Daniel stopped laughing and started to apologize a lot. However, it was already too late. The harm had already occurred. My thoughts were spinning, and my heart was pounding.
I snapped back, turning and storming back upstairs. “You shouldn’t have done that, Daniel,” I shot back.
I shut myself in our bedroom in an attempt to gather my thoughts. I felt tears well up at the corners of my eyes when I considered Daniel’s recklessness.
How could he not see that I still found this to be a trigger? That the sound of sirens and the scent of smoke would remain permanently scarred in my memory?
I was shocked that I’d allowed him to treat me like this. We should be over this, I thought. I believed that we were practicing understanding and trust.
I felt confined as soon as I sat on the bed. I felt like I was getting closer to the walls. I tried to relax by taking slow breaths, but my mind was constantly racing.
Why would Daniel act in this way? Had he forgotten my past experiences? Or did he just not give a damn about how I felt? His silly antics were nothing new to me, but this? It was harsh to do this.
I wanted a sympathetic ear when I talked to someone.
I reached for my phone and typed a number I was familiar with.
“Dad?” I spoke, attempting to maintain a steady tone.
“Hey, kiddo,” came my father’s friendly reply. “What’s going on?”
I exhaled deeply and let everything out. “Dad, Daniel did something stupid, and it really triggered me… big time.”
My father’s voice became grave. Okay, honey, just settle down. Tell me what transpired.
I inhaled deeply once more and described everything, including the practical joke and my ensuing breakdown.
When I finished, my dad listened in silence for a moment before speaking. “Mary, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I’m on my way.”
There was a lump in my throat. “Dad, sometimes I feel trapped in a never-ending cycle of fear and anxiety.”
My dad’s voice softened. “You’re not alone, Mary. You’re strong, and you can get through this. We’ll figure it out together.”
I recognized the sound of Dad’s car coming up outside ten minutes later.
With a stern attitude, my dad entered through the open door. “Mary, please. We’re heading out.”
I gathered my belongings and nodded. Daniel was still sitting on the couch, his attitude smug and indifferent. His companions had caused so much mayhem that they had long ago moved on. Ignoring him, I concentrated on packing my belongings.
I saw the way my dad’s gaze pierced Daniel’s as we left the apartment.
“You’re lucky I didn’t lose it on you right now, buddy,” he muttered under his breath.
