Chapter 121

Silvia "I don't know... she just collapsed screaming," Jason sounded dazed, lost. He gestured toward Mielle, who was trembling violently under a blanket on the floor. Her breaths were short and rapid. I recognized it immediately. It was a full-blown panic attack. I immediately knelt beside her. My focus zeroed in on my friend as I gently lifted her face to meet mine. Her gaze was unfocused, glazed with what I recognized as pure terror. "Mielle," I said softly, keeping my voice steady despite the alarm racing through my veins. "Match my breathing, okay? Just breathe with me." I demonstrated slowly, exaggerating each breath. "In through your nose for four counts... hold for one... out through your mouth for six." Her eyes, clouded with fear, gradually began to focus on mine. She nodded jerkily, her body still trembling violently beneath my touch. For several minutes, we focused solely on her breathing. Jason, looking increasingly concerned, brought water from the kitchen and knelt beside