I wake up to an anxiety attack. This has not happened in a while. I feel restless and emotional. My heart is beating fast. My thoughts are everywhere but I can't think straight. I sit cross-legged on the bed and try meditating for a change. I inhale and exhale a few times. I'm conceivably not doing it right 'cause it isn't helping.
I pick my phone up and called Worthy. He picks up on the second ring.
"Uncle Worthy I-. I just want to go home."
I cry on the phone.
"Xaya, you are having an emotional attack. Try breathing in and out."
"That's what I'm doing. It's not working."
"Do it right."
He orders and I try breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth.
Worthy
"Are you alright now?"
"No. I feel like I'm choking."
She whimpers from her line. I am helpless at the moment.
"Think about what we will do in the morning."
"Yes?"
"Have you ever seen a pond?"
"No."
She responds and I know I have her attention.
"It's summer. Don't you want to go swimming?"
"Will you come with me?"
She pleads. I can tell she has on that pouty face she always makes.
"Get rid of that ugly look on your face. You're so spoiled."
She laughs 'cause she knows I'm right.
"So, will you come with me?"
"I'll think about it."
I can't go swimming with my niece. People here are beyond judgemental. They will assume the worst in every situation. Her end goes quiet. I have to think of something.
"I heard they have food parlours around here."
This is one of her favourite entertainments. I just hope it lightens up her mood.
"Really."
"Mhm. Don't you want to try out new different dishes with me?"
The last time we did this, I had a running stomach for days. She made me try out different dishes at a time. She cackles from her end. She must have remembered.
"This time you'll pick the food."
The morning light seeps through the window. I just hope Xaya is fine. An anxiety attack can make you vulnerable and weak. It can as well lead to depression. I hope this is a mere attack and not a disorder.
"Good morning niece?"
She chuckles.
"Good morning Worthy. I need me a warm bath. Ttl."
She says and hangs up.
I hear a knocking sound. I slip into my basketball shorts and unlock the door from inside. The same girl from last night greets me.
"Would you like anything?"
She enters the room and smiles at me. She's tall and beautiful.
"Did you check on the young girl?
Her smile drops and I read her inner surface just there and then. Not as beautiful as I thought.
