Mary rushed downstairs straight away. As long as I was worried about how to get air, I had no idea what she was going to do. I feel like I’m turning into a burden. Is it okay to burden them with my anxieties?

My eyes were already watering as Aunt Jes and Mary hurried in. Aunt Jes fanned me with the folder she spotted on the table while Mary brought water. There is no electric fan in the room, so this may be why she is doing this. My breathing gradually returned. Mary handed me the water, nervous and unable to depict her emotion.

When my breath returned, I sat...