I stepped out of the car feeling confident and brave. This was actually the very first time I haved ever felt this way. It felt like I’ved just been injected with adrenaline for support and luck. I walked in front of my dad across the bare streets of Dubai, eager to get this over with. I walked with pride and dignity. I wanted to get this over with because I wanted to have this very feeling in times when I feel very panicky. I wanted to remember the time I walked with my dad with no eyes on me. That exact feeling gave me the hope and excitement that I had yearned for since the beginning of 7seventh Ggrade.

To my dismay, my hope slowly faded away. I felt myself slowing down and my heart starting to pump. I started to get the familiar feelings of dread and tension.

SI was slightly behind my dad, as the doors came into our view. The doors that led to a gate of anxiety, fear, and panic. The gate that was trying to shut out my pride, and my dignity. The thought of being trapped filled me with great apprehension.

The doors were opened for the both of us, and I could feel the rush of air hit me. Much like the rush of air that reached my lungs for a quick and strong breath.

People sitting on wooden chairs came into view. A row of four on each side of the building, to be specific. The place where we had to walk was straight in the middle.

My heart beat even faster.