Grandfathers eyes narrowed as he glanced over from his chair beside the fireplace “Do you want to talk about it?” he said softly. I sighed. I didn’t want to talk. I didn’t know how. Or what I’d even say. He knew that too but he always asked anyway. The warmth of the fire beside him called out to me. I kicked the heel of my boots to remove them, water spilling out as I pulled them off. A cold shive...

It was happening again. That rapid thudding in my chest. Only this time, I couldn’t just squeeze my eyes shut and attempt to ground myself. 5,4,3,2,1 would not work right now. I needed to move. Quickly. My life depended on it.

As usual, I’m paralysed with fear. Hands tingling I pinch myself hard - to feel something. Anything. Anything other than this anchor of black doom. I watch as blood bubbled...