the panic attack

The panic attack starts when you are 15 and never really stops. It turns up in your showers with the water, dribbling over your mouth and eyes.

 

The panic attack tastes like TV static in your teeth.

 

The panic attack slow burns, like a HBO drama. Critically acclaimed as the most terrifying thing to happen to you.

 

Establishing shot: Aubrey Plaza on a meth binge.

 

The panic attack hides in the search results of symptoms.

 

Sounds like a sweaty nightclub, bumping in your chest.

 

The panic attack dreams big.

 

One day, it becomes agoraphobic.

 

But it's not all bad.

 

The panic attack sends you inside, to books, learning. A few weird online friends. A good University with 70% attendance.

 

You hide it enough to start a relationship. Then you ease it out like a skittish pet. A tremble here, a little sweating there.

 

The panic attack feeds on an antidepressant and becomes something else entirely.

 

Sheds its skin.

 

Leaves sticky black stuff behind.

 

Like mold, if mold had teeth and phobias.

 

And now it just feels like you have the flu 24/7.

 

 

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