Chapter 6

“I think you need this.” He smiled in front crying Louise. Her tears just continue to fall from her swollen eyes.

Sean seated beside Louise and made her accept the handkerchief. “Just accept it. I know you’re not okay. Why don’t you admit it?”

“Because if you admit to someone that you’re not okay, they will think that you’re weak.” She answered while wiping her tears.

“Not all of the people will judge you. There are others who are just concerned.” Sean answered. “You just need to know how to feel right and test a person before sharing to avoid judgement.”

“Not all judgement is correct.”

“That’s why you need to test a person properly.” She did not answer anymore and just looked down. After few moments, Louise still doesn’t respond while Sean is processing Louise’s behaviour since they entered the library. He moved closer to Louise and started patting the girl’s back.

“You have claustrophobia, am I correct?” Asked Sean. Louise did not respond. She just lifted her head and thought why Sean knows about it. “Why do you say so?” She faced Sean.

Sean took a deep breath and said, “Since earlier you are sweating too much even though it’s not that hot inside. You were also nervous. Like its written in your face. Even if you try to calm yourself you’re still nervous. You also breathe unusual. I assumed you feel like this place is too small because of the big shelves around. And the windows are too small compared to the windows of the other buildings that make it compact.” Louise was amazed how well Sean observed and knows so much.

“You need to take it easy. Are you a doctor?”

“You’re claustrophobic. Why did you agree to join?” Louise looked away. Sean is correct. Why did she agree in the first place? “Because they will call me weak if I will not join. I also have a question.”

“You know, it’s been years since I watch this challenge from afar. From the start until the morning. I was just in the corner and observing what’s happening.” He explained.

“My question is why did you join? You’re sharing too much.” Louise asked again.

“Could you let me finish first?” Sean inserted. He seems annoyed.

“Okay fine.” She let out a shy laughed.

“Every year, I just stand in a corner and watch. I can see that the other students are excited about this nonsense challenge. But earlier, I saw you in the crowd. It was obvious that you don’t like it. At first, I was not really serious in joining. But when it started, you did not quit even if you’re not comfortable. So that’s why I joined you here.” Sean was finally able to finish his explanation.

“You’re speech was way long to answer my short question.”

“Maybe you expected that the reason why I joined is that I like you?” He teased Louise with a playful smile.

“Excuse me? I was not thinking about it. Maybe your assuming things?” She teased back.

“Excuse me too! You’re not my type.” He said while copying how Louise speak and they both laughed.

“It seems like you’re breathing fine now. Good job!” He praised her. Louise smiled and looked at the shelves in the first floor. They are currently sitting facing the terrace where you could see the ground floor.

“May I ask why you have that phobia? Like what is the reason? If it’s okay with you.”

Louise took a deep breath before telling her story because until now the moment was still fresh for her.

“I was five at that time when that happened. We were at a hotel that time for a vacation. I was with my parents and my younger brother. We were also with our cousins. We were playing hide and seek that time. And as a reckless child that I am I hid myself in the elevator. I thought no one would find me and pressed the highest floor. And this is where it happened...” She looked at Sean while Sean is just looking at her while listening to her story.

“As the elevator go up, the electricity went out. I was stuck inside. There was like an emergency light inside but it went out gradually. I panicked and just shouted for help but no one came. I was crying because no one found me for like 30 minutes already I think. I really thought I will be stuck there forever. And until I feel like my heart is beating so fast and I feel like I can’t breathe. It feels like I was in a box and there’s no way out. The next thing I knew I was already in a hospital.”

“So that’s why you are claustrophobic.”

“Yes that was the reason. But another thing happened.” Louise said.

“Since that time. I don’t want to be alone in a place that is small or when I feel that the room is too small and dark. But guess what? I was trapped again inside a linen storage in our house. Typically a small room.”

“How did you get in there?” Sean asked.

“I didn’t know that the door was broken. I mean the door knob. I was going to get a blanket and I notice that they use a stool to prevent the door from closing. I pulled the stool so that I can reach where the blanket was. And boom! The door was locked. And there goes Louise crying and terrified inside the small room. Good thing my brother heard me crying and they opened it.” Sean was amused on how cool Louise on telling him her story. But he can still see Louise’s eyes that was about to cry any moment.

“So that’s why. But you were so cool today. You’re here inside even if you’re afraid. And you seemed to be better than earlier.”

“Maybe because this time I have someone with me. Maybe after this I will have a progress on overcoming my fear.” Louise is somewhat proud of herself today.

“By the way, thank you.” Louise smiled to Sean.

“For what?”

“Because even if were not that close you’re still concerned about me. And you’re even here.”

“No worries.” Sean smiled back.

“We were together for hours now but I still don’t know your name. What’s your name by the way?” Louise asked.

“Sean Sebastian.” He offered a hand shake. Louise accepted it. “Louise Corporal” Sean said.

“Why do you know my name?’

“Who would not know the name of the SBO president?” They both laughed. After many hours of talking they feel sleepy and tired.

“Are you sleepy? You can sleep here. Just lean on the railings.” Sean said.

“You should also sleep. This is still a long night.” And Louise closed her eyes. Sean was just staring at Louise face and thought how strong of a woman she is but there are still people who doubted her.

Sean closed his eyes and said “There’s nothing wrong of admitting your fears. And there’s also nothing wrong with trying to overcome it. You just need to be careful.”

“I know. I can collapse anytime especially when I’m alone. But they said the best way to overcome something is to face it. I guess this was the sign that I should start overcoming my fears.”

“I know. But what if I was not your partner? Some people would not mind and observe like I do.”

“Then I will just have to be strong and face it myself.” Louise answered before closing her eyes.