"Hey," he said softly. Moved his hand from her c**t to her face. Cupped her cheek. "Look at me."
The girl's eyes were squeezed shut. Lost in the pain.
"Look at me," Atlas said again. Firmer. "Open your eyes. Look at me."
Her eyes opened. Wild. Terrified. Not seeing him.
"I'm here," Atlas said. Thumb stroking her cheek. "I'm right here. Focus on me. Not on what she's doing. On me."
The girl's breathing was ragged. Panicked.
"Breathe with me," Atlas said. "In." He took a slow breath. "Out." Released it. "In. Out. Match me. Breathe with me."
The girl tried. Her breathing still rapid but starting to sync with his.
"Good. That's good. Keep your eyes on me. Just me." Atlas kept his hand on her face. Gentle. Grounding. "You're not alone in this. I'm here. I won't let you disappear."
Isab
