When Kaija finally stopped behind the main stage, Antony managed to gather the scattered pieces of himself.
The crushing sensation that had wrapped itself around his throat earlier was beginning to loosen at last.
His lungs no longer felt starved for air.
The tremors running through his body had faded to a faint shiver beneath his skin.
He could feel the cold dampness coating his neck and palms, the lingering aftermath of panic still clinging stubbornly to him.
Yet threaded between his fingers was something warm.
Something familiar.
Kaija's hand.
His gaze lowered to where their hands remained joined.
Since when had he gone from being unable to look at her without becoming painfully aware of her presence... to craving her touch like a lifeline?
Antony honestly couldn't tell.
"Instructor, are you feeling alright now?" Kaija asked softly, watching some of the color gradually return to his face.
