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“I need to call 9-1-1”

She shook her head no Againstbeside the couch as she clung to me like a lifeline I focused on

being her support Holding her shaking form as she took rapid breaths, forced h whatever the hell this was Her knuckles hite, tears soaked through my shirt, and I prayed I sent silent prayers to the heavens for this to stop, and for her to be okay

Thesuch an asshole I keptstopped, I let out a long, shaky breath Her grip on my shirt loosened

“II think I’m okay now” Her voice sounded scratchy She kept her head down “You can go”

“Go? Like hell! I’ht now What just happened?”

“Malcolm, please”

I placedher faceshit out ofto leave?”

She closed her eyes, and fresh tears spilled down her face “I’m fine”

My jaw clenched Taking a slow breath, I spoke, keepingme out Please I’m not the enemy I promise you”

She opened her eyes, and looked down at her hands I watched as she twirled the ring around her finger “Ihad…or have panic attacks”

Disbelief Ahad this been going on? How did I not know? Did Macy kno in the hell had she ed to hide this froered one I sat back against the leather otto around her finger

“It’s not that big of a deal,” she said softly “I mostly had the on if she wanted to continue or not

“But what?”

“Theythey recently started again”