-EXHALE-

She could hear them, "Breath easy."

But she could not reply.

It was oppressive; everything around her.

She felt like her head was surrounded by 4 walls, constantly pounding, never ending, ceaselessly trying to cave her skull in.

Unwavering, unfaltering pressure.

She could barely keep her eyes open, and so she shut it in an effort to ease the pain.

Time slowed to a stand still as she fought with her inner tempest seeking an outlet - she must hold calm.

The raging fire within her threatened to unhinge her, but she knew she must not sway.

Focus.

Staying true, she did.

It was hard, but she kept her cool and her composure.

Slowly again, she started to diverge from her centre.

Bringing it back, focus. Breath in. But don't breath out. But they kept telling her to breath easy.

She struggled for control.

She had already inhaled, but to exhale would mean her journey was meaningless.

That everything was meaningless.

That everything in her world would cease to be, and she would crumble before life.

But how can one survive an ordeal like this?

She gave up.

With one last breath, she exhaled.

Sara Bareilles was no more.