Suddenly, I can feel it. The ice splits beneath my feet. I know what's coming. What I have been patiently ignoring.

The plunge.

I ignored the cracks and deep wounds that spidered like veins along the thick ice. I ignored the slickness of the floor under my boots.

I continued to walk on.

Now I am confronted with the question.

If I were to jump into the freezing water below, would I fight it? Would my body allow me to live, fight for solid ground? Kick with all my might, until I pull myself out. 

Or instead, when the cold shock hits my lungs and the freezing daggers consume me, 

Will I let myself sink? 

Drift with the current. Layout my arms and fall, sunlight mocking me from the surface as I descend to the bottom.

The ice splits. I close my eyes. I brace myself. 

The Plunge.

C. Diana Jeanne