Panic Sets In
Nothing seemed to work. As each minute passed, Ethan’s breathing grew more rapid and shallow. Panic slithered in, coiling around his chest. “
Stay calm, stay calm,” he whispered to himself, but the words barely broke through the fear. He could feel the clock ticking down, the darkness closing in.
“Come on, open up!” He pounded against the tongue again, but his strength was waning. He struggled to hold onto hope as his breaths became more labored.