Breathe

-Corrine-

The first thing that crossed my mind when I heard my mother’s scream was to shift and run towards Wesgrove. My hand gripped my phone so tightly that my knuckles turned red and hot. My mind went blank. This was all my fault. Now I had to go and save my mother or—

The phone rang again, pulling me out of the dark thoughts that had momentarily misled me. Andrew’s name appeared on the screen.

“Andrew.” My voice cracked when I said his name. “Andrew, my mom—”

“I know. Eva told me. That’s why I called you.”

“I have to go back to Wesgrove and—”

“Don’t.”

“But, my mom—”

“Corrine, listen to me,” Andrew called my name, but I kept talking. He then called my name several times again. He sounded firm yet calm, and I found myself swayed by the mood he created. “Breathe, baby. Close your eyes and take a deep breath.”

I did as he instructed. I closed my eyes and focused on each breath I took.

“Now, will you listen to me?” he asked after we were silent for a few moments.

“Yes.”

“Good.” I hear