‘Jump!’

Jump? I’m afraid of jumping from heights. I’m afraid of heights, too, but it became too hot inside; I had climbed out onto the ledge before I knew it. Damned survival instinct kicking in.

‘Jump! Before the windows burst.’

Oh my, they’ll burst? Yes, silly, they’ll burst. You thought you’d be safe here? Jump already, screams the survival instinct. I press my back against the wall and inch away from the window. Below, they mirror my movement.

‘Jump! Close your eyes, let yourself fall forward. We’ll do the rest.’

The survival instinct is taking over. I close my eyes.