Caleb always had the vertigo. 

 

He knew Maya's dream was to get proposed at the top of the Eiffel Tower, and for her, he would overcome his fears. He couldn’t stop trembling as he got down on one knee, trying to brush away the idea of falling down by looking only at Maya. She was such a sight for sore eyes.

 

As he vows to love her for all eternity, he promised to overcome his vertigo so that he could take her climbing Mount Everest, as she always dreams of. He would do anything for her.

 

Years later, when Maya offered him a skydive for his birthday, he was hesitant. That was a big step for him, but this could be a great opportunity for him to finally overcome his fear. Who knows, maybe he will be able to join her climbing Mount Everest. He was financing everything, it would be such a waste to not be a part of it.

 

So he agreed to go skydiving. 

 

The day of the event, he was surprised to notice his excitement for the jump. It was easier than expected. He just had to jump. He didn't have to think of anything, the instructor was here with him. Everything will be alright. What an amazing gift it was! Maya cut his chains and offered him freedom. At this moment, when the doors opened, Caleb laughed and felt invincible. After this, he will be reborn thanks to Maya's love. 

 

So they jump. 

 

And the parachute never opened. 

 

Neither did the emergency one.

 

They both crash on the ground. 

 

Maya was the first one to be alerted. She fainted and stayed in bed for weeks. She wouldn’t even get up to open the blinds. Her neighbour saw her transformed from a young woman full of life to a weeping widow, haunting her own house. 

 

She endured the funerals. She accepted the hugs and pity from family and friends. Her face was covered by a thick veil, shielding her from anyone. 

 

When night came, she exiled herself to her manor. The house was full of Caleb: he was in the paintings, the decorations, the walls. He was everywhere, looking at her, breathing on the back of her neck. She ignored it; she will redecorate soon enough.

 

She got out on the balcony, removed her veil and lit up a cigarette. 

 

She smiles as she blows smoke, dreaming of her newly inherited 500 million.