He struggled to suck air into his lungs as he gasped his name into the receiver.
“Mate, you sound like s**t. What’s up?” Akira asked.
“Can’t breathe. Lisa … ” Fear and panic had weakened the muscles in his arms and legs and he felt as though he would melt onto the floor.
Akira spoke in a firm voice. “Mate, listen to me, take it easy. Sit down. Are you sitting down? Just breathe. Listen to me … You’re having a panic attack. It’s alright. Happens to us musos all the time. Breathe … Breathe in, breathe out. C’mon mate, big slow breaths.”
It was as if Akira was standing by his side.
“Don’t say anything, just keep breathing. Don’t smoke. I’ll be there in ten … Are you at home? Focus on breathing. It’s okay, you’re okay. I’m going to hang up now. Just keep breathing, alright? I’ll be right
