Chapter 3 of 6
Why My Wealthy Father Jumped Off That Mansion Balcony Today
The Fearless Dive Into Water
Time seemed to slow down completely as Maya fell through the bright morning air. Her small blue dress fluttered as she tumbled straight down toward the backyard. Below the balcony lay the deep swimming pool, surrounded by thick stone tiles. If she landed on the concrete, the impact would destroy our family forever. My mind went completely blank with sheer terror as I watched her body drop.
A loud sound cut through the silence as Maya hit the surface of the pool. The water exploded upward in a giant splash, her body sinking fast into the blue depths. From the balcony above, Dad did not hesitate for even a single second. He did not take off his heavy leather shoes, and he did not remove his suit jacket. He mounted the stone railing in one swift motion and threw himself over the edge into the air.
Richard: HOLD YOUR BREATH, MAYA!
Dad sliced through the air and dived straight into the center of the swimming pool. The water splashed high over the sides, hitting the lounge chairs on the deck. I leaned over the balustrade, my whole body shaking uncontrollably as I stared at the rippling surface. The water turned silent for three horrifying seconds that felt like three long hours. I held my breath, gripping the stone until my hands hurt.
Leo: Dad! Please bring her up! Please!
Suddenly, the water erupted near the shallow end. Dad broke through the surface, gasping loudly for air. He was holding Maya securely in his left arm, keeping her head lifted high above the water. Maya was coughing up water and crying loudly, wrapping her tiny wet arms around Dad's neck as tightly as she could.
Richard: I GOT YOU, BABY! YOU'RE SAFE!
Maya: Daddy! I was so scared!
Richard: I know, my sweet girl. Daddy has you now. You are okay.
Dad swam over to the pool steps and carried Maya out onto the sunlit deck. He collapsed onto his knees on the warm stone tiles, pulling her close into his chest. His expensive suit was completely soaked, dripping water all over the ground. I ran down the balcony stairs as fast as my legs could take me, tears streaming down my face. I threw my arms around both of them on the deck.
Leo: I tried to hold her, Dad. I really tried.
Richard: You saved her life, Leo. You held on long enough for me to dive.
Evelyn finally walked slowly down the outdoor staircase, holding a dry towel in her hands. Her face still looked strangely calm, though she tried to force a worried expression as she approached us.