By Srinidhi Ranganathan in Director's Pick — Jan 14, 2024

The Skydiver

"John, you need to focus on a real career," his father would say. "Skydiving is dangerous and impractical. You need to think about your future."

John had always been fascinated by the idea of flying. As a child, he would spend hours staring up at the sky, dreaming of the feeling of freedom and exhilaration that came with soaring through the air. But as he grew older, his parents, who were both practical and risk-averse, did everything they could to dissuade him from pursuing his dreams of becoming a skydiver.

"John, you need to focus on a real career," his father would say. "Skydiving is dangerous and impractical. You need to think about your future."

His mother would chime in, "We just want what's best for you, John. Skydiving is too risky. You could get hurt, or worse."

But despite their warnings and protests, John couldn't shake the feeling that skydiving was his true calling. He knew the risks, but he also knew that the rewards were worth it. He wanted to experience the thrill of freefalling through the sky, of feeling the wind rushing past him as he hurtled towards the earth. He wanted to defy gravity and feel truly alive.

So, one day, John made up his mind. He went to a skydiving centre and signed up for lessons. He knew that his parents would be furious, but he couldn't deny his passion any longer. He was determined to follow his dreams, no matter what.

When John finally mustered up the courage to tell his parents about his decision, they were shocked and dismayed. They begged him to reconsider, to think about the risks and the consequences. But John remained resolute. He knew that the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but he was prepared to face whatever challenges came his way.

As John began his training, he threw himself into the world of skydiving with passion and dedication. He learned about the equipment, the techniques, and the safety procedures. He made friends with other thrill-seekers who shared his love of the sport. He was determined to prove to his parents that skydiving wasn't just a reckless pursuit, but a legitimate and exhilarating passion.

Finally, the day of John's first solo jump arrived. As he stood at the edge of the plane, preparing to leap into the unknown, he felt a surge of excitement and nervous energy. He knew that this moment would define him in a way that nothing else ever had.

With a deep breath, John hurled himself into the open sky. As he plummeted towards the earth, he felt a rush of adrenaline and joy, unlike anything he had ever experienced before. The wind whipped past him, and the ground rushed up to meet him. For a few seconds, he felt truly free.

When John landed safely back on the ground, he was greeted by his beaming instructor and a crowd of cheering spectators. He had done it. He had conquered his fears and achieved his dream.

As he made his way back home, John couldn't wait to tell his parents about his incredible experience. When he finally faced them, he saw the worry and concern in their eyes. But as he recounted the story of his jump, he could see a glimmer of pride and admiration shining through.

In the end, John's parents couldn't deny the passion and determination that had driven him to become a skydiver. They may have opposed him at first, but now they understood that his love for the sport was a part of who he was. And as they watched their son soar through the sky, they couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and pride. John had faced his fears and pursued his dreams, and in doing so, he had become the person he was always meant to be.