The Host and Amy

4

ASK: Since the Host lost his eyes, does he suffer from anxiety or panic attacks? I know how scary they can be and was wondering if any of the other Egos or Amy ever found him panicking...

Once, Host got lost in public while at museum. One moment, he'd had his arm looped around Amy's, and the next, a crowd of people pulled them apart. Amy didn't notice at first. She thought maybe Host had grabbed onto the back of her shirt instead, like he does at times when he wants to let her lead the way through tight spaces, but when she gets to the other side of the crowd, out in the open, she realizes that he is no where to be seen.

There's a moment of pure panic as Amy whips around in every direction, scanning the crowds for his face, but she can't find him anywhere.

It takes her all of five minutes to find him curled up behind a trashcan in a corner. He's narrating so quickly that she can't understand a word of what he's saying. He's rocking back and forth with his hands pressed over his ears, and his breathing is rapid and shallow like he can't get enough air.

"Host, I'm here." She pulls him close to her, wrapping her arms around him and speaking softly to him, "Take a deep breath, one at a time. With me, ok?" It takes a few minutes, but Host is finally able to calm down enough to match her breathing.

"The Host thought he was dying. Amy left him." He starts to hiccup again, and Amy shushes him.

"No, no. I didn't mean to let go. I'm sorry." Amy clasps one of his hands between both of her and feels how he's trembling. "Why didn't you call for me?"

"Dark used to leave the Host in crowded places as punishment. He wouldn't return for hours, so Host just found places to hide," he explains quickly. Amy picks his cane up off the floor and presses it into his hands. The familiar grain of the wood soothes him a little. "The Host should've known that Amy would never do that to him."

Amy pulls him slowly to his feet when he finally calms down enough to stand. "Don't worry about it, Host, but please, if it happens again, just stop where you are and call for me, ok? I'll come find you right away; I promise." Host nods slowly. He still hasn't let go of Amy's hand.

"Are you alright now?"

Host nods, "As long as you're here."