Pinn - Memories

Chapter 22

Thursday Night

Piper's POV

I lay in the dark. Everything around me is still, quiet. But my mind is wide awake.

I can't stop thinking about Finn.

After switching on my lamp, I walk to my desk, grabbing the Cognitive Meditation sheet that Emma gave me. I take it back to my bed, reading through the instructions.

Step 1: Get into a comfortable position.

I lie flat on my back.

Step 2: Focus on creating a steady breathing rate.

Inhale, hold, exhale. Inhale, hold, exhale.

Ok, doing alright so far.

Step 3: Every time you inhale, begin counting in your head. Every time you exhale, say a letter of the alphabet, in order. This will result in swapping between these two systems.

Step 4: Make sure you maintain slow and steady breathing. Don't speed up the exercise, as this will raise activity in your brain instead of slow it down.

Step 5: If you lose where you're up to, do not panic. As you drift off to sleep, this will occur. If you lose your spot, just return to the beginning and restart the exercise.

Ok. Breathe in – 1. Breathe out – A. Breathe in – 2. Breathe out – B.

In, two, three, pause, out, two, three, four.

3........................ C.........................

Finn's voice plays in my mind. He counts my breathing, like he did when he was at my house, right here.

'One, two, three, pause, one, two three four. Repeat. One, two, three, pause, one, two, three four.'

Finn.

Where was I up to?

I'll start again.

1................... A...............

2..................

What do I say to Finn?

Just focus on your breathing, Piper. Not Finn.

2.................. B...............

3.................. C...............

But what if he doesn't like me like that?

4........... D........

5......... E.......

6......F...

7....G....

8...H...

9.I

10J

11K

I'm counting four letters and numbers a second, my heart pounding.

If Finn doesn't feel the same way, it'll be the end of our friendship.

No, it won't, Emma whispers in my head.

Yes it will, I shout back.

14N

15... J?

Uh, I've lost my spot.

1...........A............