PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 23: Pain

As the argument flared, Maya's breathing became shallow, her chest tight. Her heart raced, her fear and anxiety spiking.

The others in the room noticed instantly, Travis speaking up first. "Maya, you okay?"
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But Maya didn't respond, her breaths coming in quick, ragged gasps. Her eyes widened with panic, a sheen of perspiration breaking out across her forehead.

Andy was next to speak, her voice calm yet urgent. "Maya, breathe. You're having a panic attack."

Ben stepped forward, his medical training kicking in. "Maya, look at me. I need you to focus on your breath."

Maya tried to focus on his words, each breath feeling like a battle against the panic seizing her chest.

As Maya suffered through the panic attack, her heart rate spiked, and her breaths came in short, shallow gasps. Her blood pressure increased, the stress overwhelming her already weakened body.

The monitors surrounding her bed began to beep more rapidly, their warnings loud and urgent.

Travis looked up at the monitors, his eyes widening in alarm. "Her vitals are going crazy. We need to calm her down."

Andy's expression mirrored his worry, her voice rising. "Someone get a doctor, quick!"

Mason stood back, watching the scene unfold detachedly.

Ben took charge, his training guiding him. "Everyone, clear the room. Too many people are only going to make things worse. Give her space."

Andy and Travis exchanged a look of worry and helplessness, but they complied, slowly filtering out of the room.

Once they were gone, Ben turned his attention fully to Maya. "Maya, you need to listen to me. You're having a panic attack. I need you to focus on my voice."

The beeping from the monitors echoed loudly in the room, a constant reminder of the storm brewing within Maya.

As the panic gripped Maya tighter, the tears spilled over, streaming down her pale cheeks. Her sobs interrupted her already difficult breathing.

Ben's heart ached seeing the strong Captain so vulnerable. He kept his voice steady, "Easy, Maya. Breathe with me. In through your nose, out through your mouth."

Maya tried to follow his directions, her chest heaving as she fought to draw in a full breath. Each gasp was a small victory over the suffocating panic.

Ben placed a firm but gentle hand on her arm. "That's it, Cap. Slow and steady. Just keep focusing on your breath."

Under Ben's steady guidance and reassurance, the worst of Maya's panic attack subsided. Her breathing began to regulate, albeit ragged and punctuated with occasional sobs.

Her body, exhausted from the ordeal, finally succumbed to the exhaustion. The tears continued flowing down her tear-streaked cheeks as she slowly drifted into sleep, a quiet exhaustion marking her features.

Ben watched over her for a moment, ensuring her vitals were stable and her breathing remained steady. Once satisfied, he signaled for the others to re-enter the room.

As they filed back in, Ben spoke in a quiet voice. "She's asleep now. But that was a pretty bad panic attack. We need to keep an eye on her."

Andy said "Let's get Mason out of here."

The others nodded in agreement, the lingering worry over Maya's panic attack still heavy in the air. They turned their attention to Mason, who stood quietly by the wall.