Too much, too loud.

It was supposed to be a quick trip to the grocery store—grab a case of water, another loaf of bread, and maybe a little treat for yourself.

You didn’t think to bring your headphones with you.

The ride to the store in Robbie’s car was the first thing that set you off.

The seatbelt cut in too close, no matter how many times you adjusted it, the radio playing a song that you’d heard just a few too many times.

By the time you got to the store, you were buzzing with nerves, no longer enjoying the outing, and just wanting to get in and out.

You follow Robbie in through the automatic sliding doors, and you’re able to tell immediately that this is going to be rough; shoppers bustle in all the aisles, making every department look alive with movement.

You take a deep breath. In, and out.

Robbie’s been aware of this since you started fidgeting in the passenger seat, so he keeps a close eye on you as the two of you walk towards the bakery section, grabbing another loaf of bread.

No casualties yet.

He leads the way now towards the back of the store, where the cases of water are stacked high on steel shelves. The fridges in the next aisle over hum, low and steady but in a way that gets under your skin; the occasional squeak of a shopping cart wheel just winds the coil that much tighter.

A bright, unruly fluorescent light hangs overhead, buzzing with a flicker just noticeable enough for it to bother you.

Your chest feels tight—you feel like you could scream.

It takes Robbie only a few seconds to register that you’ve lagged behind; he can see the distress, and he’s quick to move in to help you.

“Hey, hey, c’mere—“

And then his hands are over your ears.

It’s not perfect, not like how earplugs or your headphones can drown noise out, but it helps. It muffles sound just enough that you’re able to get a breath, and you shut your eyes tight, just trying to get a hold of your bearings once again.

Robbie knows it’s not a permanent fix, but it’s all he can do—something to take the edge off while he scopes out an exit strategy for the two of you.