Chapter 5
As the lights in the elevator started to flicker, Harry's panic escalated. He could feel the sweat forming on his brow, his heart pounding in his chest. Being claustrophobic and stuck in an elevator was his worst nightmare, and now, Luna was there to witness it.
Luna, seemingly oblivious to Harry's distress, continued to talk, her words becoming a blur to him as he struggled to control his fear. His breaths came in shallow, rapid gasps, and his hands trembled.
Unable to bear it any longer, Harry finally snapped, his voice shaking, "Luna, shut up for a second!"
Luna fell silent, surprised by Harry's outburst. She watched as he grappled with a full-blown panic attack, his face contorted in fear.
Luna's concern grew as she realized the extent of Harry's panic attack. She asked, "Harry, are you okay? Are you having a panic attack?"
Harry, still struggling to catch his breath, managed to mutter, "Can't you see?"
Luna, surprising both Harry and herself, tried to calm him down, "It's going to be alright, Harry. Just focus on your breathing. In and out. In and out."
Luna could see the fear in Harry's eyes, and she knew she had to help him. She continued to speak in a calm, soothing voice, "Harry, I'm here with you. You're not alone. Remember to breathe, in and out, just like that."
Harry's panic intensified with every passing second. He could feel the walls closing in on him, and the memories of his childhood trauma resurfaced. His parents had died when he was young, leaving him to live with his cruel aunt and uncle, who had locked him in a tiny, dark cupboard as a form of punishment.
As Harry's breath quickened, Luna sensed his distress and moved closer to him. Without a word, she gently placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Harry flinched at first, but Luna's touch was soft and comforting.
"Harry," Luna spoke softly, "try to focus on your breath. Inhale... and exhale."
Luna, unaware of Harry's traumatic past, kept talking, "You're strong, Harry. You've faced so much in your life, and you can conquer this fear too. Just keep focusing on your breath."
As Luna's words of encouragement washed over him, Harry began to regain control over his breathing. He closed his eyes, trying to block out the darkness and the memories of his past.
Luna continued to speak softly, "You're safe here, Harry. The elevator will start moving again soon, and we'll be out of here."
Luna took a deep breath and made a bold move. She leaned in and gently wrapped her arms around Harry, pulling him into a comforting hug. Harry, initially surprised by the unexpected gesture, allowed himself to be embraced.
Luna rubbed his back soothingly, her touch gentle and reassuring. She whispered softly, "You're okay, Harry. You're safe."
Harry clung to Luna, his body trembling with residual fear. He hadn't expected this kind of comfort from someone he barely knew, but Luna's presence and warmth were oddly comforting.
Luna's comforting embrace continued, and she went the extra mile to help Harry regain his composure. She ran her fingers through his hair, her touch soothing and gentle. Harry, still trembling, buried his face in Luna's neck, inhaling the faint scent of oranges that clung to her.
Luna whispered softly, "You're safe, Harry. Just focus on your breathing. In and out, just like that."
Harry followed Luna's instructions, his breaths gradually steadying as he clung to her.