In the stars. | A collection of short stories: B.E

Overload.

A/n: When all your mental illnesses crash down on you at once...it's not fun. Nobody gets it... they think you make yourself angry... not the sounds in the room that nobody else hears but you. Makes you feel crazy, but I promise you you're not in any way crazy. Please tell me if this doesn't make sense, and comment your opinions... :)

★Billie★

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft, hopeful light on the room. I had been dealing with Octavia's mental health challenges for a while now, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to watch her suffer. She lay in bed, restless and unable to sleep, a victim of her persistent insomnia.

"Babe, maybe we could try some calming exercises together," I suggested, hoping to offer some relief.

But Octavia's response caught me off guard, a burst of anger that seemed to come out of nowhere. "Don't you think I've tried everything, Billie? Nothing works!"

I felt a pang of hurt, but I knew better than to react with anger. I understood that sometimes her mental health struggles became too overwhelming to contain.

"I'm sorry, Vee," I replied, my voice gentle and empathetic. "I know you're doing your best. We'll figure this out together."

As the day wore on, Octavia's anxiety seemed to intensify. It was like a storm brewing, dark clouds gathering on the horizon. I could see the torment in her eyes, and my heart ached for her.

Then, in a moment of sheer frustration, Octavia punched the wall with a force that rattled me to my core. I stared in shock at the hole in the wall, unable to comprehend what had just happened.

"Octavia!" I exclaimed, my voice trembling with concern. "Are you okay?"

Tears flowed down her face as she clutched her injured hand, collapsing to the floor. Guilt and sorrow washed over me, seeing her in such pain.

"I'm sorry, Billie. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to..."

I rushed to her side, kneeling down and holding her close. The shock slowly gave way to a deep sadness, an understanding that this wasn't about me or our relationship but about the relentless grip of her mental illnesses.

"Shh, it's okay, Vee," I whispered, tears streaming down my own face. "I'm not mad. I love you, and I'm here for you."

Octavia's anxiety continued to overwhelm her, and I could tell that she feared that I would be angry or disappointed in her for losing control. But I wanted to reassure her, to let her know that our love was unbreakable. I held her close, repeating my love and support, promising that we would face this together, no matter how daunting it felt.

As the evening unfolded, we talked, cried, and clung to each other. I knew that this journey wouldn't be easy, but I was resolute in my commitment to stand by Octavia's side through every storm. An hour before dinner Octavia's panic attack and ADHD episode collided in a storm of emotions and actions that left me deeply concerned. It might have appeared like a fit to anyone else, but I knew better. I knew this was a terrifying moment for Octavia, and I needed to be there for her.

As her phone shattered against the wall, I watched her crumble, her hands clamped tightly over her ears. She struggled to breathe, her body curled into a fetal position, and distressed groans escaped her lips as she rocked back and forth. I understood that she was overwhelmed, trapped in a cacophony of thoughts and sensations.

Moving quickly, I took off my hoodie and rushed to her side. I gently placed it under her head, shielding her from the cold, unforgiving floor. I didn't want her to hurt herself in the midst of this crisis.