 at 3:00 pm
Yes, Sandra, an extreme high and low. The formula of this bi-polar illness.
Thank you for commenting and visiting.
Isadora 😎
LikeLike
September 25, 2015 at 7:46 am
Sad story. Life is so hard for those with mental illness and their loved ones. Always on a knife’s edge. Pity this couple was on the bridge edge.
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 29, 2015 at 2:58 pm
It is a sad illness, Irene. There are many who suffer in silence because of the stigma.
I think my character didn’t realize how ill she was due to his lack of knowledge about the illness.
Thank you for visiting and commenting.
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 25, 2015 at 7:20 am
I like the way your tale develops.
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 29, 2015 at 2:54 pm
I’m glad you thought I developed my tale so well. I had my doubts from some of the comments.
It’s always a pleasure to see your comments. Thank you for visiting.
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 25, 2015 at 3:38 am
Guess she was not on the proper meds… so sad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 25, 2015 at 5:44 am
Depression and bi-polar are devastating to those who have it or for those who observe someone who has it.
Even with medications the moods are difficult to stabilize. I have friends and family members who have searched
for years for the right meds but to no avail. This is another cause for their deep spiral down. A friends daughter
jumped from a well-known bridge in Florida. She was on meds too. I think more research and less judgements are the first steps.
I guess I should write a regular story so I could cover the information and help people understand the struggle of those
who have it.
Thank you for stopping by, Dale. I appreciate it.
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 2 people
September 25, 2015 at 11:17 am
I have a few family members who suffer from mental illness. It is difficult indeed.
LikeLike
September 24, 2015 at 11:51 pm
How quickly our lives can change from joy to despair…tragic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 25, 2015 at 3:24 am
Erratic emotions from bi-polar can do that. I’ve seen it happen to friends. Tragic, indeed.
Glad to see you in my neighborhood, Gayle. I’m happy you enjoyed my story.
Izzy 😎
LikeLike
September 24, 2015 at 7:48 pm
Isadora, I enjoy your writing and this is no exception. I am a bit confused, though, with the story. Maybe you can help me? He proposed and she said yes just moments ago, then days before she was despondent, got out of the car, and jumped? I think I’m missing something!
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 25, 2015 at 5:36 am
Hi Emilio,
Thank you for your very nice compliment. I appreciate it.
The story:
Anyone who suffers from depression or bi-polar has ups and downs constantly. At times, within minutes of happiness
there can be severe crashes down to suicide. The illness is devastating for those who have it. Yeras ago, it wasn’t even
recognized as an illness. I have family members who suffer from these debilitating illnesses. Suicide can occur in an instant.
Her boyfriend wanted to get her out of her despondecy with the engagement. It did for a moment and then she crashed.
If it was a longer story I could have created a better description. It’s the reason why I added the explanation of depression
at the bottom. Hope this helps.
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 25, 2015 at 9:42 pm
Believe me, I know all about depression. I suffered with it for several years but only contemplate suicide once and I;m not sure I was serious about it. But their are several members of my wife’s family who suffer from it.
LikeLike
September 26, 2015 at 5:23 am
We’re hearing more about it due to the media. It helps to get the information out there. Thank you again, Emilio. Have a great weekend. 😎
LikeLike