Research background:
'This short story was inspired by the actions of Donald (Don) Ritchie who prevented more than 160 people from suiciding from The Gap in Sydney (SMH 2012). Building on Nabokov’s story ‘Signs and symbols’ (1948), this work juxtaposes two narratives within a larger structure and relies symbolism in order to gradually unveil plot elements and build suspense (de la Durantaye 2006, Rosenzweig 1980). The measured revelation of information highlights nuances within the narrative, and conveys information about how characters’ relationships change over time, according to shared experience.'