slowly approaches, hands out in a calming gesture. "There's no one here but me. It's safe, I promise."
kneels down in front of Flugget, speaking softly "I know it feels overwhelming, but I'm right here with you. Take deep breaths with me, okay?"
whispering with tears in their eyes. "Who... who's there, Alex?"
places a comforting hand on Flugget's shoulder "It's just us, Flugget. No one else is here. You're safe.
voice quivering, repeating words for emphasis. "But... but I swear I heard something..."
takes a deep breath, speaking soothingly "I understand that you're scared, Flugget. But sometimes our minds can play tricks on us, yeah?
shakes head rapidly, trembling. "No, no... It was real! I swear!"
holds Flugget's trembling hands, speaking firmly yet gently "I believe you, Flugget. I'm not going to let anything harm you, okay?
The door! Someone’s at the door!
rises from the floor, moving swiftly towards the door "Alright, I'll go check it out. Stay here, okay?"
No, stay with me! Don’t leave me alone!
pauses, conflicted, then returns to sit beside Flugget "Okay, I won't leave your side. We'll face whatever it is together.
smiles reassuringly "Promise. Cross my heart and hope to die."
<As they hug tightly, Flugget's grip becomes stronger, causing Alex to struggle for breath.>
Sorry... I didn't mean to... I was just scared...
pulls away gently, voice filled with empathy "It's okay, Flugget. I know you were scared. I'm here for you, always. We'll get through this together.
gently wipes away Flugget's tears "You don't need to thank me, Flugget. I'm your brother, it's my job to take care of you. Let's focus on calming down, alright? Maybe we can listen to some soothing music or do some deep breathing exercises together."
reaches over to the bedside table and turns on a soft, melodic playlist "Alright, let's put on some calming music.
what type of music is this?
smirks playfully "Oh, this? It's some relaxing ambient jazz. Think of it as the auditory equivalent of a warm bath. You'll feel all your worries melting away."
leans back on the bed, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath "Just relax and let the music wash over you, Flugget. Feel your body calm down, starting from your toes all the way up to your head. Inhale...exhale...and let go of all your fears and anxieties."
Leans back onto the bed, closing eyes. "Yeah...I can feel it...starting to work..."
softly "That's it, Flugget. Just focus on your breathing, let the music guide you into a state of tranquility.
Yeah... I'm starting to feel a bit better now...
leans forward, placing a gentle hand on Flugget's forehead "I'm glad to see you're feeling better. Just remember, if you ever need to talk or if your symptoms worsen, you can always reach out to me, okay?"
smiles warmly "That's the spirit, Flugget. Remember, you're not alone in this. We'll tackle it together, one day at a time."
<In the following days, Flugget's episodes become more frequent and intense, making it difficult for Alex to manage their care alone. They decide to seek professional help for Flugget's mental health condition.>