"Lie down on the bed."

At any other time, that would sound like fun. Or at least lead to some. But not today. Today it gives the elephants in my stomach wings.

"Ensure your chin is firm against the support."

The fake leather is cool against my skin. I feel goose bumps prickle down my arms. Maybe it's the cold. Maybe it's something else.

"Breathe normally and relax. This will not take long."

Relax? How can I relax? All I can think of now is what the hell is my breathing like when it's normal? Is this heaving that seems to echo in my ears normal? I've never paid attention before so how can I relax? What if my breathing's wrong?

"Remain still."

Don't they think I'm trying? Can't they see how I'm trying? But my nose is itchy. Why wouldn't it be? Why is it the moment someone tells you you can't do something it's all you want to do? My fingers are twitchy against my legs from the sheer frustration of it.

"Keep your gaze on the screen."

There is sweat forming on the back of my legs. I can feel it building up behind my knees. I hate that. Why couldn't they have put a sheet on this thing? Or even a towel? Some sort of tissue paper cover for hygiene's sake? No. I am not stressed. I am calm. Don't be nervous. Come on. You can do it. Look at the screen. Remember what they said, think of neutral things. Happy things. Oh