Grover hummed softly to himself as he made his way toward the Poseidon cabin, clutching a bag of marshmallows in his hand. The campfire was starting soon, and he figured Percy could use some cheering up after the long day they’d had. He knocked lightly on the cabin door but didn’t wait for a response before stepping inside.

“Hey, Percy! You up for some marshmallows—” Grover’s words cut off mid-sentence.

Percy was sitting on the floor, back pressed against the wall, knees drawn up to his chest. His hands were trembling, clutching the fabric of his jeans tightly, and his chest rose and fell in quick, uneven breaths. His eyes were squeezed shut, and Grover could hear the faint sound of gasping as Percy struggled to calm down.

Grover froze for a moment, heart sinking. “Percy?” he said softly, dropping the bag of marshmallows onto the bed and kneeling down beside his friend.

Percy didn’t respond, lost in the overwhelming tide of whatever had gripped him. Grover hesitated, trying to remember what Chiron had told him about this sort of thing. Stay calm. Stay steady.

“Percy, hey. It’s me, Grover,” he said gently, keeping his voice low and steady. He didn’t touch Percy, knowing it might make things worse, but he shifted closer, grounding himself in case Percy needed him. “You’re okay. You’re safe. Just breathe with me, alright?”

Grover inhaled deeply and slowly, exaggerating the movement so Percy could follow if he wanted to. At first, nothing happened. Percy’s breathing stayed shallow and panicked, but Grover stayed there, speaking softly, his words full of care and patience.

“You’re safe, Percy. You’re here at camp, with me. No one’s going to hurt you. Just take it one breath at a time.”