“I took the pills, Era.” My entire body freezes. “I took them all… not too long ago.”
My hands begin shaking violently.
“Okay,” I stammer. “Okay, okay—”
My mind goes blank.
Pure panic.
“Stay on the phone,” I say quickly. “Stay on the phone with me.”
My fingers fumble as I dial.
“911, what is your emergency?”
“My sister—” My voice cracks. “My sister took them.”
The panic attack hits me hard.
A sharp ache hits me.
My breathing collapses.
The words won’t come out.
“Ma’am, I can’t understand you,” the operator says. “Please speak clearly.”
I force air into my lungs. Force my mind to focus. “My sister tried committing suicide,” I say quickly. “She’s been depressed. She took pills. She’s at her apartment.”
I give the address as my hands tremble so badly I almost drop the phone.
Then I switch back to Clara.
“Clara? Are you there?”
Silence.
“Clara!”
Her voice returns.
Weak.
“I tried vomiting it out,” she whispers. “But it’s not coming out.” My chest hurts painfully. “I think… I think I—”
“No,” I say quickly. “Stay there. I’m coming.”
I slam my foot on the gas, the road blurs. Tears pour down my face as I drive. Cars honk as I speed through traffic.
“Move!” I scream. “Move!”
The drive feels endless.
Finally I reach her building.
I run inside.
Up the stairs.