Panic

Panic.

Breaths get shorter, harder.

Air. 

There is no air.

Breathe. Try to breathe.

Is that noise me? I can’t get air. I don’t know what to do. 

Panic. I’m on the floor. I can’t move. Not yet.

I can only breathe in. Where is the air going? In. In. In. In.

I can hear you talking. I can hear your words. I just can’t answer.

In. In. In. In.

It must be over soon.

Gripping. Clutching. Holding. Slipping. 

Hot tears. Dripping nose.

In. In. In. Out.

The world comes slowly into focus.

In. Out. In. Out.

Clenched fists loosen.

Air.

Finally.