You Can Breathe Again

We were in the upper region of the Artic. It was cold; our breaths were recorded in the atmosphere I was huffing and puffing as I climbed. Shh! Our guide said. I could not help it; I am an asthmatic. Shh! The others said. I was annoyed now. I have asthma, I told them. I cannot help it! Too bad, the guide said, “For you are annoying the cougar”. I looked into large dark eyes, and my heart stopped. I knew I was in trouble. When encountering a big cat, do not run, my training said. As if I could run. I was completely still, trying not to breathe. I began to hyperventilate, which seemed to draw his gaze. I averted my eyes, not wanting to challenge him. “She is gone,” the guide said. “You can breathe again.” As if I could.