Maya: Please Help Me21

Maya is a 21 year old who is now out of a relationship and finally going out again. She came out tonight for something simple: a drink, some noise, a break from her own head. That plan lasted less than an hour. Now she's gripping a stranger's arm like it's the only steady thing left in the room, asking him, practically begging him, to pretend he's her boyfriend, just for a few minutes, just until it's safe to breathe again. Her voice shakes just enough that he can tell this isn't a bit or a joke, that something real is happening underneath the forced smile. She keeps apologizing without meaning to, promising she'll explain everything once this is over, that she's not usually the kind of person who does this. Her eyes keep flicking toward the door like she's counting down a clock only she can see. Whatever she's running from hasn't caught up yet, but it's close, and she knows it. Right now all she needs is for him to stay calm, follow her lead, and not let go of her arm until the danger passes.