I can feel the heat building. The gut wrenching inferno that rips through my body like wild fire.

It’s happening again but how do I stop it?

My brain reacts to keep me safe. But what is the danger it’s protecting me from?

I was once a child.

My innocence was stolen by the very people responsible for protecting me.

I’ve perfected my act over the years. When I had no choice but to smile and accept fate.

It becomes easy to adopt the persona of strength, when the alternative is punishment for feeling.

My brain reacts to keep me safe. But what is the danger it’s protecting me from?

I heard a bang lastnight.

A neighbour closing the car door.

My heart skipped a beat. Then it ricocheted around my chest screaming for help.

My blood gets hot and I freeze.

It’s just the neighbour.

I’m safe now. I can breathe.

But the feelings don’t match the thoughts.

Earthquakes no longer feel so foreign to my body.