Gemotions

The claustrophobia was hitting Mark hard. He’d started to hyperventilate. The air was getting thin, and his face was red.

“Hey, hey, look at me,” I said, my voice deliberately calm. I kept my eyes focused on his, trying to project a sense of serenity. “Just breathe with me, okay? In… and out…”

I counted out the seconds, breathing in time with him, hoping to anchor him in the moment. I focused on his reaction, and adjusted my tone to match his needs.

He started to regain a little control. I smiled, then looked over his face, as if seeking confirmation that he was doing alright.