I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as I stood on the edge of the cliff, looking out at the vast drop below. My knees were shaky, and every muscle in my body screamed at me to turn around. I was frozen, staring at the ground, afraid to look down, afraid of the fear that would consume me if I did.

"Breathe," Benny’s voice broke through my thoughts. He was right behind me, his hand hovering near my shoulder as if offering silent support. "You’ve got this."

I shook my head, my hands clenching into fists. "I can’t. I... I can’t do this, Benny."

"You can." His voice was firm, but there was that softness underneath, the one that always seemed to calm me. His words felt like a steady anchor in a storm. "We’ll take it slow, alright? One step at a time."

I wanted to argue, to back out, but something in his tone made me pause. I had trusted Benny with so much over the years, why not this?

"Okay," I whispered, taking a shaky breath. "One step."

Benny’s hand gently rested on my back, his touch warm and reassuring. "Good. Now, look at me."

I raised my gaze to meet his, and the world seemed to slow down. His eyes were steady, his expression calm. "I’m right here with you."