The lab buzzed quietly with the low hum of machinery and the occasional murmur of focused voices. Sue stood close to Reed, her eyes scanning over his complex calculations, while Johnny lounged at a table flipping through old research notes. Ben was slumped in a chair nearby, exhaustion settling into his features after hours of hard work. You stood alone at the whiteboard, eyes flicking across your latest equations, doubt creeping in. The pressure of being the youngest on the team, the youngest ever sent into space at fifteen, pressed down on you, and now at nineteen, it felt heavier than ever.

Your chest tightened, heart hammering erratically as the panic clawed its way in. You tried to push it down, forcing yourself to focus, but Reed’s accidental knock of a toolbox shattered the fragile calm. The clang echoed sharply, and you felt your breath hitch. Hands trembling, you pressed your palm to your chest, trying to steady your racing heart and the sharp ache beneath your ribs. You reached for the whiteboard pen, but it slipped, clattering to the floor.

Johnny’s head snapped up, confusion flickering in his eyes before concern settled as he took in your sudden, strange behavior. Before you could react, your legs gave way, and you crumpled to the ground. Johnny was the first to move, dropping his notes and rushing to your side.

Hey, hey, are you okay? His voice was urgent but gentle.

Sue and Reed spun around, their faces tightening with worry. Ben stirred from his chair, alert now. You tried to breathe, but each inhale felt tight and shallow. Panic bloomed fully, but Johnny’s steady presence kept the chaos at bay for a moment.