My weakness

Chapter 31 : Working with that fool?

In the quiet stillness of the night, Billie lay in her bed, engulfed by shadows that seemed to dance in the corners of her room. As sleep eluded her, the weight of the world bore down on her chest, and a familiar, suffocating sensation crept in. It was the onset of a panic attack, an unwelcome visitor that had haunted her nights before.

Her breaths grew shallow, each inhalation feeling like a struggle against an invisible force. The room, once a sanctuary, now closed in around her. The darkness intensified, playing tricks on her senses. Billie's heart raced, its beats echoing loudly in her ears as if the very rhythm of life had become a relentless drum, pounding away at her sanity.

The door creaked open, revealing Finneas, Billie's protective brother. His eyes, accustomed to the dimness, quickly assessed the situation.

Without a word, Finneas crossed the room and sat on the other side of Billie's bed. He didn't need elaborate explanations; the unspoken language of siblings had already conveyed the distress in the air. Placing a gentle hand on Billie's trembling shoulder, Finneas offered a silent assurance.

"Hey, B, it's okay," he said, his voice a comforting murmur. "I'm here now."

Billie, caught between the residual echoes of panic and the newfound reassurance of her brother's presence, slowly turned her gaze towards Finneas. His familiar face, etched with concern, provided a grounding point in the sea of uncertainty.

Finneas, sensing the residual tension in his sister, enveloped her in a warm, protective embrace. The rhythmic thud of her heartbeats echoed against his chest, conveying the intensity of her emotions.

"It's alright, Billie," he murmured, his voice a steady anchor. "I'm here for you."

Billie, wrapped in the security of her brother's arms, let herself lean into the comfort. The steady cadence of her heartbeat, previously a chaotic symphony, began to find a more stable rhythm in the soothing embrace.

After Billie's panic attack, her phone rang. Seeing Jesse's name on the screen brought a sense of comfort amidst the chaos of her emotions. She hesitated for a moment before answering, still feeling shaky and vulnerable.

"Hey, Billie, it's me," Jesse's voice sounded gentle and concerned.

Billie's heart skipped a beat at the sound of his voice. "Hey," she replied softly, grateful for his call.

"I just wanted to check in and make sure you're okay. I know how tough those can be," Jesse said, his tone filled with empathy.

Tears welled up in Billie's eyes as she felt the weight of Jesse's understanding. "Yeah, it was... rough," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly.

"I'm here for you, Billie. You don't have to go through this alone," Jesse reassured her, his words like a lifeline in her moment of need.

A wave of gratitude washed over Billie, knowing that Jesse was there to support her, even from miles away. "Thank you, Jesse. I really appreciate it," she said, feeling a sense of warmth spread through her chest.

"Anytime, Billie. Take as much time as you need, and remember, I'm just a phone call away," Jesse said, his voice filled with unwavering love and support.

With Jesse by her side, even through a simple phone call, Billie knew she would find the strength to overcome whatever challenges came her way. And as she hung up the phone, a sense of peace washed over her, knowing that she was not alone in her struggles.

As they continued to talk, the weight of the day's events began to lift from Billie's shoulders, replaced by a sense of calm brought on by Jesse's soothing presence. She nestled into her pillows, feeling more at ease with each passing moment.