[ WP ] `` The elevator had an extra button , but instead of a number , it was only labeled with a question mark . ''

I've made up my mind. Looking at the rooftop of the condominium I'm working at, I struggled to steady my pulse. In less than 30 minutes, I will be standin there on the top, ready to jump. Am I scared? Of course I am. But hell is probably better than the shit I'm in right now. 
 My father commited suicide three months ago, leaving my mother, three siblings and me on our own. He had a stable job so his pension should've been enough to support us before I graduate. But dad left us a suicide note confessing his addiction to gamble, drinks, and women. Turned out he borrowed money to a loan shark to continue his vices when he was appointed to work at a place far from our home. 
 Now my mother is juggling three jobs to be able to pay those loan sharks back or they'll take away our house -- the only belonging my mom and dad was able to save up for. I, being the eldest, stopped schooling to be able to work. 
 But it was not enough. 
 I felt my muscles relax as I thought of how my problems will disappear. I marched pass the entrance of the condominium to the elevator. Once inside I moved to press the button for the top floor but it was gone. In its place, a button with a question mark on it sits. I was confused. 
 `` Any problems?'' 
 I did n't realize I was n't alone in the elevator until the man spoke. He was dressed in a white suit. I almost knew everyone living in the building and I could tell that he is new. 
 `` Where's the button for the 13th floor?'' I asked. 
 He just shrugged. 
 `` And where does this botton leads to?'' 
 `` Well, where do you want to go?'' He asked. 
 `` Me?'' I hesitated. 
 `` Press that botton if you want to go where you want to.'' 
 When the door opened, images of my family flashed in front of me. My mother exhausted from work with circles in her eyes. My siblings, havin nothing to eat. Our youngest, crying for milk. My mother resorting to prostitution. My siblings getting thinner and thinner until they all died of hunger. My mother taking her own life. 
 I cried hard. I cried the life out of me. I ca n't bear it. I'd go against all odds not to let this happen to my family. In my mind there was a soft voice saying, `` That will happen to them if you would continue what you were planning to do. The choice is in your hands. Would you go in and jump or would you close the door and return home?'' 
 I did n't have to think. I clicked the close botton and the elevator door closed shutting all the images of death and tragedy out. 
 Following my path home, I wiped away my tears. Life is still sweeter than death no matter how bitter it becomes. I will not let my father's choice mirror mine. Because I chose this path. 
 
 This is where I want to go.
