"Alex," She called again, forcing her mouth to form the words. "Please, I can't-I-please," she stuttered with sobs, once again trying to reach out to me.
Almost immediately after her last attempt, I quickly moved one of my hands to meet Aryana's shaking fingers, holding on tightly. With gentle movements, I brought her hand to my chest, palm resting over the fabric draped over my body. I let her feel the steady rhythm of my breaths, the distinguishable up and down of my thorax, and the muscles all moving to show Aryana that she could breathe successfully.
Each intake of air was distinct and exaggerated to help Aryana focus.
"Hey, mio tesoro," I murmured, getting Aryana's attention again. "I need you to do me a favor. Can you follow my breathing, okay?" I asked with my tone low and soothi
