Weak Squeak Technique

(I have a chronic anxiety problem, and my saint of a boyfriend has had to help me through several panic attacks. On this particular night, the panic is particularly bad. He has coached me back to the point where I can breathe regularly.)

Boyfriend: “Honey, I’m going to go and get you some cold water to drink, okay? Are you going to be all right while I’m gone?”

Me: *squeak*

Boyfriend: “Okay, you can’t talk yet. Are you going to be able to breathe while I’m gone?”

Me: *gasp* *squeak* *wheeze*

Boyfriend: “Squeak once for yes, twice for no.”