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As Robyn pounded the pavement in the darkness of night, the lyrics of "Man in the Mirror" by A Boogie with da Hoodie blared through her earbuds.
The isolation of the empty park only added to the introspective vibe of the song, and Robyn felt like she was the only person in the world, lost in her thoughts and rhythm.
The music seemed to fuel her strides, pushing her to run farther and faster as if trying to outrun her doubts and fears.
As she ran, sweat dripped down her forehead, and her thoughts began to swirl. She couldn't shake the constant stream of worries about her life, her kids, and her job, and the pressure built until her heart raced and her breathing grew labored.
Overwhelmed, she stumbled towards a bench and collapsed, gasping for air. It seemed like she was on the verge of a panic attack, her mind racing with self-doubt and anxiety.
Just as she began to compose herself, a pair of headlights pierced the darkness, and Psalm leaped out of the car, rushing towards her with concern etched on his face.
"Robyn, what's wrong?" Psalm asked, his voice laced with worry as he dropped to his knees beside her.
"You're shaking! What's going on?" Robyn tried to speak, but her words caught in her throat. She could only nod, pointing weakly to her chest as tears began to fall.
Psalm wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as she struggled to regain control. "Breathe, Robyn. Just breathe," he whispered his gentle words a balm to her frazzled nerves.
As she leaned into his embrace, the tension slowly ebbed away, replaced by a sense of gratitude and peace.
With Psalm's support, Robyn's breathing slowed, and her thoughts began to clear. She gazed up at him, her eyes brimming with tears. "Why are you out here running so late? I'm lucky I even saw you," Psalm asked.
Robyn spoke softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I had to clear my head. It's been a long day." Psalm nodded, helping her up by the hand.
"You drove here?" he asked, and Robyn shook her head, her hair swinging gently.
"I walked. I don't live too far from here." Psalm nodded, opening the car door for her. "Let me give you a ride home.
I'm sure your kids are worried about you." Robyn hesitated for a moment, then nodded, wiping her face with her sleeve.
"They're sound asleep, at least I hope so."
As she settled into the car, Psalm started the engine, and they drove off into the night, the only sound being the soft tapping of his hands on the wheel.
The silence was peaceful, a comfortable quiet that needed no words. As they turned onto her street, Robyn pointed out her house. Psalm pulled into the driveway, and Robyn turned to him with a smile.
After a long pause, Robyn finally opened the car door and said, "Thank you, Psalm." She gazed over at him, and he returned her look with a small, reassuring smile. "I didn't mind it, Robyn" he said.
"I just don't want to see you running out late again. They're weirdos out here." Robyn nodded in understanding before closing the car door and heading into her house.
Psalm waited for her to get inside before pulling out of the driveway. Once inside, Robyn locked her door and placed her keys on the counter, then slipped off her shoes at the door, feeling a sense of relief.
Robyn hadn't intended for her park run to escalate to the point where she struggled to breathe. She was grateful that Psalm had intervened before the situation worsened.
After sending him a heartfelt text expressing her appreciation, Robyn received a kind response from Psalm, saying it was his pleasure to help. With a smile, she climbed the stairs, heading towards Mehkai's room.
She found him engrossed in a phone call with friends, laughing away.
"Excuse me, boy" Robyn said, eyeing him. "Isn't it past your bedtime? Don't be up all night on that phone." Mehkai nodded, and Robyn closed his door, continuing to Jacobi's room.
As she approached Jacobi's room, she saw him lying sound asleep, clutching his favorite Michelangelo ninja turtle plushie.
She couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of him, mouth open wide, looking so similar to his father in that moment. With a gentle smile, she closed his door and made her way toward her room.
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