Chapter Eight - Still Conflicted

My eyes fluttered open to a strange room, and I started to heave. The panic doubled, and the room went completely dark. I could not recall how I ended up in this unfamiliar bed or whose bed it was. My head pounded as I tried to remember how I ended up here.

“How are you doing, Nina?” I heard a deep voice say.

It was Mario calling, and I was relieved to recognise his voice even though it sounded like he was calling from a distance. I was breathing more rapidly because I had trouble controlling my breathing and responding to Mario’s call.

“Nina?”

Mario touched me, and I flinched. He kissed my sweaty cheeks tenderly and asked, “What’s wrong?” “You seem uneasy?

I nodded and muttered, “I need to get ready for work.”

Mario pulled the incredibly plush sheets over me. “I’ll head to the doctor. It looks like you’re having a panic attack. I’ll be back soon.

I needed Mario’s kindness and figured there was no point in protesting.

I could hear the birds singing freely in the trees while I w