The Rope Swing

Jack and Megan were walking through the woods, not far from home. Noticing the bright red paint of the railway bridge through the trees, they cut down a smaller worn path through some roughage.

"This must be the way, looks like fox tracks" Jack said aloud. "Ok, but remember what your mum said about going to the rope swing!?" Jack didn't acknowledge the reminder.

Reaching a clearing, they took in the view of the river about 30 feet below. The only way to reach the lower path was to slide down the three-tiered embankment.

Just off to the right, a crowd of older boys jostled and laughed like a pack of hyenas as they swung out over the drop on the cargo strap swing.

"Jack, I think we shou.." Megan attempted as he made towards the crowd.

"Hey, can I play on the rope swing!?" Jack chanced.

"Kin I pway on the wope swing pwease???!" The oldest boy mocked.

"I bet I can swing further than all of you!" Jack spat back.

"Ok then, prove it loner!" smirked the mocker.

Making his way to the ring leader, Jack claimed the large and heavy knotted strap loosely the shape of a bell.

The pack shouted encouragement while Megan attempted to stop him, but Jack took three steps back and then launched himself forwards. Seeing the look of wonder on their faces made Jack smile for a second as he had swung the furthest out of all of them.

Reaching the peak of the swing, both his hands gave way. Falling as a ragdoll tossed from a cot he saw Megan, her face as white as a ghost.

Then nothing.

An earthy thud echoed through the trees, leaving silence.

"!JACK!?" whispered Megan.

"Megan" whispered Jack, as they turned to face each other.