The boat rocked gently, but to Samuel, it felt like the world was tipping over. His stomach churned, his hands shook, and beads of sweat gathered on his forehead. The cool night breeze did nothing to calm him; instead, it felt heavy, as if it was closing in, suffocating him. The waves lapped against the boat, a sound that grew louder and more menacing in his ears, drowning out everything else.
"Sir, are you okay?" Timmy's voice was soft, but it seemed far away, barely cutting through the noise in Samuel's head. The panic had already taken root, growing, swallowing every thought, leaving only fear.
Samuel's chest tightened. He tried to pull in a breath, but it felt like his lungs wouldn't expand, like they were locked in a vise. The water around them seemed to be rising, creeping closer, ready to pull him under. His vision blurred, and he could barely make out Timmy's face, though he could see the concern there.
