FATED SEATS

CHAPTER 12

ARA'S POV

The weight of all my academic and emotional struggles culminated in a particularly disastrous P.E. practice on a Monday afternoon. Our group was preparing a presentation on yoga dances, and I was determined to do my best.

But as soon as the music started, my anxiety kicked in. My mind went blank, my body stiffened, and I couldn't seem to coordinate my movements. I stumbled and faltered, unable to follow the simplest steps.

My group members, initially patient and encouraging, began to grow visibly annoyed. I could see the frustration in their eyes, the unspoken judgement in their expressions. I knew they were thinking that I was lazy or unmotivated, that I wasn't taking the presentation seriously. The truth was, I was trying my best, but my anxiety was holding me back.

The more I struggled, the worse my anxiety became. I felt like everyone was watching me, scrutinizing my every move. I was convinced that I was ruining the presentation, letting my group down.

Alan, bless his heart, tried to offer words of encouragement, but his voice was drowned out by the noise in my head. I couldn't hear him, couldn't focus on his words. I felt like I was trapped in a nightmare, unable to escape.

Finally, the practice ended. I mumbled an apology to my group members and quickly gathered my things, eager to escape the suffocating atmosphere. Alan approached me, offering to share his umbrella, but I refused, wanting nothing more than to be alone.

Without a word, I ran ahead, pushing my way through the crowd towards the tricycle station. I hailed a tricycle and sped home, tears streaming down my face. I felt like a complete failure, a burden to everyone around me.