[ the kid takes a step back, and sunny feels himself take an involuntary half-step forward. it earns a distressed little keening noise as he realizes that something not-normal is happening again, and michael isn't here to ease him through it, and sunny just. can't. so much has happened in the last few days that he just wants things to be not scary for a little while.

but he can't step back again, and he can feel the panic just there in his chest, making it tight and hard to breathe.

it's okay, sunny. slowly. don't try to force it. you're okay. ]

No, I-- [ his breathing is a soft wheeze, and he has to take a moment to calm the rapid thrumming of his heart to try again. ] I know. I mean, I read the-- But there was a.. spinning wheel..? [ he glances down at his still-bleeding finger, troubled when he realizes he's gotten it over both hands. ] Oh. I-- I'm making a mess. I don't know why I can't, um.. walk away.