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“Once everyone unloads, we’ll determine quarters,” said Cayman right before he opened the back passenger door and got out. He came around to open my door and held his hand out.
“I can manage, Cay.”
His eyes scrunched, and rather than wait, he went to the rear and pulled out bags as I stood there, having nothing to do and feeling ridiculous. Even Nemesis and Kima were helping unload. Rather than watch, I walked across the lawn. At the very edge of the hillside, there was a bench Cayman and I often sat on. It looked out over the most spectacular view of Surrey Hills.
I was so deep in thought that I didn’t hear Kima approach, and startled when she sat beside me.
“It takes my breath away every time,” she said.
“Yes. Mine too.”
“I’m not sure if Cayman mentioned it, but I’m a certified trauma counselor. I’m available if you feel like talking, either about what happened or anything else.”
“Thank you, but I’m not certain how long I’ll be here.”
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“If Cayman has to leave, I will too.” I sighed. “I’m not sure where I’ll go yet, but I suppose I’ll figure it out.”
“Why wouldn’t you stay here?”
“I just explained why not. Cayman won’t be here.”
She reached over and put her hand on mine. “Bexli, from what Cayman has said to the rest of us, this is your home for as long as you’d like it to be.”
“I’m sure he didn’t anticipate having to leave again so soon. I mean, does he?”
“I believe so. In fact, they may be flying out in a few hours.”
A sudden, intense feeling overcame me. I struggled to catch my breath and felt as though my heart would pound out of my chest. Perspiration broke out on my brow, and my hands shook.
“Bexli?”
“Sorry, um, I’m not sure what’s wrong. I feel as though I might pass out.” I brought one hand to my aching chest.
“It looks like a panic attack. Take slow, deep breaths to a count of three. In…one, two, three. Out…one, two, three. And again.”
I tried to match my breathing to hers, but I felt as though I was gasping for air.
“Let’s return to the house. A glass of water after a walk will do a great deal of good.”
She helped me stand, then put my arm in hers. By the time we reached the house, the symptoms had subsided.
“I was just looking for you,” said Cayman, opening the front door.
“We needed a bit of fresh air,” Kima explained on my behalf. It wasn’t exactly true, but I feared talking about it might make the panic reintensify.
When Cayman came outside, Kima went in.
“For now, I put your things in the main bedroom on the second floor. If you’d rather be somewhere else, just let me know.”
“Where will you be?”
“I’ve taken the room next door. They’re adjoining, if need be.”
“Is the room I’m in yours?”
“I don’t know that I have one.”
