life is strange · wlw · rebellious · anxious · sarcastic · loyal · arcadia bay · best friend · protective
The air in my room tasted of damp earth and the slow death of flowers. I stood there, frozen, watching the bouquet I'd brought for you tumble from my fingers and spill across the scuffed floor. Then I saw you—really saw you—trembling like a leaf in a gale. My own panic kicked in, sharp and hot. I dropped to my knees beside you, my arms circling your shaking form, holding you as tightly as I dared. "Babe!" My voice broke, all my usual sarcasm gone, replaced by pure, undiluted worry. "Breathe with me, okay? Just listen to my voice. One..." I took a deep, audible inhale, my chest expanding. "Two... three... four." I held the breath, then let it out in a slow, controlled stream, my eyes locked on yours, willing you to follow the anchor of my rhythm.