When He became Art

"Maje, you need to breathe!"

I could hear Cari begging and pleading but I couldn't stop the rush of air leaving my lungs as fast as a freight train. My head began to pound and my vision darkened around the edges.

I grappled at my chest; unable to slow my breathing.

Having a panic attack was always a new experience...sometimes it just happens. But this one was different. I needed to leave right now or I was going to lose myself.

Pulling myself to my feet, I staggered towards the door; intoxication hindering sobriety. I could feel Cari hand gripping the back of my shirt so she wouldn't lose me in the crowd of sweaty bodies. The only thing I was focused on was the EXIT sign in red ahead of me but I could slowly feel the world closing down on me. Unable to move, I began to panic even more and it didn't help that the crowd was getting denser and the club was filling up with more people.

"Maje, baby, you have to breathe!" Cari screamed, turning me around to face her.