Cold. Wet. Alone. Unable to breathe. The dark curtain beginning to close from my periphery. The pressure in my chest crushing me. The weight on my legs pulling me deeper. I try to scream but cannot. I try to claw for the surface but am only pulled further and further down.
My skin is like ice now; like millions of tiny daggers digging into me. My hands are numb. My chest burns, begging for air. The curtain around my vision closing slowly. The chains around my ankles pulling me deeper and deeper seem to grow tighter with each passing moment.
I look up and see only a pinprick of light above me. Salvation. Safety. Warmth. All of this so far out of reach for me now as I'm dragged below.
I look down and see nothing. Only the black of the unknown. A chill runs down my spine. Different from the icy cold of the water that surrounds me. I chill of knowing. A realization that this is the end. This is MY end. Drowning alone in this pit. Forever pulled deeper and deeper into this abyss. I look once more toward salvation. I close my eyes and scream, letting the final bit of air escape my lungs. Succumbing to the darkness.
I'm warm again, sitting in a small office. There's a man in an Army uniform across from me. Studying me. Tears are running down my face and I am shaking uncontrollably but not from fear. Adrenaline coursing through my veins. It's fight or flight. It's now or never, do or die. I leap to my feet and head for the door but the soldier stops me. His voice is cool, calm, almost soothing.
"Corporal, our session isn't over yet. I know it is difficult for you to go through this again. I know it hurts to relive that day, but by understanding the events of that day we are able to overcome the horrors of it. Now, please have a seat and follow my breathing. Slowly in through your nose........and out through your mouth. Good. Now, let's continue."
Cold. Wet. Alone. Unable to breathe. The dark curtain beginning to close from my periphery...