THE SUICIDE ATTEMPTER & THE INFLUENCER
A friendly cum logical conversation between two individuals: Zephyr, the suicide attempter, and Alfred, the influencer
Zephyr (standing on the ledge, deep in his thoughts): So much for my life….. It’s just a waste, as many say it is!
(At the exact moment, Alfred, who had to run an errand on the rooftop, comes in. Looking at Zephyr, he remarks): Friend, it seems you are not comfortable standing on the ledge, is that so?
Zephyr: Sitting or standing doesn’t matter much to me. And no one cares anyways…
Alfred (trying to diffuse the threat): Perhaps. But you seem to resemble Spider-Man? Are you attempting to swing around structures?
Zephyr (slightly bemused): What does that suppose to mean? Why are you here?
Alfred: Take me as your well-wisher. A person who can assist in alleviating your agony.
Zephyr: I don’t need anyone. There’s no better feeling than to end my misery altogether.
Alfred had met Zephyr before once, but Zephyr failed to recognize him.
Alfred (trying to divert Zephyr’s thoughts): I believe your name is Zephyr, isn’t it?
Zephyr (taken aback): How do you know?
Alfred: How can I tell you when you’re standing like that? Come sit and we’ll have a small chat.
Zephyr, after a long pause, rests on the ledge… Then Alfred joins him too.
Alfred: Before I say something about myself, let me ask you something…
Before Alfred could start, Zephyr interrupted:
Zephyr: Hope you’re not trying to dissuade me from what I intend to do?
Alfred: Don’t worry (tapping his shoulders slightly): Do you know what is nihilism?
Zephyr: No.
Alfred: A life with no meaning
Zephyr: What does that mean?
Alfred: It means that an individual is not bound to purpose or will.
Zephyr (thinking on): You mean to say that a person needs to spend his life with some motive to achieve?
Alfred (trying to guide Zephyr): Yes. You can say that.
Alfred, seeing that Zephyr was opening up a bit, quietly ordered a cup of tea on message from his left hand.
Zephyr: But an individual can live solely without any motive as well? Can’t he? Work, eat, and play?
Alfred: Yes he can. But there’s a wise saying that a person who has something to strive for can bear any difficulty or problem coming his way.
Zephyr (getting to understand): That’s something to ponder on. He started to self-talk in his mind: ‘Maybe that’s why my life was in tatters. Nothing to achieve for.’
Alfred: There’s one more thing (as he rose to leave)
Zephyr: What?
Alfred: Your actions belong to you. Act wisely! Btw, your tea is here. Have a good time!
Alfred shakes hands with Zephyr and hugs him for a final goodbye.
Zephyr (pondering on as he sips his tea): Nice guy. Now to start from ground zero….