“WHY would you do that?” Avery said, her voice cracking as she stared at Jamie. Then she turned and ran behind him, their shouts echoing behind her.
She found Jamie in an empty classroom, in the corner, his head in his hands.
Avery sat down beside him gently, trying to make as little noise as possible. “Jamie?” She asked, whispering. “Are you okay?”
“Of course I’m not!” Jamie snapped, his fingers digging into his head, his shoulders shaking with heavy, quick breaths.
“Okay,” Avery said, after a moment. “Can I touch you?”
Jamie shook his head sharply.
“Just breathe,” she said, trying to keep her voice calming. “Here, try to match your breathing with mine.”
“I’m trying!” Jamie said, but he tried to keep his breathing in time with her slow, loud breaths.
Avery didn’t know how much tim
