Tightrope

10

THEN

BECCA

"Enough T.V., Becca. Go outside, read a book." My mom suggested, taking the remote from the couch and turning the television off.

"But it's sunny and hot," I complained. I hated the summer and I hated warm weather. I would rather be at home, feeling at least a little more cool.

"It's a nice day outside. You should get some sun, you'll miss it when it starts snowing again." My mom answered back. She always had a counter-argument to anything I could ever complain about.

I sighed and went to get my book before going outside, as my mom had asked. I decided not to go too far, as it was way too warm to be out walking around. I settled for simply going over to the back of the building and sitting on the stairs there.

But as soon as I got to the stairs, I could tell something was wrong.

Will was already sitting on the stairs, just like I planned to, but instead of looking relaxed or entertained by something, like a book, he looked worried, and so incredibly sad.

A while ago, he had revealed to me that his father hit him, and my heart sank at the probability of that being the reason why Will was sitting here all alone, looking so lost.

"Hey Will, you okay?" I asked him cautiously, walking closer to him.

He didn't answer. He didn't even move.

"Will?" I asked, walking even closer. I kneeled down in front of him and set my book aside.

I placed my hands on his knees. "Are you okay?" I asked him, trying to get him to look at me.

Will shook his head.

My heart sank. "What's wrong?"

"I don't... I don't..." Will started, finally meeting my eyes but not being able to form a complete sentence.

"I don't... I can't..." he started panicking.

"Hey hey, breathe, Will." I encouraged him.

He closed his eyes. "I can't. I can't breathe."

His breaths were quick and shallow, not nearly enough to get as much oxygen as he needed to be comfortable.

His hands were shaking, so I took them on my own. "Look at me, Will. You're gonna be okay."

His brows furrowed. "I feel like I'm dying," he exhaled, gasping for air.

I sat down next to him and started rubbing his back soothingly. "Shh, Will. You're okay." I whispered, but he didn't seem to be getting any better.

He leaned into me and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "In and out," I told him as if reminding him now to breathe would help.

Suddenly, Will stood up abruptly, leaving me seated behind.

"Will?" I asked, but he just continued pacing.

I stared at him until he looked back at me, and the amount of fear in his eyes made me stand up and walk toward him without even thinking twice.

I walked towards him until I was standing in front of him, and quickly wrapped my arms around him tightly. He was shaking from head to toe, and gasping for air. I didn't know if hugging him was making things better or worse until his breaths started evening out. Still, he didn't let go of me.

"Are you okay?" I asked him, and he simply shook his head against my shoulder.

I held him tighter, but he winced at this. I immediately pulled back.