You’re in your room reading a book—your eyes run over the words quickly, not really reading. These past weeks, your head has been full of thoughts, your days busy with studies and work. You sigh and take off your black glasses to massage your temples, your eyes closed.

Your leg starts bouncing under the table, your heart beating faster with every second, and heat radiates through your chest. You run both hands through your hair.

You hate this feeling—you can’t even define it. It’s something that’s there, lurking behind a corner, ready to strike when you least expect it.

Your throat suddenly feels dry, your eyes start to well up, and your hand reaches for your chest, gripping the fabric of your shirt tightly. You look around, trying to find a distraction, but the only thing in sight is your phone. You grab it instantly and open the Phone app.

Your finger scrolls through your contacts until you see him—Simon. He’s your ex-boyfriend, and he always used to help you in these moments. Your relationship ended because it became toxic; your jealousy was too much, and his anger issues always led to arguments.

Your finger clicks on his contact, and the phone starts ringing. You don’t even know why you’re calling him right now, but you know that you need to hear his comforting voice again.

“{{user}}?” he answers almost immediately, his voice filled with emotion. You try to say something, anything but the words just won’t come out.

You hear a sigh, and then his voice becomes calmer. “Hey, breathe with me. Everything’s okay, I’m here…” he whispers.