"It... it stopped," she whispered, her voice barely audible. The once serene light shifted to an ominous red hue. I could see beads of sweat forming on her forehead.

I frantically pressed the emergency button, but there was no response. She began to slip, her body sinking to the floor, overcome by a wave of despair and tears.

"Jane... hey, just try to calm down," I pleaded, reaching out to her with urgency. I knew her better than anyone else. I knew her secret, the hidden truth that lurked within her. She suffered from claustrophobia.

Not just any claustrophobia, but a debilitating, all-consuming claustrophobia that gripped her soul with an iron fist.

***

My gaze locked with hers, capturing a moment frozen in time. Spring had painted the world in vibrant hues, with flowers carpeting the surroundings in a mesmerizing display. And amidst this kaleidoscope of colors, she stood before the class, her body drenched in perspiration. Her eyes, round and expressive, held a certain depth, while her lips, painted in a captivating shade of red, remained devoid of a smile.

"Please introduce yourself," Mrs. Quinn beckoned, her voice warm with encouragement.

"Cough... um, hi. I'm Jane Klien," she stammered, her fragile state apparent. Anxiety gripped my heart. Would she crumble under the weight of it all? My eyes darted to a group of my female classmates, huddled together, exchanging whispers that ignited laughter. My heart ached for her. She was on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

"Alright, please find a seat. Miss Finn, is there an available spot?" Mrs. Quinn inquired.

"Oops, sorry ma'am, but we're all out of seats," Julia replied, her tone tinged with mischief. Her friends joined in, making mocking gestures. Mrs. Quinn chose to ignore their disrespectful behavior.

I knew there was an empty seat, yet they intentionally denied her. Those girls, the popular ones on campus, were also considered my friends. Well, most of them were dating my teammates. We spent time together, but it didn't mean I condoned their actions. Their attitudes were far from admirable.

If only I could put an end to their unkindness.

"Mrs. Quinn, there's an available seat here," I rose from my chair.

"Oh, is that so? You don't mind?" Mrs. Quinn inquired, surprise evident in her voice.

"It's alright. She can sit next to me," I pointed to the chair beside mine, with Krissy seated behind me. With a determined stride, I took my place next to Luna and Frank at the front. My classmates stared in disbelief. It was a rare occurrence for me to extend such an invitation, let alone for a girl to join me. Their astonishment meant nothing to me.

"Very well, Miss Klien. You may proceed," Mrs. Quinn said, her eyes twinkling. The situation was undeniably awkward, but sometimes, awkwardness paves the way for something better. With a heavy heart, Jane made her way towards me. I smiled warmly and extended a welcoming hand.

In an instant, her complexion turned an unsettling shade of green. Without any warning, a wave of vomit splattered onto my shirt, drenching it completely. The classroom erupted in a chorus of screams and disgusted exclamations. She stood frozen, resembling a motionless lamppost, her eyes welling up with tears.

"Well, that's quite the introduction. Let me show you to the restroom," I offered, mustering a smile despite the unfortunate turn of events. Taking her gently by the hand, I guided her out of the classroom. As for my clothes, they could handle a little soaking.

I led her to the school's sick bay, thinking that she might benefit from some rest. She remained silent throughout, her mind seemingly elsewhere. Nurse Camila attempted to strike up a conversation, but she merely nodded in response, seemingly uninterested. Perhaps she needed more time to adjust to the situation. I left them together and made my way to the gym locker room, swiftly changing my shirt for my training suit.

***

During recess, I made my way over to the cafeteria table where Frank sat in silence, leisurely sipping his juice. Taking a seat next to him, I greeted him with a smile.

"Where's the ogre?" he quipped.

"Who?" I asked, feigning ignorance.

"That girl who had the unfortunate vomiting incident," Frank chuckled. A tinge of anger crept into my heart, but I brushed it aside. He was most likely joking. Frank had a sharp tongue, but deep down, he had a pure heart. That's just how he interacted with others.

"She's at the sick bay, but she should be back by now," I replied.

"Why?"

"So she can unleash her wrath upon you," I teased, chuckling. Frank playfully punched my arm, and we shared a laugh.

Suddenly, the distinct sound of stilettos echoed behind me, causing my heart to sink. I turned around, and there she stood. Helen, the epitome of beauty at our school. She held the coveted title of Miss Oak High and her intelligence matched her looks, having won The International Mathematical Olympiad for two consecutive years.

With her full package of attributes, who wouldn't want to be her friend or boyfriend? It was a dream shared by many, including myself.

"I heard there was an accident in the History class," she spoke gently, her voice like a soothing melody. I nodded and smiled, unsure of how she had come to know about it. The news must have spread like wildfire, and I instantly had my suspicions in mind.

"No one was harmed. It was a harmless incident," I replied politely.

"I brought you some spare clothes. You can't simply wear that training suit, can you?" she offered. I blinked in surprise. Helen and I were on amicable terms, as we shared the same circle of friends and occasionally hung out together. But this was different.

Then it hit me. She was the Head Prefect, the embodiment of responsibility and care. I could rationalize her kind gesture now.

I reached out to accept the shirt she brought, and she smiled, satisfied. It was a peculiar honor, yet I felt fortunate to have someone like her show concern for me. Doubly fortunate, considering that person was Helen.

"Well, I should be going now. See you on Saturday," she bid me farewell with a smile, gracefully walking away.

Frank playfully slapped my back and teasingly remarked, igniting a lighthearted banter between us.

***

"Jane... it's okay. Please wake up!" I touch her cheek. She's sweating like hell. I push the emergency button again. Still no response.

"Jane.."

"Please.. let me go... I know nothing about it! It's just an accident.. please..!" Jane holds my hand, tight. She's crying so badly. I don't know what to do, so I just grab her in my arms. It's like a deja vu, seeing her in this condition. I know how she feels right now. It's not easy to just forget the bad experience.

***

It's so quiet that evening. Since it was Friday, every class ended early. Lots of students went home before 2 p.m. I looked at my watch. It's already 3.30 p.m.

I went to sickbay first. Looking for her. She's supposed to join us for English class but she's not around. Maybe she was still not well and rest. To my surprise, Nurse Camilla told me that a bunch of her friends came and pick her up. They had permission to send her home. I just nodded my head. Maybe that's true. So, I continued my journey to the locker room.

Entering the locker room, it's so damn quiet. I opened my locker and put back my training suit. Suddenly, I heard a crying voice. Scared but at the same time very painful. I searched for the source. I look at the last section of the locker room. The voice began to hear clearly.

"What the...?!" I was shocked. Moving my leg faster toward the voice. It was Jane. Her eyes and mouth had been tied up. Quickly, I loosen the rope and clothes. She was crying until her eyes were red.

"Save me.. please... save me..." She had zero energy. I don't know what to do. She opened her eyes slowly. Her hand grabbed my shirt. There were bruised on her hand and cheek. She's been hit. But, by who?

"Jane... Jane.. please wake up!" suddenly, her eyes shut down. I hold her in my arms. Praying that she's still alive. Slowly, I picked her up and brought her out of the locker room, called security, and sent her home.

I don't know anything about the attack. She told nothing about it. All I know is that she began developing some symptoms of claustrophobia. And, only I knows about that.

***

"Jane... please, don't leave me," I pleaded desperately, gently caressing her clammy cheek. The intensity of her perspiration sent shivers down my spine. Desperation drove me to press the emergency button once more, hoping against hope for a response that never came.

"Jane, stay with me," I whispered, my voice choked with anguish. Her grip tightened around my hand, her tears flowing uncontrollably.

Helplessness consumed me as I held her tightly in my arms. It felt like a cruel sense of déjà vu, witnessing her in this vulnerable state. I knew all too well the pain she was experiencing, for I had once felt it too. The scars of a traumatic past were not easily erased, and I understood that all too well.

"Jane...Jane.." she opened her eyes.

"Dave.." and crying her heart out.