Sunset

As the sky turns magenta, he makes his way to the terrace. The sun is still there...not its usual burning, furious self, but its presence is felt in a more subdued kind of way. It comes across as calm, actually older in a way...tired!!
The birds are their usual self. Flying, soaring!! Some are frantic, because they want to reach home to their families as early as possible. Some are just off to meet their friends, for a round of drinks or maybe dinner. Whatever the reason maybe, their flight comes across as liberating. Each one of them flies with a sense of purpose.
Impulsively he reaches out for his cigarette packet. But it ain't there in his shirt pocket. "Oops... no matter how many months you spend off cigarettes..there are moments when you still miss them..." A faint smile appears on his face. But the next instant, its gone. He refills his drink.
A strong gust of wind starts blowing. The trees sway with the wind, the rustling of the leaves creates a spooky sound which kills the silence. The rustling is a language for those who understand it. It is music for some, noise for others...
It is darker now, the wind is stronger, the music is louder, the sun is fighting a losing battle, the birds are no longer flying. The scotch feels good. Warm and smooth!! He loosens his tie knot. "Courage!!"
A tear appears in his eye. He wipes it off and finishes his drink. The next moment in one swift motion he climbs on to the railing. Just one step away...ONE step...that's it!!! He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. "Courage...courage!!!" His heart beats faster...his brow breaks into a sweat.. "Courage!!!"
The battle is lost. Gingerly, he steps down. Defeated...again!! He feels miserable... terrible.. he feels weak. He collapses on the floor, still conscious, breathing hard. In some minutes, the feeling passes. He shrugs his shoulders and heads home.
On the horizon, the sun finally sets.