I. Can’t. Breathe.
I feel like strong hands are wrapped around my neck
Squeezing.. squeezing every last breath in me.
All the air in my lungs cut off in a single moment.
I’m trying to scream,
to call out for help,
But.. I can’t even whisper a word.
Hel.. Hel.. Help! Hello? Hel.. I.. I..

I am suffocating.
I feel like a large pillow is smothering me.
Every breath let out is suppressed in an instant.

Help.. I.. I..

I can’t move.
I am paralyzed by fear of what I see before me.
I feel trapped in my own body.
I feel prisoned by my.. mind.

My world is spinning.
Everything around me is so bright.
I see stars dancing above my head.
I hear voices around me yet.. I see no one.
Their laughter rings loud in my ears
Almost as if they laughing at me.

Could they be laughing at me?

Someone is calling my name.
He’s coming closer to me.
Oh, God! I’m not ready!
He’s smiling.
He’s smiling at ME!

He called my name again.
HE KNOWS MY NAME!
What do I do?!
Hel.. Hel.. Hello..?

“Hi! Tshego, right?”
“Hey, yeah!”
“You look so good today!”
“Aw, thanks”
“See you around?”
“Sure!”

My crush spoke to ME!
AND he knows my name!

And just like that..
I can finally breathe.