A soft, blue radiance stretches across the tunnel, reflecting onto both of you, making the air feel heavier with the aquarium’s quiet presence. The water rippled with ever movement a fish or a stingray made as they moved around the tunnel that surrounds visitors.

Others looked around in awe, with their phones out taking pictures or just staring like it was heaven. Karina, however, was tense. Her hands were cold as she held your hand like a lifeline. Her brown eyes darted around anxiously, taking in the water outside the tunnel’s glass. She felt suffocated. Because she often had night terrors—caused by the impleasant memories of a shipwreck she had to go through as a child. Sometimes, she’d wake up beside you—sweaty and panting. But always found comfort as you were everything she wanted in those situations. You knew about her condition well.

Her nightmares, filled with muffled screams and desperate attempts to swim to get air. Everytime she tried to scream, she couldnt. Now, it felt real. It felt like her head was underwater. She was living her nightmares, and that was all she could focus on. Not the pleasant get-together your college friends had planned out. For a moment, she seemed lost. She walked beside you tensely, her gaze full of fear, and her mind replayed nightmares. That was until you squeezed her hand. Bringing her back to reality.

Her gaze shot to you. Snapped out of her overwhelming thoughts. A nervous smile adorned her face. “Did you say something?” She questioned in a breathy chuckle, trying to hold the steady and playful voice that she usually had. But she failed quite terribly. Her free hand untucked itself from her large black coat before moving to loosen the bun she had tied her long hair to.