His throat was so tight he was already choking. At least they hadn't offered him last words.

He just hoped they got the length right.

The floor fell away.

Breath sucked in, falling, ready for the snap.

Still falling?

The rope must have slipped off! It happened sometimes. They'd call it a sign from above, not dare try again!

To think, the likes of him, saved by the grace of God! Who would have thought?

"Huh. Dumb bastard looked like he was grinning right before the rope caught,"  the sheriff said, pulling the noose free of the crooked neck.