Caelynn
Idon’t know wherewe are, and that is a terrifying thought.
The cold growing in my veins has me shivering, and I can’t tell if it’s from pain or fear. Maybe both. I don’t want to be here. That’s the clearest thought I can come up with right now.
I don’t want to be here.
Heis down here somewhere. That thought has panic swirling around my head so thick I can’t think past it.
“Are you okay?” Rev asks.
“No,” I say desperately. It’s true. I’m not. My breath picks up speed, my vision going black.
“Is it pain? Blood loss?”
“No,” I say again. It’s all I can get out. I’m having a dammed panic attack. I stand suddenly, but my body is woozy, and I almost lose my balance. Rev’s hand is at my back, steadying me, and I have to fight the urge to fall into his arms, to cling to him like he could heal all my wounds—not just the physical ones.
“What’s wrong?’ he asks more firmly.
“I have to get out of here.” I take a step toward the cave exist, and he helps to guide me. I focus on stepping and breathing, my throat thick and barely able to push air through.
Finally, cool air and sunlight hits my face and breathing comes easier. My teeth are chattering.
“We should find another entrance, I don’t...” I shake my head. “I don’t like that one.”
“You’re afraid,” Rev says, it’s not a question but there is surprise there.
“We have to be careful....”
“Something bad happened to you here.”
I grip his sleeve in a tight fist and wince. I can’t tell him what happened. I can’t tell anyone. My chest heaves up and down, not enough air. I can’t get enough air.
“Okay, calm down,” he orders, gripping my upper arms tightly. “We’ll go wherever you want to go. I trust you.”
I swallow and focus on my breathing, calming myself.