But I'm Different (A Demi Lovato Fanfiction)

Chapter Title: Overwhelmed

"Spaghetti... check. Er... erm..."

I bit my lip hard and forced myself to take a deep breath. Shopping alone was always a battle. My heart was hammering, my legs trembling like they might give out beneath me any second. Anxiety clung to me like a heavy cloak I couldn't shake off. My hands gripped the shopping cart's handle so tightly, my knuckles turned white.

I wanted to run, to escape the bright fluorescent lights and the crowded aisles filled with noise, smells, and people moving too fast, talking too loud. But I pushed forward, reminding myself it was just a few more items. Just a little longer.

Each step was torture. The buzzing of overhead lights mixed with distant chatter made my chest tighten. Every sound echoed like a shout. My skin prickled and tingled in that familiar way - like the world was touching me too much, too close.

I squeezed my eyes shut for a moment, then kept going. I could do this. I had to.

"Erm, pasta sauce, check." I mumbled to myself, voice barely audible over the noise inside my head.

I bent down to grab a jar, my legs threatening to buckle. A wave of dizziness washed over me, but I steadied myself by gripping the cart tighter.

Somewhere nearby, someone laughed loudly. The sound pierced through my head. I swallowed a scream, clenching my teeth.

Finally, after what felt like hours, I had all the items on the list. Spaghetti, sauce, bread, milk, apples - everything Demi asked for. I tried to steady my shaky hands as I approached the till.

The cashier smiled politely, but my chest was tight with nerves. My fingers fumbled with the money, counting it over and over, convinced I wouldn't have enough.

"That'll be $26.67," the cashier said clearly.

I let out a shaky breath and handed him $40, watching him count the change before handing it back. Relief flooded through me. I had enough. I'd done it.

Balancing the bags on my arms, I took slow, careful steps toward the exit, blinking against the harsh light outside. The cool air hit me like a wave of calm.

The walk home took about ten minutes, but it felt like an eternity. Every footstep was heavy, every sound a reminder of how tired I was. When I finally stepped through the door, I let out a small sigh of victory.

I put the groceries away, the mundane task somehow comforting after the sensory chaos. Then I retreated to my room and powered on my computer.

My notifications were blinking nonstop - mostly from Twitter. I hesitated, knowing there would be hateful comments mixed in with the nice ones. I didn't want to tear myself apart over what strangers said.

So instead, I logged off and clicked over to YouTube, letting silly videos fill the screen, distracting me from the noise in my head.

"Sab, I'm home!" Demi's cheerful voice called from downstairs.

"Upstairs!" I shouted back.

She soon appeared by my door, smiling. "Thanks for doing the shopping today, baby girl."

"No problem." I held out the leftover change.

"Keep it," she smiled gently and kissed my forehead before leaving me to my videos.

Later that afternoon, my occupational therapist arrived for a scheduled visit. Demi stayed close by in case I needed her, which was comforting.

My therapist, Rebecca, was patient and kind. She helped me practice breathing exercises and taught me ways to handle the sensory overload better.

But even with her support, the day left me exhausted - body aching, mind buzzing with all I had pushed through.

After she left, Demi made me tea and wrapped a blanket around my shoulders. "You did amazing today," she said softly.

I nodded, eyes heavy. "I just want to be normal," I whispered.

"You are," Demi said, her voice steady. "Just different. And that's okay."

I smiled weakly, feeling the weight of the day settle into tiredness more than fear.

For once, the world felt a little less sharp.