Page 12 of Chasing Fireflies

“Deal.” I shake his hand, and he gets into his truck.

“See y’all Saturday,” he says before he cranks it. I give him a wave goodbye and walk over to the ladder and fold it up before I head over to Sara.

“You about done over here, girl?” I ask.

“Yes, my fingers are filthy. I’ll never be able to get this dirt out from under my nails.”

“Should have worn gloves.”

“I don’t like to. You know that.” She goes to stand and makes a groaning noise. “I’m getting old, baby.”

“Come on, you old lady.” I grab her and throw her over my shoulder. She laughs.

“Cash, you’re all sweaty!”

“You like it.” I smack her ass and haul her inside.

*

I draw small circles on my wife’s back as we lie in bed together. We’re shower clean and sleepy from a hard day’s work. We had breakfast for supper, and she is almost asleep. Tomorrow, I’ll take her to the library. I hope it goes well. She needs to meet new people, and she needs to have friends. I know it’s scary for her, but hopefully she can overcome her anxiety. She moves and snuggles down deeper into the covers.

“You sleepy, baby?”

“Hmm,” is all she can manage. I reach over, turn the lamp off, and pull her closer to me. I kiss her hair and close my eyes, letting the day finally come to an end.

Chapter Five

Cash

I park the truck and look over at Sara. “You sure you’re going to be okay?” I ask, turning toward her.

“Yes, Cash, I’ll be fine.”

“Okay, I’ll pick you up whenever you need me to.”

She nods and her hand comes up to her lips. I see a small shake, but I don’t mention it. Asking someone about their panic attacks seems to make it worse, so I ignore the tremble in my girl’s fingers.

“I’ll call you.” She leans over, and I give her a kiss before she opens the truck door.

“I love you.”

“Love you, too.”

I watch her get out, and I don’t leave until she is inside.

*

Sara

Tingles run up my spine and chase each other down my arms. They crawl up my neck and spread throughout my face, like a tiny needle pricking me. I swallow the rising panic and tell myself to breathe.It’s just a library, Sara. No one is even here.Calming down my racing heart, I try to suck in air, but it’s becoming a struggle. A cold sweat coats my back, and I feel it trickle down my skin.

“Can I help you?” I hear and turn around to find a woman in a white blouse and blue jeans. “Are you okay? You look like you’re about to pass out. Here, sit down.” She pulls out a chair, and I take a seat. “I’m getting you some water. Take deep breaths.”

I try to do just that, focusing on one spot and willing my lungs to fill with air. She comes back with water, and I grab it from her to cool my throat. “Thank you,” I manage.

“Sure.” She smiles, but it’s a worried smile. Her green eyes show kindness, and I get a sense of calmness as I look into them. My heartbeat slows, and my lungs work normally. The shaking in my hands stops, and I take a deep breath.

“Feel any better?”

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