When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 92: His fear

Chapter 92: His fear

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.

"I can’t... I can’t breathe..." he gasped, his voice shaking, barely audible. His hands were clammy, his body trembling as if it had lost all its strength. He had never felt so weak, so trapped in his own mind.

"Sir, listen to me." Timmy’s voice was firm but gentle, trying to cut through the fog of Samuel’s fear. He grasped Samuel’s arm tightly, steadying him. "Focus on me, not the water. Just breathe."

But Samuel was lost, too deep in his fear to hear. The sound of the waves and the endless dark water was too much. His knees buckled, and he slumped, barely catching himself against the side of the boat.

Seeing Samuel falter, Timmy quickly shifted closer, grabbing him to prevent him from falling completely. "Sir!" Timmy shouted, urgency filling his voice. "We need to go back. Now."

Timmy turned to the boat operator, his voice urgent, almost a plea. Within moments, the boat began to turn, the engines reversing. Timmy held Samuel, pulling him away from the edge, away from the sight of the endless, dark water.

"It’s okay, we’re heading back," Timmy said, his tone soft and soothing, as if speaking to a frightened child. "Just hold on. We’ll be back on land soon."

Samuel could barely process the words. The fear had wrapped around his chest, squeezing, drowning him. He tried to breathe, but it felt like each breath was being stolen before it could fill his lungs. The boat rocked, and he closed his eyes, willing it to stop, willing himself to wake up from this nightmare.

When the boat finally reached the shore, Timmy helped him off, guiding him to a quiet spot away from the water. Samuel collapsed onto the sand, his breathing ragged, his body shaking as he tried to steady himself.

"Sir, you need to calm down," Timmy said, kneeling beside him, his voice gentle but firm. "Just breathe. You’re safe now. It’s over."

Samuel’s hands continued to tremble, but he forced himself to focus on Timmy’s voice. He could feel the warmth of the sand beneath him, a small comfort that reminded him he was no longer on the water. He was on solid ground, and he was safe.

Timmy watched him, his own heart heavy. He had never seen Samuel like this, so vulnerable, so afraid. "We don’t have to do this tonight," he said softly, his eyes filled with concern. "We can try again another time. You don’t have to push yourself like this."

But Samuel shook his head, even as he struggled to catch his breath. "I can’t keep running," he whispered, his voice barely more than a breath. "I need to face this."

Timmy sighed, seeing the determination in Samuel’s eyes, even through the fear. "Then we’ll try again," he said, his voice gentle. "But not tonight. Let’s get you somewhere safe."

They rented a small, secluded cottage on the island, a place far enough from the water that Samuel could find some peace. As soon as they settled in, Timmy made a call, and within half an hour, a local doctor arrived, carrying a bag and a reassuring smile.

The doctor checked Samuel over, her movements calm and practiced. She could see the signs of a panic attack, the telltale tremors, the shallow breathing, the pale, sweaty skin. "He’s resting now," she said after giving Samuel a mild sedative. "He should sleep through the night."

Timmy nodded, relief washing over him. "Thank you, doctor."

The doctor glanced at him, her expression curious but kind. "Are you aware of his condition? His fear of water, specifically riding in boats?" she asked. "It’s called aquaphobia, and from what I’ve seen, it’s quite severe."

"Yes, I know," Timmy replied, his voice heavy. "He’s had it for as long as I can remember. That’s why he avoids boats, why he only travels by land or plane. I thought... I thought maybe he could handle it this time."

The doctor nodded, understanding. "Phobias like this don’t just disappear. It’s a deep-seated fear, and trying to confront it without proper preparation can be dangerous. If you need to take him on a boat again, he should see a specialist."

Timmy listened carefully, taking in the doctor’s words. He knew Samuel had been pushing himself, but he hadn’t realized just how much. After the doctor left, Timmy sat beside Samuel, watching him sleep. He looked peaceful, his breathing even, but Timmy knew it was a fragile peace, one that could break with the slightest push.

As the night deepened, Timmy made a decision. He quietly called the local contacts. "Meet me at the villa," he said, keeping his voice low. "I’ll check it myself. We need answers, but I don’t want him going through this tonight."

Within the hour, Timmy was back at the dock, stepping onto the boat. He glanced back at the cottage where Samuel was sleeping, then turned away, feeling a pang of guilt. The water was calm, but the boat creaked as it moved, and Timmy’s chest tightened.

The villa’s dark outline grew clearer in the distance. Timmy focused on it, pushing his own nerves aside. He had to do this. If there was something to find, he’d rather be the one to deal with it, sparing Samuel another night of fear.

Timmy had always followed Samuel’s lead, always respected his decisions, but tonight he would act on his own. He couldn’t stand to see Samuel suffer, not like this.

He just hoped that whatever he found at the villa would be worth the risk they had taken, worth the pain Samuel had endured.