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At last, I reach the top of the stairs.
The term “stairs” is generous. What’s in front of me are carved-out narrow steps, and there is nothing to hold on to. I feel nauseous just looking at it.
I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.
Just take one step and then another and don’t look down!
With a frantically beating heart, I begin my descent. Sweat is pouring off me, the slight sea breeze doing nothing to cool me.
The sun is mercilessly beating down on me as step by tiny step I get closer to freedom.
I plaster by body against the cliff wall, the rocks scratching the exposed skin of my arms and legs.
I come to a section that has a few steps missing, and a fresh wave of panic hits me.
Oh shit. Oh shit. Oh shit.
What am I going to do now?
I take a deep breath, trying to focus my mind.
I need to keep moving.
A sudden strong gust of wind has me sway, and for one frightening second that seems to last an eternity, I fear I will topple over. My heart is hammering uncontrollably in my chest, and I push my body as far against the rock wall as possible.
I stay there, closing my eyes, until my pulse has somewhat slowed.
God, what was I thinking?
I’m going to die doing this!
But there is no turning back.
Ever so carefully, I lower myself until my bottom hits hard rock and slide down the few missing steps.
When I gingerly stand up again, a rock slips from under my foot and goes tumbling to the stony shore. I lose my footing and tilt too close to the edge.
Fuuuuuck!
My head spins as I push my body weight against the cliff as if my life depended on it.
Well… actually it does.
I still completely, my breath coming out in ragged puffs as I try to regain my composure.
My legs and arms are shaking, but I can’t give up now. I’m stopped right in the middle of a steep cliff—neither halfway up nor halfway down. Down is the only option.
With trembling limbs, I take the next step, focusing only on what’s right in front of me, not daring to look anywhere else.
Suddenly I hear shouts from above, and I glance up.
Oh no, no, no!!!
A security guard has spotted me. He waves his hands furiously at me and shouts things I don’t understand.
There are only about ten more steps left, and I hurry down as fast as I can.
Please, God, don’t let him shoot at me.
