Roman's POV

this school is so different, its unbelievable!
Not a single instrument in sight except in the music department, and no one ever sings! It's a disgrace, what's more, people here have no respect for Disney!!! Everyone here is so dull, except one girl I met this morning; the one who had the anxiety attack.

I remember what my mum had taught me about my brother before he committed suicide due to heightened anxiety and crippling depression. And that circles on one's back can relieve stress, I'm glad it worked.

As I walk into my new classroom, I realise everyone is staring at me, and so I put on my best smile and look around the room at my new classmates, only for my eyes to lock with someone else's. It's the emo girl. She seems to be blushing, so I try and wink at her, but she pulls her head away and rests it in her arms. I look at my teacher who is introducing me and I speak my name to the class and tell a little bit about myself, but I don't remember much because I'm still thinking about that girl, I wish I knew her name.

My teacher says he will find me a seat but I protest and volunteer to find my own seat, taking him aback, but he allows me. I pick the empty seat next to the girl and stand above her and say "may I sit next to you? I need a friend."
To my surprise, she says yes! Hurrah! Finally some progress. But as I sit down I realise that her breathing is rapid and she keeps zoning out. I'm not convinced it's an anxiety attack until she collapses to the floor and starts shaking and crying uncontrollably.

Pity fills my heart, and tears fill my eyes and before I have even thought about it, I remember what that other girl did this morning with her, about counting things, so I do my best.
"Can you hear me? Squeeze my hand if you can"
I am relieved my a subtle squeeze of my hand my trembling fingers and I commence with the routine, but not before I send someone to go and get that other girl, in case I mess up.
I go through the exercise and finish with circular motions on her back, and let out a sigh of relief as she starts breathing normally.
I manage to catch a glimpse of her dark, tear stained eyes before that other girl is brought into the room to take over, but there's nothing for her to do; she's returned to normal.

I don't even notice the the little cuts on my hand until she is taken to the nurses office. Where did these come from?

Of course, she was squeezing my hand and dug her nails into me and produced blood. It's quite a lot too so at lunch time I pack up my stuff and go to the nurses room, all the while still thinking of the emo girl and wandering how she is doing....