His heart pounded at a frantic pace, as if it wanted to escape his chest. The palpitations were violent, painful, and each beat echoed in his ears. Sweat began to bead on his forehead, cold droplets sliding down his temples. His hands trembled, and he felt weakness in his legs, as if the ground were giving way beneath him.
He knew what was happening. It was a panic attack, an old enemy that sporadically returned to haunt him, always with the same devastating intensity.
His hand swept across the table in search of something. He nearly knocked over his laptop but caught it just in time. He stood abruptly, staggering.
"Shit! Shit! SHIT!"
He stumbled, catching himself on the edge of the bed, and rushed to the nightstand. His trembling fingers rummaged through the drawer, desperately seeking the small box of medication he always kept within reach. He finally grabbed it, opened the lid with frantic haste, and swallowed two pills without even checking the dose.
"Aaaaah..."
A sigh of relief mixed with despair escaped his lips. He collapsed onto the bed, his heavy, exhausted body sinking into the mattress. Slowly, the effects of the medication took hold. His heart rate slowed, the beats becoming more regular, less oppressive. His mind, previously overrun by a storm of chaotic thoughts, grew foggy, as if he were floating in a thick mist.
He turned his head toward the window. Outside, the sky was already dark, the first stars beginning to twinkle faintly. The city's glow filtered through the thin curtains, casting shifting shadows on the bedroom walls.
Distractedly, he grabbed his phone from the pillow. The screen lit up, illuminating his pale, weary face. He opened Instagram, almost by reflex, and clicked on the latest story.
*[Hugo, holding a glass of whiskey, jumps and dances with boundless energy. His laughter rings out, joyful and carefree. He embraces Ben, who sips a beer nonchalantly, while waving at the camera with a smirk. Hugo then turns the camera to Carter, completely absorbed in the music.]*
"They're having fun..."
Kaiser's voice was barely a whisper. He tossed the phone aside. The images of his friends starkly contrasted with his own state.
"In the end, we always face our demons alone."
He closed his eyes, sinking deeper into the pillow. The effects of the medication now completely overwhelmed him, plunging him into a soothing but artificial torpor.
And as his mind wandered, a fleeting thought pierced his mental fog:
'I hope, somewhere up there, my mother isn't too disappointed in the junkie her son has become.'
***
The night was in full swing at the luxurious villa. Multicolored lights danced on the walls, synchronized with the beats of rap music filling the air. The pool, illuminated by underwater spotlights, reflected the laughter and joyful shouts of the teenagers. Bottles of all kinds lined glass tables, surrounded by half-empty glasses and open chip bags. The scent of alcohol mingled with the chlorine from the pool, creating a unique atmosphere, perfect for depravity.
Hugo, his hair disheveled and eyes sparkling with excitement, held a glass of whiskey in one hand, the ice cubes clinking with every movement. He jumped in rhythm, his body following the vibrations of the music that resonated through the villa.
He turned to Ben, who stood slightly apart, holding a bottle of beer. Ben, calmer, sipped his drink with nonchalance, observing the scene with an amused expression. Hugo grabbed him by the shoulder, pulling him into his chaotic dance, while waving at the camera someone was pointing in their direction.
That's when Sabrina made her appearance. She approached them, her slender figure silhouetted in the dim light. She wore a light dress that moved with her steps, and her hair cascaded over her shoulders.
Hugo, upon seeing her, flashed a wide, complicit smile. Without a word, he let go of Ben and melted into the crowd, almost instantly disappearing into the mass of moving bodies. Then, with a cry of joy, he ran toward the pool and dove headfirst, splashing everyone around him. Water sprayed in sparkling arcs, and Hugo resurfaced, laughing uproariously. He glanced at Ben, a look that spoke volumes:
[Go for it, man. It's time, bro.]
*POV: Ben*
The air was thick with heat and excitement. Alcohol flowed freely, music vibrated against the walls, and bodies pressed close under the dim light of the living room. I'd had a few drinks, maybe more than I should have, but it wasn't an uncontrollable drunkenness just enough to dull my usual hesitations.
My eyes lingered on Sabrina.
She was there, stunning, in a short dress that hugged her body, her long hair cascading around her shoulders.
I hesitated. Then, without thinking too much or maybe too confident under the influence of alcohol I made my way toward her.
Her eyes met mine before I even reached her.
A slight, enchanting smile.
I placed my hands on her hips naturally, surprised by my own boldness.
The music changed, slowing slightly. A softer, almost romantic tune floated in the air. Like a damn movie scene.
Sabrina wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me closer.
Her scent hit me immediately: a sweet blend of vanilla and something alcoholic.
My heart raced. I was aware of every tiny detail. Her fingers gliding against my nape, the weight of her gaze on me, the way she slightly moistened her lips, as if she wanted to hypnotize me with her full mouth.
Then, gently, she rose on her tiptoes and kissed me.
A slow kiss, where she completely took the lead.
I was stiff at first, caught off guard, but her confidence drew me in, and my arms tightened around her waist.
Everything around us faded.
No more noise, no more music, no more people. Just her and me.
When she pulled back, I felt warmth on my cheeks.
I was lost.
Why me?
I wasn't one of those confident guys who swarmed around her like flies. I'd barely spoken to her before. She was the queen bee, the one who decided who was worthy of her attention.
So why me? She'd turned down plenty of guys. What does she want from me, really?
But before I could analyze the situation too much, she took my hand and pulled me out of the living room.