Sturniolo Triplets One Shots

Chris - Panic Attack

The afternoon sun streamed through the large window in the Sturniolo brothers’ makeshift studio, casting a golden hue over the room. The camera was positioned perfectly, capturing the three triplets—Nick, Matt, and Chris—in their usual positions on the couch. Today’s YouTube live stream was set to be a fun Q&A session, where they would answer questions from their fans and share some behind-the-scenes stories.

The energy in the room was high as they bantered back and forth, joking and laughing as they usually did. Chris, the youngest of the triplets, was slightly quieter than usual, but his brothers didn’t notice at first. The questions flowed in through the live chat, and Nick took on the role of the main reader, scanning the comments and picking out interesting questions.

“Okay, here’s a good one,” Nick said, grinning as he read from the screen. “What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you while filming?”

Matt laughed, launching into a story about a blooper reel that involved a lot of falling over and misplaced props. The chat erupted with laughter, and the brothers joined in, their camaraderie and ease with each other evident. But as the laughter died down, Nick noticed something strange in the chat. Comments like “Is Chris okay?” and “Chris looks pale” began to flood in.

Nick turned to look at his younger brother, who was visibly paler than usual, his eyes wide and unfocused. “Chris, you good?” he asked, concern creeping into his voice.

Chris tried to speak, but his voice came out in a whisper, barely audible. “I… I can’t breathe,” he managed, his chest heaving as he struggled for air. “My heart… it’s racing…”

Matt’s smile vanished instantly, replaced by a look of deep concern. He scooted closer to Chris, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. “Hey, hey, breathe with me, okay?” Matt said softly. “Just focus on breathing.”

Nick quickly stood up, rushing to get a glass of water from the kitchen. The live chat was a blur of worried messages, fans expressing their concern for Chris. Matt held his brother tighter, feeling the rapid rise and fall of his chest. “It’s okay, Chris. I’m here. Just breathe in… and out…”

Chris’s breaths were coming in short, panicked gasps, and tears streamed down his face. His hands were shaking uncontrollably, and he clutched at Matt’s shirt as if it were a lifeline. Matt rubbed his back in soothing circles, his own heart pounding in fear for his brother.

Nick returned with the water, his face ashen. He knelt beside Chris, holding the glass out to him. “Here, Chris, try to drink some water,” he said gently.

Chris tried to take the glass, but his hands were trembling too much. Matt took the glass instead, holding it to Chris’s lips. “Just a sip, okay? You can do it.”

Chris managed a small sip, but his breathing was still ragged. He tried to stand up, desperate to escape the overwhelming sensation of suffocation, but his legs gave out beneath him. Nick and Matt quickly caught him, lowering him gently to the ground.

“It’s okay, we’ve got you,” Nick said, his voice steady despite the fear in his eyes. “We’re here, Chris. You’re not alone.”

Chris’s chest continued to rise and fall erratically, and he was now openly sobbing. The panic attack had him in its grip, and he felt like he was drowning. Matt lay down next to him, pulling him into his arms and holding him tightly. “I’ve got you, Chris. Just focus on me. Breathe with me. In… and out…”

Nick sat on Chris’s other side, his hand resting on his brother’s shoulder. “You’re safe, Chris. We’re right here. Just breathe.”

Slowly, agonizingly, Chris’s breathing began to even out. The frantic gasps turned into deep, shaky breaths as he clung to Matt, feeling the steady rise and fall of his brother’s chest. The tears continued to flow, but the intense panic was starting to ebb away.

“I’m so scared,” Chris whispered, his voice breaking.

“I know, buddy, I know,” Matt said, his own voice thick with emotion. “But you’re going to be okay. We’re right here with you.”

Nick glanced at the live chat, seeing the flood of supportive messages from their fans. “They’re all here for you too, Chris,” he said softly. “Everyone’s rooting for you.”

After what felt like an eternity, Chris’s breathing returned to a more regular rhythm. He was exhausted, both physically and emotionally, but the panic had finally receded. Matt continued to hold him, murmuring reassurances and rubbing his back soothingly.

“Let’s get you up to the couch,” Nick suggested gently. “Take it slow.”

With Nick and Matt’s help, Chris managed to get back onto the couch, though he was still shaky. Matt kept an arm around him, not letting go. Nick turned to the camera, his face serious. “We’re going to end the live stream now. Thanks for all your support, everyone. We’ll see you next time.”

He ended the stream, and the room was filled with a heavy silence. Chris leaned into Matt, his eyes closed as he tried to calm his racing thoughts. Nick sat down next to them, putting a hand on Chris’s knee. “You okay, Chris?”

Chris nodded weakly. “Yeah… I think so.”

“Do you want to talk about it?” Matt asked softly.

Chris shook his head. “Not right now. Just… just need to breathe.”

They sat in silence for a while, the only sound the soft hum of the air conditioner. Eventually, Chris looked up at his brothers, his eyes red and swollen from crying. “Thank you. Both of you.”

“Always,” Matt said, squeezing his shoulder. “We’re a team, remember?”

Nick nodded. “We’ve got your back, Chris. No matter what.”

In the days that followed, Nick and Matt kept a close eye on Chris. They made sure he was eating, sleeping, and taking care of himself. They spent more time together, watching movies, playing games, and just talking. Nick often checked in with Chris about his mental health, making sure he knew he wasn’t alone.

One evening, as they sat on the porch watching the sunset, Nick turned to Chris. “How are you feeling?”

Chris took a deep breath, feeling the warm evening air fill his lungs. “Better. Still a bit shaky sometimes, but better.”

Nick nodded. “You know, it’s okay to have moments like that. It doesn’t make you weak.”

Chris smiled faintly. “Thanks, Nick. I’m lucky to have you and Matt.”

“We’re lucky to have you too,” Nick replied, putting an arm around his brother’s shoulders. “We’ll get through anything, as long as we’re together.”

And as the sun dipped below the horizon, the three brothers sat in a comfortable silence, knowing that no matter what challenges they faced, they would always have each other’s backs.