“Are you alright, Miss Elena?” Mr. Williams asked, looking at me with a grave level of concern.

“I’m…fine,” I said, trying hard to not show how nervous I was. But hiding it only increased the suffocation I was feeling.

There was a crippling knot in my chest. My fingers were shaky and numb. My heart thumping so loud. And my feet were sweaty inside my shoes.

I wasn't alright. How could I be?

“It's just a meeting, Ma'am. Try to relax.” Mr. Williams said with a comforting ...