As he stared into her eyes, he could tell she was petrified. His hands tightened on her arms and she gasped, cowering in fear.
"I…" She sucked in a deep breath but started coughing. Her hands went up to her neck and she rubbed furiously. "I… I can't…breathe…"
She was having a panic attack and struggled out of his arms. He let her go. She stumbled back and then ran past him.
He glanced into the kitchen, where Sarah and Celine were giving him worried looks. He didn't wait for an explanation.
Turning around, he ran after the frightened girl and saw her running for the nearest door, which led to a garden. She rushed outside. He slowed to a walk and followed her.
Squinting at the bright sunlight, he found Natasha sitting on the top of the hill, huddling under a tree. He gave her a few minutes by herself and then made his way toward her.
She hugged her knees to her chest, her arms wrapped around them tightly, her face buried between them.
