Page 222 of Fame & Rhythm

Too fast.

Too hard.

Heat floods my body, followed by a cold, clammy sweat, and my hands begin to shake.

I can’t breathe.

I try…

But it’s like my lungs won’t work.

The world tilts, sound distorting as the pounding in my ears drowns everything else out.

Aston is talking to me, I can see his mouth moving… but I can’t hear him.

I look up at him, panic clawing up my throat.

Everything spins.

Oh God.

I’m having a panic attack.

Aston bangs on the window, and Mum and Dad rush back into the car.

“Annie, look at me,” Mum says, turning in her seat.

I try, but everything blurs through tears.

“Breathe, sweetheart. You’re safe. They can’t hurt you.” Her hands come up to my face, grounding me.

Aston’s hand moves slowly up and down my back.

“Just breathe,” Mum says again, her voice steady. “In… and out… nice and slow.”

I focus on her.

On her beautiful voice.

On the way, her chest rises and falls.

I copy her.

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

Gradually, the pressure eases, and my chest loosens.

The spinning slows.

“Good girl,” Mum murmurs. “That’s it. Just breathe.”

The car moves, pulling away from the park and the chaos.