[ IP ] Red Balloons

Jack kept his eyes closed. He did n't dare to look, yet he knew the red balloons had surrounded him again. Damn it! Why did they keep coming back to remind him? Jack took a deep breath and tried to concentrate on the water he was standing waist deep in. It numbed his body and that he was grateful for. If only it would numb his mind. 
 
 
 It had been a month yet the guilt suffocating him had not loosened it's grasp in the slightest. If anything it had only used the time to more firmly establish it's dominance. 
 
 
 The guilt would rise and fall to a feverish tempo and at it's crest he would once more see the balloons. They would force his brain to replay the fragmented memory. 
 
 
 -- -- - 
 
 
 Jack was driving home in a rush. He always rushed home on Wednesdays for his favorite TV show. Ironically the repetitive show would wash away the monotony of his corporate job. It injected temporary relief into him as though it were a drug. The TV show became Jack's addiction. 
 
 
 Jack began to sob. All for a stupid show. How little it mattered now. 
 
 
 In a rush Jack had neglected to slow down for the turn into his neighborhood. His house was close now and it only egged him on. Jack quickly glanced at his rear view mirror to see a man step into the street. What was he looking for? 
 
 
 Jack shifted his focus to the front of his car again. A little girl carrying a bright red balloon had stepped off the curb and onto the street. Jack slammed on his brakes and they squealed. Then the little girl squealed as she was thrown forward. 
 
 
 -- -- -- -- - 
 
 
 Jack turned his attention back to the water and started walking. He felt the water climb higher up his chest. Maybe if he went deep enough he would drown. He wished he would drown.
