My first shift—it was painful. But I couldn’t scream. If I made any sound, I’d alert someone, and we all know how that would turn out. I’d be caught. So instead of screaming, I bit my lip, shut my eyes tightly, and focused on my breathing.
“You’re a little tense, Beca. Release your hold and let me take over,” Selena’s voice sounded in my head, calm and reassuring.
“Okay, I’ll let loose,” I responded. I unclenched my fists, took deep breaths, and rolled my shoulders in an attempt to loosen up.
“Is it better now?” I asked, hopeful.
“No, Beca. Still the same. Try something else,” Selena said gently, but her tone made it clear my tension-releasing efforts weren’t working.
I groaned internally and racked my brain for another way to relax.
“Again, Beca, again. Relax. Each time you tense up
