I'm going to die.  I just know it. And what's more, I'm just sat here, strapped to this seat, letting it happen.  I know I could end it by calling out to him, but pride prevents me.

I try to ignore the ceaseless chatter of excited voices all around me as my heart and my mind race wildly.  It's getting really hard to breathe as the panic rises.  I wish he'd loosen the restraints a bit, but he just stands back from the bars and shoots me a knowing look.  He's done this many times before all over the country and we both know he will carry on doing it. It's his life.

It'll serve them right if I do die; my so-called friends.  I told them I didn't want to do this but my protests had fallen on deaf ears.  I fight back the nausea as my friends stand nearby smiling, the relief on their faces visible as they thank their lucky stars that it is happening to me and not them.  A crowd is gathering at their backs, all eager to get a piece of the action that is unfolding in front of them.

How had my life led me to this moment? From my neat hair to my sensible shoes I am the dependable one, the plain Jane. I have a respectable job, a loving fiancé and a network of supportive friends - well, perhaps I'll have to rethink the last bit in light of today's events.  So what could have gone wrong? I know I can be outspoken sometimes, especially if I have had a bit to drink; and I'm fully aware of how head-strong and stubborn I am but - Ah. Yes. Now I remember.  Oh dear. Help. 

I roll my head to the side and can just make out my fiancé strapped into an identical seat beside me.  He grins back at me like a Cheshire cat. I hate him right now.  Might have to re-think the whole marriage thing if we survive.  Our chairs lurch backwards and my stomach does a somersault into my mouth.  My whole body shakes as I lay on my back staring through the bars at the blue summer sky.  I have just enough time in the proceeding seconds to rethink how I got here, as I hear the crowd start the count-down.

A few lousy drinks and I think I'm superwoman.  I hadn't been to the fair in years and after a few pints from the beer tent the rides didn't look that bad to me.  I had laughed so heartily at my fiancé when he had so hastily refused to road test the fair's newest attraction for free - the Bungee Ball: A spherical wire cage with two seats inside which people are strapped into before the bungee ropes are pulled taught and then released, catapulting them a heart-stopping 150feet into the air.  You can't make fun of a person's fears and get away with it, and I was learning it the hard way. I'm never drinking again.

"...Three! Two! One!" The world becomes a heady rush of air and piercing screams. Am I dead yet?