Short stories

Rock Climbing

Nate grinned at Jeremy as they scaled the mountain. They had been planning this rock-climbing adventure for almost a year, and they were finally doing it!
"Did we remember the Granola bars?" Nate asked for the fourth time.
"Yes, you were the one who grabbed them." Jeremy replied with a chuckle.
They reached the top, and Jeremy shimmied over the edge and turned to help Nate up. Nate stepped his foot into a crevice, but the weak rocks crumbled underfoot. He screamed and started to fall. Jeremy grasped Nate's wrist in a frantic attempt to catch him. Nate dangled over the cliff, his shoes scraping uselessly at the loose rocks. Jeremy tugged on Nate's wrist, but he wasn't strong enough to pull him over the side to safety.
"Jeremy, I can't hold on much longer..." Nate panted.
"I will hold you! I won't let go!" Jeremy said, determined.
"You have to let me go. If you lean over any more, you'll fall too. I love you."
With those words, Nate released his grip. Jeremy tried to grab his hand, but only their fingers brushed until Nate fell beyond reach.
"NATE!"
Crying at the lonely edge, Jeremy called for Nate, knowing he couldn't come back. A slight breeze ruffled Jeremy's hair as he shakily stood.
"Nate..."
Jeremy clenched his jaw, and with a sigh, he leaped off the cliff to join his only love.