The world seemed to stop around me. The day paused as the sun reached the peak of its decent into the sky. I watched it slowly fall. Every second it got closer to the inevitable. Would the sun one day stop rising? Would the world stop rotating at some point like it had for me?
The wind hit at my sides and tucked my clothes around. My hair whipped my face as I fell. To understand what was happening you’d have to hear the beginning. The start of my downfall.
One moment.
That was all it took.
It was insane how a single moment could change the rest of your life. It did, for me at least. Maybe it was a bunch of little moments, but it had taken my ounce of strength. The little amount I had left.
“Mia?” My fiancé asked as his eyes met mine. My chest clenched in a painful gaze at the situation I had walked into. If this was how I was to make use of my birthday then I would have stayed at work. Mrs. Owen’s, my supervisor, is also a close friend of mine and let me off early to celebrate with Dylan.
I entered our home and looked at the darkened living room and kitchen before making my way to the closed bedroom door. My hand hesitating for some reason before I grasped the handle and entered our bedroom. Only to find Dylan on our bed with a lady wearing nothing but her underclothes.
He made his way over to me as I had stayed frozen in place. My heart seemed to have skipped a beat before it hurt to breathe. I took a shallow breathe as he reached me.
“Mia, let me explain,” He said as his hand closed around my wrist. I used to find that touch warm and comforting. I used to find him warm and comforting. Now I find him repulsing.
My hand instinctively pulled back. His eyes shook with fear before I raised my other hand and slapped him across the face. My eyes stinging with tears that I tried to hold back.
“Get out of my house.”
“Mia...”
“GET OUT!”
The woman left right away after throwing on her clothes. Dylan continued to plead as he slowly gathered his shirt before making his way after his sleeping buddy. I swallowed as I slumped against the wall.
Breathe.
Breathe.
Breathe.
It felt like a repeated order to force myself to continue the simple things. I had to think about unconscious decisions like stepping or blinking. I tried to get out of the room but all I could think about is his hands on her, and her on him. His empty words of promising love and endless memories of loyalty.
I had to get out of the house.
Teon bridge, a bridge that was rumored to be the source of many romantic proposals. It was where Dylan proposed to me.
Big step, my brain said as I used the pillar to pull myself onto the ledge railing. I smiled as the wind blew around me. The sunset falling in the distance. I reached out my hand and spread my fingers. I tried to touch the sun.
“Miss what are you doing up there?” A voice asked behind me. I turned to see the source, my foot slipping on the ledge. I was weightless, for barely a second. This is where we began. Seeing the sun, feeling the wind, my heart raging against my rib cage. All I wanted to do was watch the sunset. All I wanted was some quiet. I don't want to die. There is so much left to do. To see. I want to see the night sky, the ocean, I want to have kids and a husband.
I felt the rush through my veins and the need to live. The urge to reach out and grab the ledge. To return to solid ground. A hand grapped onto mine and I felt a wave of warm, care and comfort. More than anything I’ve ever felt from Dylan. I looked up and saw the gray eyes of a stranger. His black hair messy from the wind. He looked like he was worried as he gripped onto me.
He used a strange amount of strength to pull me up. Pulling me off the ledge and closer to him. The feeling of falling returned and I gripped onto him. My breathing suddenly caught in my throat. My face hot from embarrassment.
“I got you,” He said as he didn’t loosen a grip on me. I continued to hold on as I felt the sadness of today rush through me without warning. Tears threatened to spill from my eyes and I cried into a stranger’s chest. His warm embrace coaxed the feelings out of me before I could even think about it.
After a few minutes I stopped and ran out of tears to cry. I slowly leaned away from the stranger and kept my head down in shame.
“Thank you,” I said pulling out a card from my pocket. My companies number and address on it. “I- I have to go, but ask for Mia Eirdes and I’ll repay you for today. Thank you, truly.”
I turned around. Quickly trying to leave the embarrassing scene.
…………………………………
I smiled as I watched the figure rush away down the sidewalk. I gazed down at the card and wondered if I should call right away.
“Ian,” I said aloud. My assistant was at the ready with a clipboard and his glasses.
“Sir?”
“Find out about her. Have the report emailed to me in five hours.”
I walked passed him and got into the black SUV. The card still in my hand. Mia Eirdes. What a fascinating girl...
…………………………………
A short story about Mia Eirdes and Aaron Winter. If you want to know more about their story let me know and I’ll consider making this a longer, much more detailed story.
About the Creator
Keep reading
More stories from writers in Humans and other communities.
The CEO of Everything
They say "jack of all trades, master of none," but they forgot to mention the part where the jack of all trades is also the camera woman, the makeup artist, and the person currently yelling at a tangled Wii microphone cable in a her own bathroom while recording herself singing and trying to make it look realistic and professional. (As professional as you can make it with nothing but a cell phone camera and a mic that doesn't work)
By Sara Wilson6 days ago in Humans
Trump’s Proposed Credit Card Cap Spotlights Americans’ Debt. Would It Help
Credit card debt in the United States has reached staggering levels, and former President Donald Trump’s latest proposal aims to tackle the issue head-on. According to his plan, banks and credit card companies would face a cap on the interest rates they can charge consumers. At first glance, this sounds like a straightforward solution to a growing problem, but a closer look reveals the complexity of America’s debt landscape and the challenges any policy must navigate to be truly effective. The Debt Dilemma As of late 2025, Americans collectively owe more than $1.2 trillion in credit card debt, a record high. Household debt has steadily risen over the past decade, fueled by stagnant wages, inflation, and the rising cost of essentials such as housing, healthcare, and education. For many, credit cards are no longer a convenience—they’re a lifeline, a way to bridge the gap between income and expenses. Trump’s proposal seeks to limit the annual percentage rates (APRs) that credit card companies can charge. Supporters argue that high interest rates trap consumers in a vicious cycle of debt, where paying off balances becomes nearly impossible. Critics, however, caution that such caps could have unintended consequences, like discouraging banks from issuing credit to higher-risk borrowers, potentially leaving some consumers without access to necessary financial tools. How Would the Cap Work? The proposed plan would implement a maximum APR on all credit card accounts, though the exact percentage has yet to be publicly finalized. The intent is to provide relief to the roughly 40% of American households carrying balances month-to-month, many of whom pay rates exceeding 20% annually. In theory, capping interest rates would reduce the financial burden on these borrowers. A consumer carrying a $5,000 balance with a 25% APR could save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in interest payments over a year if rates were capped at, say, 15%. For families living paycheck to paycheck, this could be the difference between staying afloat and defaulting. Potential Benefits Immediate Relief for Borrowers: Lower interest rates would allow more of each monthly payment to go toward the principal, helping people pay off debt faster. Reduced Financial Stress: For Americans struggling to cover minimum payments, a cap could ease anxiety and improve mental well-being. Consumer Protection: High-interest credit cards disproportionately affect lower-income households, so a cap could make the system fairer. Some economists argue that even a modest reduction in interest rates could have a ripple effect on the broader economy. If consumers spend less on interest and more on goods and services, it could stimulate demand, benefiting businesses and potentially supporting job growth. The Risks and Trade-Offs While the benefits sound compelling, implementing a credit card cap is not without risks: Credit Access Might Shrink: Banks may respond to lower allowable interest rates by tightening lending standards. Those with lower credit scores could find it harder to qualify for cards, leaving them with fewer options to manage expenses. Fees Could Rise: Financial institutions might offset lower interest rates by increasing annual fees, late fees, or other charges. The net effect for consumers could be less favorable than expected. Innovation May Stall: Banks and fintech companies often use interest rates to price risk. Limiting this flexibility could reduce incentives to develop new financial products tailored to consumer needs. These challenges highlight the tension between protecting consumers and maintaining a functional credit system. Any policy must balance relief with sustainability to avoid unintentionally hurting those it aims to help. Why Americans Are Paying Attention Trump’s proposal comes at a politically charged moment. Inflation may have eased slightly, but wages haven’t kept pace with costs, and household debt remains a pressing concern. A recent survey found that nearly 60% of Americans worry about their ability to manage monthly credit card payments. With the midterm elections on the horizon, proposals like this gain traction because they resonate with voters’ everyday struggles. For many Americans, credit card debt is more than just numbers on a statement—it’s a source of stress, a limitation on lifestyle choices, and an obstacle to long-term financial goals. Limiting interest rates could provide tangible relief and signal that policymakers are paying attention to these challenges. Historical Context Interest rate caps are not a new idea. In the 1970s and 1980s, states implemented various usury laws to limit how much lenders could charge. While some measures helped consumers, others inadvertently restricted access to credit. The mixed outcomes underscore the importance of careful implementation and oversight. Modern proposals, including Trump’s, aim to avoid these pitfalls by targeting specific consumer protections while attempting to preserve lending options. How successful this approach will be remains to be seen. Would It Actually Help? Experts suggest that a credit card cap alone will not solve America’s debt problem. While it could provide temporary relief for many, it doesn’t address the underlying issues driving debt growth, such as wage stagnation, high living costs, and insufficient financial education. However, as part of a broader strategy—including financial literacy programs, better consumer protections, and support for savings and emergency funds—it could be an important step. Lower interest rates may prevent people from spiraling into unmanageable debt while giving them breathing room to regain control of their finances. Conclusion Trump’s proposed credit card cap shines a spotlight on a critical issue: Americans are struggling under the weight of mounting debt, and immediate relief could be life-changing for millions. While the plan has potential benefits, it is not a silver bullet. Policymakers must carefully weigh the trade-offs to ensure the solution helps those in need without creating new problems. Ultimately, the conversation sparked by this proposal may be just as valuable as the policy itself. It forces a national discussion on debt, fairness, and financial security—a conversation that affects nearly every household in the country. As Americans navigate a complex financial landscape, thoughtful solutions, whether through interest caps or broader reforms, are essential to creating a more equitable and manageable path toward financial stability.
By Muhammad Hassan7 days ago in Humans
📢 Raise Your Voice Thread: 01/22/2026
Our “Raise Your Voice Threads” are hosted most alternating Thursdays at 12PM ET to offer creators more avenues to uncover exceptional stories on Vocal. As we are continuously searching for fresh creators and inspiring stories, this thread provides an opportunity to exchange and discuss the stories that have moved and motivated us on Vocal.
By Raise Your Voice by Vocala day ago in Resources
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.