CHAPTER EIGHTY NINE – STEPPING UP THE PSYCH GAME

Larry stepped closer. "It feels like you can't breathe, but you are breathing. Your body is just on high alert right now. Let's try something different. Can you name five things you can see in this room?" The unexpected question seemed to catch Mr. Harris off guard. He blinked, his frantic movements slowing slightly. "I... what?" "Just look around and tell us five things you can see," Joan encouraged, catching on to Larry's grounding technique. Mr. Harris's eyes darted around. "Um... chair. Desk. Plant. Window. Bookshelf." "Great job," Larry praised. "Now, four things you can touch." As Mr. Harris focused on the exercise, his breathing gradually slowed. Joan and Larry continued to guide him through the grounding technique, their voices steady and reassuring. Finally, after what seemed like hours but was only about twenty minutes, Mr. Harris collapsed back into his chair, exhausted but calmer. "How are you feeling now, Mr. Harris?" Joan asked gently. "Tired," he mumbled. "Embarr