Chapter 35 - nora’s first panic attack away from home tested us both
College began twelve hundred miles away.
Her choice.
I hated geography.
During October, Nora called at 1:40 a.m.
“I can’t breathe.”
Every cell in my body activated.
“Emergency room.”
“No.”
“I’m booking a flight.”
“Dad.”
“Where are you?”
“Dorm.”
“Who’s there?”
“My roommate.”
I was already opening an airline app.
Then Nora said:
“Please don’t turn this into an extraction.”
That stopped me.
Briar Glen.
Removal.
Adults deciding location.
“What do you want?”
“My counselor has an urgent slot tomorrow.”
“Tonight?”
“Campus nurse said panic attack.”
“Do you believe her?”
“I think so.”
Nora breathed shakily.
“I just need you to stay on phone.”
So I stayed.
No flight.
No rescue.
No arriving like Harrison through the front door.
She saw the counselor next morning.
Restarted short-term therapy.
Adjusted workload.
Stayed at school.
Three weeks later she told me:
“I’m okay.”
I believed her.
Then asked:
“Anything you need checked?”
May you like
She laughed.
“Better.”
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