Lottie's finishing her mockup for the Sunshine Honey Wellness Center when she notices the way you start to breathe differently. Your back is to her but she can see your fingers grip your forearms and squeeze harshly. She knows your body language well, even in the few short weeks you've been here. She feels connected to you. And she knows you're in the midst of an anxiety attack.

You feel the mattress dip beside you and suck in a breath, turning away from her. It's hard to control your breathing and you feel humiliated when you let out a choked sob. Your nails dig deeper into your arms, breaking your skin, and Lottie pulls your hands away to hold them in hers.

"Let it out. It's okay. You're okay." Her gentle voice seems to flow through your whole body and wash over you like the gentle flow of a river, and you find yourself crying into her shoulder and gripping her shirt like it's your lifeline. Lottie rubs your back to calm you. "Tell me what you feel."

You grimace as you swallow down snot and try to steady your voice. "My heart. It's loud. I don't like it."

Warm hands touch your shoulders and now you're face to face with her. She wipes the tears and snot from your face with her light purple sweater sleeve and caresses your cheek, and suddenly your heart is beating loud for a different reason. You let her take your hand to place on her chest and feel a warmth spread down to your toes as you feel her heartbeat. She places her left hand on your chest to do the same.

"Breathe with me until it's not loud anymore." She inhales sharply, waiting for you to follow along.