Goddess of Empathy

Panic Attack

vThe day after receiving the unsettling messages, Nico felt the crushing weight of anxiety. Zarinah's threats had cast a dark cloud over everything, turning each whisper in the hallways and each glance from his classmates into sources of dread. The nagging feeling that something was terribly wrong was almost unbearable.

During a break between classes, Nico found himself at his locker, desperately trying to focus on his schoolwork. His phone buzzed with another message, and he re-read Zarinah's chilling threats. Each message seemed eerily similar to Jacob's recent behavior, sending a shiver down his spine.

"No way. It can't be... Could it really be Jacob?" Nico muttered to himself, his heart pounding with fear and realization.

Later that day, Nico spotted Jacob standing by the lockers, chatting with a group of friends. Despite the knot of anxiety in his stomach, Nico decided he had to confront him. As he approached, Jacob's casual demeanor felt unsettling, making Nico's skin crawl.

"Jacob, I need to talk to you," Nico said, his voice betraying his anxiety. "Have you heard about Zarinah? The one sending me those weird messages?"

Jacob's smile faltered briefly before he masked it with a facade of casual indifference. "Zarinah? Can't say I have. What's she been saying?"

"Just... threatening stuff. It's been freaking me out. I thought you might know something."

Jacob's eyes flickered with an emotion Nico couldn't quite place. He shrugged off the question, but Nico felt a cold unease settle deep within him.

That evening, Nico sat alone in his room, his mind racing. He compared Zarinah's messages with Jacob's past texts and behavior. The patterns were too similar—Jacob's manipulative style, his detailed knowledge of Nico's life, and the nature of the threats all pointed to one person.

"The way Zarinah knows things... it's just like Jacob. The timing, the threats... It all fits," Nico whispered, his stomach churning with dread.

Determined to find out the truth, Nico confronted Jacob again the next day. His fear and frustration sharpened his resolve. He approached Jacob with a mixture of fear and determination.

"Jacob, I know it's you behind Zarinah. The messages, the threats—they all point to you. What do you want from me?"

Jacob's casual demeanor shifted to one of chilling aggression. His eyes darkened, and his voice took on a menacing edge. "Oh, so you figured it out? I was hoping you'd catch on eventually."

Nico's heart raced as Jacob's words took a disturbing turn. "I've been watching you for a long time, Nico. I know everything about you. I know where you live, what classes you're in, even the little details you think no one notices. I see you every day, and I make sure to keep track of everything you do."

Jacob's eyes gleamed with a twisted satisfaction as he continued, his voice laced with obsession. "I've made sure that you feel watched, every single day. The way you look over your shoulder, the way you flinch at every little noise—it's all part of the game. And you're not even the first."

The chilling confession sent Nico into a full-blown panic attack. His breath came in short, ragged gasps, and the room seemed to close in around him. The familiar sensation of dread surged violently, and he felt as if he were suffocating. His vision blurred, and the walls seemed to close in on him, amplifying his sense of impending doom.

Rapunzel, having overheard the confrontation, hurried to Nico's side. Her face was etched with deep concern as she quickly assessed his distress. "Nico! What's happening? You're shaking—"

Nico gasped for breath, struggling to speak through his panic. "Jacob... he's been... watching me..."

Rapunzel gently took Nico's hands in hers, her touch grounding him. She spoke softly, her voice steady and soothing. "Look at me, Nico. Focus on my voice. You're safe here. Just breathe in slowly, and then out."

She guided him through deep breaths, her calm demeanor helping to ease his racing heart. Her presence was a beacon of calm amidst the storm of his panic. As Nico's breathing began to steady, his heart rate slowing, he looked at Rapunzel with a mixture of relief and gratitude.

"Thank you, Rapunzel. I... I didn't know what to do. It felt like I was losing control," Nico said, his voice trembling.

"You're okay now," Rapunzel reassured him softly. "Just keep breathing. We'll get through this together. I promise."

Later, Rapunzel decided to cook Nico's favorite meal to help him relax. The comforting aroma of the food filled the kitchen as she prepared it with care. When she served the meal, she placed it in front of Nico with a warm, encouraging smile.

"I thought this might help you feel better," she said gently.

Nico managed a weak smile as he took his first bite. "It's perfect. Thanks, Rapunzel."

After dinner, Rapunzel and Nico settled into a quiet corner of his room. The soft light from a bedside lamp created a cozy, soothing atmosphere. Rapunzel wrapped her arms around Nico, holding him close and rubbing his back gently.

As Nico rested his head on her shoulder, Rapunzel whispered comforting words, her touch a steady source of warmth. Nico's tears fell silently as he clung to her, feeling a deep sense of safety and love.

"I don't know what I'd do without you, Rapunzel," Nico murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

"You'll never have to find out," Rapunzel replied softly, continuing to offer her comforting embrace. "I'm here for you, always."

The warmth and solace of Rapunzel's presence gradually lulled Nico to sleep. They remained wrapped in each other's arms, finding comfort in their closeness. As they drifted off, a profound sense of peace settled over them, easing the lingering fears of the day.