The moment I saw the gate I had a strong thought to turn around and throw myself headfirst down the steep stone steps or just let myself free-fall backward into the pillowy softness of eternity, and it wouldn't matter if I bumped and bounced like a cabbage all the way down until I hit the bottom and then rolled out to sea, because at least I'd be safe and dead.
The moment the character encounters the gate, they are overwhelmed by a sense of despair and a desire to escape their current reality. The thoughts of throwing themselves down the steep stone steps reflect a deep yearning for freedom, even if it means facing injury or death. This desire highlights the emotional turmoil that the character is experiencing at that moment.
In this moment of crisis, the character sees the possibility...
