Retrospective

A glaring light beams from his goggles as he looks across the moonlit city scape. His eyes narrow, squint, then focus. He knows his destination. A small light pole, poking out from the building's side like a thorn. It's a risk, but he's taken them before. He perches himself on the ledge, glances back and quietly falls.......

There was a time when looking back was not so easy.......

"What are you lookin' at?!?", yelled the drunken slob as he slapped her. "Mom!", cried the boy. "Get out outta here before I do the same to you.", glared the man as the alcoholic sweat dripped off his chin. "Let her go!", the boy demanded. "You'll do what I say!", grinned the drunkard. The boy lunged forward and (SLAP) caught an open hand to the cheek.......

.....The sound of leather gripping harshly and the strain of metal bolts breaking......

He didn't feel the pain, so he got back up and tried again. (SLAP)

One chance to land before the pole falls. He swings and lets go of the pole.......

(SLAP) The boy crashes into the kitchen table. Plates and silverware shatter and scatter everywhere.

He lands violently on the rail of the fire escape. Too close to look, he takes in a deep breath and continues.......

(SLAP) He sees a knife, but instead chooses to fight his opponent fist to fist. He leaves the knife laying on the floor. The drunkard's eyes roll as he tries to stay conscious. (Crack!) The sound of bones cracking. Blood comes slowly. The man falls. His mother rushes to her boyfriends side, cursing her son. The boy leaves and never looks back.

The ladder clanks as it descends with 200 pounds on it's lowest rung. His feet hit the ground. He slips into the steamy, flourescent night. Sirens.... flashing lights.... circling choppers.......