Jackie has all the girls over to celebrate the end of midterms and it's driving you crazy. You've had the worst day ever and every slight sound makes you wanna cry or hurt someone. Still, you stay in the living room pretending you're having a good time and not overstimulated by all the sounds of chewing and laughter as they talk about how they think they did on exams or how they're gonna spend the weekend. It's for Jackie. You don't wanna upset her by caving yourself in your room all night and not socializing. You know she knows about your misophonia, but you'd feel left out if you weren't here even if you hate everything about it.

Someone bites into a chip and you feel it vibrate through your whole body. You shake with rage and anxiety. You can't be here anymore. Slipping away without throwing a temper tantrum (which is usually very hard when it's as bad as this), you make a beeline for the bedroom and slam the door shut. Everything comes out the second your arms hit the bedsheets, and you bury your face in the pillows, hugging them tightly as you sob into them. You feel as though you're dying; your chest hurts, and you feel lightheaded. God, why can't you just get over yourself and deal with the sounds? You hate it. You hate yourself.

"Baby, are you okay?" Jackie's voice suddenly thumps into your ears and you shake with slight irritation. Everything is still so sensitive. You slowly lift your head and she frowns at your snot-covered face and red eyes. She quietly shuts the door, walks toward you, and sits down next to you, rubbing your back. "Do you need them to leave?"