For this one you must turn a suicidal person into a potential killer.
JUMP (any gender, mid twenties through late life)
Joe? Your family says that you prefer to be called Joe. Is that okay?
Joe, I want you to know you have the power here. I believe you have the ability to jump. My team and I take that very, very seriously. So we're not here to trick you, okay? I'm here alone. They're waiting down below but they're not listening to this conversation. It's just you and me. I'd like to share some things with you, okay? Can I do that?
Joe, my name is Jay. And I might know what you're going through. I read up on you a bit. My case history is a lot like yours. Really. A major job loss, untreated bipolar disorder, recent divorce and... and a significant amount of time at shooting range. I know that feeling...
You feel like everyone is laughing at you.
That everyone is rubbing their happiness in your face.
And it would be nice to shut those laughing bastards up and take some of them with you.
And you chose not to do that. Just take yourself out. That's very admirable. But...
[pause]
Joe, what if I told you that was a mistake? Denying that itch to do some damage to others? Joe this is just between you and me but... what if I told you I'm not really a counselor... that I'm more like... like a recruiter?
Copyright 2016 by Matt Haynes.
If you would like to use this piece, please credit: "Courtesy of Matt Haynes and The Pulp Stage"