BILLIE “Does he have an allergy?” I ask Tristan, bending over Thorne. “No, it’s…he has episodes. I have to get his foster brother. Wait with him.” He goes back inside. I get down on my knees in the alley, ignoring the rocks rubbing against my skin. I take both of Thorne’s hands gently in my own. He still has his eyes shut, his light brown hair falling in his face. I have to get his breathing regulated. “Hey, hey, Thorne,” I say, and his eyes snap open. They’re glowing an eerie bright green, but I stay calm. He’s still gasping. “Thorne, breathe with me, okay? In…and out. In…and out.” I do it until he finally falls in with my pattern, and the gasping calms down. Then I start a grounding exercise. “Okay Thorne, what’s five things you can see right now?” His eyes flutter and dim as he starts talking. “Um…your eyes, your face, uh, the sky, bricks…a garbage can.” The door opens and Tristan comes out, followed by Raven. They stop and watch us. “Good! That’s good,” I say softly, using th
Last Updated : 2025-07-25 Read more