Standing on the rocky cliff above the sea, I looked down to see where I would land. Staring back at me was the ocean, a vast expanse of cold darkness. I’m afraid of water, not drinking water, but swimming pools, lakes and especially the sea.

I’ve been diagnosed with Thalassophobia, the fear of large open bodies of water. The ocean is the epitome of this fear.

Looking at the ocean from so high up, you can see the waves crashing into the side of the cliff, the white horses charging at the rocks. The ocean is a mesmerising murderer, it entices you in with beautiful waves, glistening water and abundant sea life, only to swallow you up in a current and pull you under to your doom.

Standing here twiddling my thumbs and time wasting seems like the best way to avoid diving in, I want to overcome my fear but the big blue monster is waiting for me, the endless abyss of crushing water.

Getting ready to jump, I hear to wind pick up speed and the waves increase their ferocity, the ocean is getting ready to grab me. The seagulls are getting louder as if taunting me, and the ocean crashes against the cliff as if trying to drown them out.

I’m the first one in my friends group to try this, I know I must set an example, but as my feet leave the cliff and my body becomes one with the air, I realise I’ve made a grave mistake.