In The Door

Last updated: Wed, 18 Mar 2009 23:19:00 GMT

Wait for the green light.

You're worried when you turn up at the drop zone. First jump. "Butterflies" doesn't quite describe the feeling in your gut. You try and maintain focus, get the drills right, memorise everything that's being said to you. All the while some part of your mind is scurrying around, like a rat, clawing at the corners and pleading with you.

"Why?"

There comes a point though, as you walk towards the plane, that you suddenly find yourself stepping through some invisible wall, and walking in still, tranquil air. A zone of calm.

I am on the plane now. There is no way off the plane, except through that door. The dice are rolled.

The jumpmaster puts his hand on my shoulder. I cannot hear him, but I know what he is saying to me.

"In the door!"

I sit in the door, one leg out of the plane. I see the ground so far below that we seem to be standing still, in the midst of a hurricane.

Wait for the green light.

Wait-

Jump!

I am in the door.