Chapter Text
The game cut off right as the T-Rex lunged, its massive jaws stretching wide enough to swallow him whole.
A bright red screen washed over his vision.
Game over.
Jughead groaned, a full-body collapse of frustration, and ripped the VR glasses off his face. They tumbled onto the pile of pillows stacked at the end of his bed — his makeshift cushioning for all the times he'd flung the headset before.
He spun once in his desk chair, then twice, the motion both soothing and restless. Finally, he reached for the glasses again. His fingers were already hovering over the start button.
Just one more try.
One more.
He could practically feel the helicopter's metal rails under his hands, hear the thrum of its blades cutting through jungle fog-
The headset was suddenly lifted off his face.
He blinked up at the ceiling light before turning to the culprit. His father stood there, one eyebrow arched, mouth tugged into a smirk that said he'd been watching for longer than Jughead realized.
"Not cool, dad" Jughead muttered, heat prickling at the back of his neck as he snatched his headset back.
"As if you'd know what cool is, kid" FP snorted as his gaze wavered over the kid's table. On the table laid the 'Jurassic World: VR Survival Guide' — the introduction booklet Jughead had practically memorized. The wall side of his desk was filled with various dinosaurs, neatly arranged by size. The rest, however, was a total mess. Empty energy drinks and chips piled up on one side, even more laying crumbled on the floor.
FP sighed softly.
"You're still playing this dinosaur game? Don't those dinosaurs get you every time?"
"It's Jurassic World VR" Jughead corrected immediately, before sighing at the second part as he collapsed back in his chair "I almost have it, okay? I just need to get around the T-Rex, get to the chopper, and boom! I escape. And once I do that, I win the trip to Jurassic World. I swear, I'm close. I just- just need five more minutes. I almost have it, dad" He said, gesturing widely. Crossing his arms, FP shook his head.
"What you need is dinner. Now."
"No, Dad, come on- just five more minutes. I promise-"
"You've said that about a thousand times" FP's voice softened, but only a little "Jug... I know it was you and Jellybean's dream to see real dinos one day. And I get why this game's got its claws in you. But you haven't left this room in five days. Five. Because of a headset"
"It's not just a headset" Jughead protested, voice tight at the mention of his sister "It's dinosaurs, dad. Jelly... We promised one another. I- I swear, once I win this, I'll go back to normal life. But right now, I... I at least have to try, okay? Besides, it's summer vacation. People stay in and play games all the time! I mean, Sweet Pea hasn't left his trailer in over two weeks!"
"Sweet Pea does sports during the school year," FP deadpanned "Unlike you"
"I could start! Who knows?" Jughead protested, though FP just ruffled his hair before he could duck away.
"We both know you won't. Now, come on. We're eating something that didn't come from a microwave. And you're taking a shower. You smell, kiddo"
"Ugh, fine" Jughead groaned dramatically, shutting off the PlayStation with the solemnity of flipping off a life-support. He stretched his stiff legs, bones popping from hours spent curled in the same position, and trailed after FP out of the room.
The hallway air felt cooler and somehow sharper, like some place with an actual window. FP had already started dinner — something sizzling in a pan, the scent of garlic hitting Jughead in a sudden wave that made his stomach grumble. The clatter of utensils, the warm glow from the kitchen light... it all felt too bright after days in digital jungles.
"Shower" FP reminded him when he stood around aimlessly. Jughead nodded, driving a hand through his greasy hair.
"Yeah, yeah. 'm going" He mumbled before shuffling out of the main room to reach the bathroom. Once in there, he only shut the door, because it didn't have a lock anymore, and started undressing. After a quick shower, which lasted more than usually, he stepped out with a soft shiver. The warm water stopped after five minutes, especially if his father was cooking at the same time but it didn't matter.
For the first time in days, he let himself relax.
Really exhale.
When he came back to the kitchen, hair damp and curling at the ends, FP was stirring something in a skillet.
"Good. You're human again" FP said without even looking up. Rolling his eyes, Jughead went to grab bowls from the cabinet and set them on the table. A few moments later, FP carried over the food and divided it into the two bowls.
The two ate in silence for a moment, Jughead still kind of fidgety.
"You can try the game in a bit again. I just want you to eat something real for a change" FP said before adding, "and after dinner, we're going to watch something that doesn't involve dinosaurs eating you"
"What if I want to be eaten by dinosaurs?"
"Then therapy might be the next step" Jughead laughed for the first time in days, the sound surprising even him.
Dinner had barely settled in his stomach before the exhaustion hit, dragging him down like gravity had doubled. Five days without real sleep, with nothing but energy drinks, burnt coffee, and adrenaline holding him upright — it all crashed over him at once.
FP didn't even tease him when he mumbled something unintelligible about brushing his teeth and shuffled off towards the bathroom.
By the time he crawled into bed, his limbs felt like wet sand. His pillow smelled faintly of detergent and something comforting he couldn't name. He barely had time to pull the blanket over himself before sleep yanked him under.
Tic.
A tiny sound, like something tapping glass.
Tic. Tic. Tic.
He shifted in his dream, the darkness prickling with sound.
A low, vibrating rumble-
a roar?
No. Not quite.
Tic. Tic. Tic.
More like... a call. A warning. A beckoning.
Tic. Tic. Tic.
A book page was turned somewhere but it was impossibly far away. He couldn't see the book, or even the page. It was too dark to see it.
Tic. Tic. Tic.
A shriek. A high-pitched, familiar one —
Velociraptor.
Tic-
Jughead shot upright with a gasp, breath tearing into his lungs like he'd been underwater. His heart pounded against his ribs — hard, panicked, disoriented. The room looked wrong for a second, too small, too dim, too human.
Just a dream.
Just another one.
He rubbed his face with both hands until stars flickered behind his eyelids.
"Great. Fantastic. Losing it. Officially" Jughead muttered before sighing softly as he swung his legs out of bed. The floorboards were icy under his feet. Flicking on the small lamp on his nightstand made his eyes sting.
But he needed to.
He needed clarity.
Needed-
The page.
He drifted toward the bookshelf like a sleepwalker. His fingers trembled as he knelt down, pulling out books, flipping pages, tossing them aside in a quickly growing mess.
"No, no, no" He whispered, breath turning ragged as he grabbed another book about dinosaurs "Not the attack patterns... Where is this stupid book? Where-"
He let the book clatter to the floor.
His heart beat faster.
The page.
He needed the page.
If he found it, the puzzle would click.
The solution would become obvious, like it always did for him at 2 a.m. with caffeine buzzing in his bloodstream.
He needed to believe that.
"Come on... Come on..." He dragged his hand along the shelf, trying to steady his breath as he tried to recall the dream. To grasp something of the damned page.
Then, like a flash, he had a book in his hand.
"There we go" He flipped through its pages. While doing so, one page caught his eye and he quickly traced back to it.
"There you are" He exhaled, relief flooding him so suddenly he almost felt dizzy. Scrambling for his desk, he grabbed his VR glasses and slid them back on.
A jolt.
He dropped onto the ground of the game world with a thud that rattled his real spine.
The T-Rex's roar cracked through the jungle canopy, the sound so massive it vibrated his chest — real or not, his body believed it.
Jughead's breath seized.
"Right. Move."
He sprinted toward the meadow, vines whipping past, pixelated leaves brushing his arms. Sweat prickled at the back of his neck.
The bones were scattered exactly where he remembered.
"Come on... You gotta be here" He dropped into a crouch, frantically rifling through the debris.
Claws. Ribs. A jawbone. A half-crushed skull.
Then-
There.
Nestled between two splintered femurs.
A resonating chamber.
Heart hammering, he snatched it up and stood. His palms were trembling so badly he almost dropped the controller.
"Okay. Okay, whistle. Please whistle. Please..."
He pressed A - Action.
A hollow call echoed across the meadow.
Bushes rustled.
Just as the tyrannosaurus closed in, a pack of velociraptors burst out, shrieking, slashing and sprinting straight towards the roaring T-Rex.
It worked.
It actually worked.
Jughead let out a breath that sounded more like a sob before bolting to the helicopter. Reaching the chopper, he leapt inside, grabbing the railing and swinging himself up with a gasp.
Music flared — bright and triumphant.
A spinning DNA helix materialized in front of him.
He stared, frozen.
"Congratulations, player!" A cheerful voice boomed "I'm Mr. DNA, and you're the first person to ever beat our game, so we want to reward you with a trip to Jurassic World's brand-new, state-of-the-art adventure camp! That's right — get ready to join us at Camp Cretaceous! We'll provide you with further information later through your email!"
The controller slipped from his hands, clattering to the floor. His knees buckled and he sank backward onto the floor, breath shallow.
He did it.
He did it.
He would be going to Camp Cretaceous.
He would finally, finally, see dinosaurs.
For both of them.
"Dad...??" Jughead called, scrambling off the floor. Halfway through his room, he let his VR glasses clatter to the floor as well before running over to the main room.
"Dad!" He called, rocking the man with both hands until the man groaned softly.
"Mhm?" FP murmured, rolling around "Where's'he fire?"
"No fire, but dad!" Jughead shook him again "dad!" FP inhaled sharply, snorting himself awake. He blinked blearily, turning his head in Jughead's direction.
"Jug?" His voice was a low, sandpaper rasp "What the hell—? You okay? Something happen?"
"Dad! I won! The game! I beat it!" He said, unable to contain his excitement as he continued to shake him.
FP blinked slowly, confused.
"Kid, it's like- three in the-"
"No, Dad. Listen. I beat it. And they- they're sending the winner to Camp Cretaceous. Like- Like actually sending them. A full trip. To Jurassic World. I'm going. I'm going there. To see dinosaurs" FP stared at him, still half-asleep, processing the words like they were puzzle pieces that didn't quite fit together.
Then he sat up, rubbing both hands over his face.
"Hold on. You're telling me the game offered-... a real trip? Like an actual one? That was real? And you won it?" FP asked and Jughead nodded vigorously.
"Yes! Camp Cretaceous. Real dinosaurs. Real everything. They- Dad, they said I'm the first person to ever win the game. They're sending me to Isla Nublar"
Silence fell between them.
FP lowered his hands. The tiredness in his face didn't disappear — it shifted.
Softened.
"Jug..." He started, voice gentler than Jughead expected "Are you sure this isn't... part of the game? You haven't slept in days, kid. You're worn down. Maybe-"
"No." Jughead shook his head fiercely "No, I know what I saw. I know what I heard. It was real. I swear it was real. I'm going there"
FP exhaled slowly, like he was choosing his next words carefully. For a moment, Jughead was terrified his father would tell him it wasn't possible. That it was a scam.
A hopeless dream.
He swallowed hard.
"Dad," He whispered, almost pleading "I... I did it. I really did. And I want-" His voice cracked "Please believe me. It's real. I'm going to see the dinosaurs" FP sighed softly, one hand reaching out to rest on Jughead's shoulder.
"Hey. Okay, kid. I believe you. If you say it's real... then it's real. And if you really won something like this... then- we're going to figure it out in the morning. Alright?"
Jughead nodded, a tight, shaky motion.
"Good. Now breathe, okay? You look like you're about to faint" Jughead let out a trembling laugh — half relief, half leftover adrenaline.
"Come here," FP added, shifting so Jughead could sit on the edge of the couch. The boy did, sinking down next to him with his shoulders shaking.
After a long moment, FP spoke again, softer.
"Jellybean would be over the moon, you know? You getting to see real dinos... She'd think that's the coolest thing in the world" Jughead's nodded, breath hitching.
Finally FP patted his shoulder.
"Alright, kid. Back to bed. In the morning, we'll check your messages and figure out what this trip's about, okay? But try to get some sleep until then. You're running on fumes" Jughead swallowed softly, though nodded. He was a bit steadier now, though his hands were still shaking.
Back in his room, he laid down on his bed and pulled the blanket over his body but sleep wouldn't find him.
Morning came early — too early.
Jughead didn't sleep at all.
His hands were still shaking when he heard movement in the main room. Immediately, he was up and stumbled into the hallway.
"-Not awake" FP immediately mumbled, rubbing his eyes on his way over to the bathroom. Jughead's mouth was already opened to protest, though he closed it again, letting him walk. However, he waited at the threshold to his room, body almost vibrating.
Once out of the bathroom, FP blearily looked at his watch before turning to his son.
"Jug, it's 6:12 in the morning. Please tell me the house is still burning down" He mumbled and Jughead shook his head.
"No, but we need to check our emails, please. If I don't know if it's real, I'm going to lose my mind"
FP stared for a beat.
Then he sighed the sigh of a man who had raised a teenager alone and nodded.
"Fine, just gimme-" He yawned "-a minute"
But Jughead didn't give him a minute.
Couldn't.
He hovered by the doorway like an anxious shadow while FP hunted for his laptop beneath a pile of flannels, and what looked suspiciously like last week's mail.
"Alright alright, kid. Try to breathe" FP said, chuckling softly as he sat down on the couch.
"I can't- I can't, dad. Open your emails, please" The boy pleaded, sitting down on the couch, though his leg immediately started bouncing.
"Kid, you're going to drive me nuts like this"
"Sorry. Just check your emails. Come on"
"Hold on, hold on" FP muttered, rubbing his eyes "The damn thing's still waking up. Like me"
The laptop chimed as the email client loaded.
"Alright. Let's... see" FP said, loading his emails before humming softly.
"Huh."
Jughead froze.
"'Huh'? What does 'huh' mean? Dad- what does 'huh' mean?" He urged and the man sighed softly, blindly covering his son's face with one hand.
"Just give me a moment, kid"
FP clicked the mouse again, leaning in.
"Okay... There's something here. Came in at 3:41am. Subject's all fancy — some welcome message, I guess" He finally said and Jughead nearly fell from the couch.
"Let me see- Let me-" He scrambled over and climbed halfway on his father's lap to read it better.
"Will you calm- Fine, fine!"
FP opened the email.
A banner at the top unfurled — deep jungle green with bright splashes of green in various pallets. The Jurassic World logo gleamed in the corner, the familiar T-Rex silhouette stamped in silver.
Below it, letters bold and polished:
WELCOME, FINALIST!
YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE.
Jughead's breath caught in his throat.
FP read aloud, voice still scratchy but slowly sharpening:
"Dear player @f.p.j.j.3.2002,
We are thrilled to inform you that you have successfully completed the Jurassic World VR Survival Challenge — the first participant to ever reach the helicopter.
As the designated winner, you have earned a full scholarship trip to our premiere youth program: CAMP CRETACEOUS. This all-inclusive adventure is designed to bring you closer to dinosaurs than anyone on the planet.
Please review the attached documents for consent forms, travel itineraries, packing lists, and health and safety regulations.
We look forward to welcoming you to Isla Nublar.
Let the adventure begin!
— Jurassic World Guest Services."
FP's eyes turned to his son, who stared at the email with wide eyes, breath stuck in his throat.
"Don't pass out on me, kid"
"It's real. The email's there. Dad, this is-" His voice faltered, hand going up to grab his hair "Dad, I might- I..."
"Let's not believe this blindly, yes? We call this number at the bottom and see if someone even picks up, okay?"
FP clicked through the attachments first — official-looking PDFs full of logos, maps, flight details, visitor waivers, a packing list. Every document looked polished, professional, definitely not like your usual scam but one can never be sure.
Jughead leaned over his shoulder, reading the contents as well and still panting softly.
"Do you think it's safe to call now?"
FP checked the timestamp.
"They're in Costa Rica's time zone. It's only 5am there" Jughead sagged a little.
"So we wait? Until when?" Sighing softly, FP closed his laptop before turning to face his son.
"Look, let's eat breakfast first, okay? After that, we can try and call them but they might still not pick up" FP cautioned, and Jughead groaned, collapsing into his father's lap.
"It's just a few minutes, Jug. Come on, you can help me. I think, we can make some eggs with bacon"
Waiting felt like torture.
But, with a groan, he rolled off the couch before following his father in the kitchen. While bacon was sizzling in one pan, Jughead prepared the egg mix and poured it into a second pan.
Once breakfast was served, the two sat down to eat, though Jughead more or less just picked around his eggs.
"Eat. You're gonna pass out if you don't"
Jughead kept glancing at the clock while eating breakfast, foot tapping relentlessly until FP nudged his shin under the table in silent plea for mercy.
Finally — finally — his father emptied his mug of coffee and stood up.
"Alright, kid, grab the phone. We're calling them" FP announced then and Jughead practically leaped from the chair to run for his father's phone. FP, meanwhile, went back to the couch to open the email once more and look for the contact information.
Roxanne Kline.
Program coordinator.
"Here. Grabbed it from the charger" Jughead said, coming running back and handing his father his phone. The call rang a few times before a female voice came through.
"Jurassic World youth programs, this is Roxanne Kline speaking. How may I assist you today?"
"Uh- Hi. Good morning. My name is FP Jones and my son received an email earlier. He won that- uh VR game contest"
"It's called Jurassic World VR: Live Survival" Jughead whispered to his father, though he just got waved off.
"Oh!" Roxanne hummed "Yes. Our last contestant for Camp Cretaceous. Congratulations to your son, he beat a simulation we designed to be nearly impossible"
FP cleared his throat.
"Right. About that. I just wanted to confirm that this is legit. That this isn't some phishing scam that's gonna ask for fifteen credit cards"
"No scams, I promise. We're a fully accredited program run through Masrani Global and the Jurassic World Youth Outreach Division. The contest was real, the prize is real, and the trip is very real" Roxanne assured and Jughead covered his mouth, feeling like he couldn't breathe once more.
"So, what exactly is this camp? Because the safety documents read like you're sending kids into a jungle with... you know, dinosaurs"
"Camp Cretaceous is a supervised, security-cleared adventure program. Every activity is monitored by trained counselors, animal behavior specialists, and remote park staff. It's challenging, yes, but we adhere to strict safety protocols" Roxanne explained before continuing "Your son will be part of a trial group consisting of only six people. This will allow us to maintain close supervision. Three camper are paired with a dedicated counselor here. Their safety is our highest priority"
"And when- When do I get to go there?" Jughead interrupted, leaning over further, on his father's lap once more.
"Ah, yes. Given that we were only waiting on the first finisher of the game, your son, we're going to start as soon as we can. This means that we're probably looking at around two weeks but you will get another email with the flight tickets and other travel details"
"Two weeks?" FP repeated, blinking softly.
That was definitely soon.
Jughead felt the world tilt.
Two weeks.
Two weeks until he stepped on an island full of dinosaurs.
Actual dinosaurs.
"Yes, two weeks" Roxanne confirmed "but we'll assist with everything. And your son will be well taken care of. Would you like me to send additional verification materials? Certifications? Staff IDs? A direct line to our coordinator's office?"
FP hesitated.
Then shook his head.
"No. I think... I think I believe you. Thank you for taking the time for this call"
"Wonderful. In that case — FP, Jughead — welcome to the program. We're thrilled to have you. I'll be available by phone or email for anything else you may need"
"Thank you" FP said softly.
"It's our pleasure. Have a wonderful morning, both of you" Roxanne said before ending the call. As soon as she did, Jughead collapsed into his father's lap.
"I'm... I'm going to Jurassic World" He said after a moment, barely audible, face pressed into his father's thighs.
"Yeah, looks like you are" FP whispered back, a hand driving through his son's hair.
Later that day, meaning right after FP had a shower, Jughead pleaded him to go through the first batch of documents they were sent to.
The cursor blinked on the first attachment: HEALTH & SAFETY REGULATIONS.
FP took a slow sip of his second coffee before clicking it.
"Alright, let's see what we're getting you into"
The PDF loaded.
Clean white, sharp fonts, the Jurassic World logo shimmering in black at the top.
FP began reading aloud.
"'Camp Cretaceous is a high-adventure program located on Isla Nublar, featuring elevated wilderness experiences, live animal encounters, and supervised park activities.'"
He paused, squinting.
"Supervised by who? Minimum-wage interns? Who's watching the dinosaurs?" Jughead rolled his eyes.
"Dad, it's Jurassic World. They have actual jobs there, with actual scientists. Not just interns and stuff. It's safe" FP raised an eyebrow, though continued.
"'Campers will participate in daily physical activities including zip-line traversal, jungle trekking, boating, and behavioral observation of select dinosaur species.'" FP stopped again, eyes narrowing.
"Behavioral observation? Jughead, that sounds like 'we're going to stand ten feet from something with ten thousand teeth'" Jughead fought a smile.
"Dad, they wouldn't put kids in danger. It's all controlled"
"Okay. Let's see what else there is. 'Campers must remain with assigned counselors at all times. Failure to comply may result in immediate removal from program.'" He looked dead-on at Jughead "That part? That part is definitely aimed at you, kid"
Jughead opened his mouth to protest — then closed it.
Fair enough.
FP kept scrolling. Every page had some new requirement: Emergency protocols, health disclosures, liability waivers, mandatory gear checks, an entire section about 'animal proximity rules' that FP read three times like he was making Jughead memorize it.
The deeper he went, the tighter his shoulders got.
Finally he slammed the laptop shut — not hard, but with finality.
"Okay. I'm gonna say it. We both know it. This is insane" He finally said and Jughead's heart lurched.
"Dad-"
"You're talking about flying to a private island with actual dinosaurs — real ones. No fences in some places — what does that even mean? 'Semi-controlled environments'? 'Conditional safety zones'? That's PR talk for 'hope things don't go wrong'" Jughead swallowed, feeling his excitement wobble.
"I know you want this, kid. I know what it means to you. To both of you. But... this feels like sending you off to your death"
"I... I just want to see them" Jughead whispered, smile dropping "Just once. The way we planned" FP closed his eyes for a moment.
"You deserve good things, Jug. You deserve things she would've wanted for you. Adventures. Big ones. I'm just... I'm just not sure if this is the right thing..."
Jughead's throat tightened.
But, after a few moments, FP sighed softly.
"You better come back in one piece"
Immediately, Jughead nodded vigorously.
"I will. I promise" FP pulled back just enough to look at him.
"Alright then. Let's fill out those forms"
FP clicked the next document: PARENT/GUARDIAN CONSENT FORM.
"Twenty-seven pages? That's the length of my parole paperwork. What do they need all this for?" FP asked and Jughead rolled his eyes.
"Dad, it's Jurassic World. They probably have a form just for 'I acknowledge that Triceratops horns are pointy'"
FP scrolled.
"...You were joking, I know" FP said flatly "...but here it is. Section 3B. Blunt-force hazards" FP kept scrolling, lips moving silently as he read faster. The more he read, the more he tensed.
FP scrolled down to the signature field and stiffened.
"Oh, hell no" Jughead leaned over.
"What?"
It read: 'By signing below, I acknowledge the above risks and release Camp Cretaceous, Jurassic World, and Masrani Global of all liability pertaining to injury, dismemberment, disappearance, or fatality.'
"Are you-?" FP stabbed a finger at the screen. "Jug, they listed disappearance as a natural consequence. Like you might just... wander off and never come back!" Jughead gulped, then tried to smile reassuringly.
"Pretty sure they have to list worst-case stuff for legal reasons"
FP stared at him.
"Dad. it's safe. Mrs. Kline said-"
"She works for the place that made the list!" FP snapped, then closed his eyes for a long, steady breath "Okay. Okay. I'm not gonna freak out. I'm not. You want this. Jellybean would've wanted this. I promised I'd support you"
Jughead quieted immediately, and after his father signed the form, he went to hug him as tight as he could.
"Thank you. Thank you, dad. This is a dream come true"
After all the forms were filled out, they moved on to the packing list. It was a two page document, with two rows of articles on each one.
"That's... a lot. Make a list with what we need" FP instructed and Jughead nodded, running to retrieve a notepad and a pen.
"Okay, mandatory items" FP started "Hiking boots, you definitely need those"
"Can't I just wear my vans?" Jughead protested and FP rolled his eyes.
"Kid, if they write hiking boots, you'll need hiking boots and not your stupid vans that are close to falling off your feet"
"Okay, got it. Hiking boots" Jughead relented, going to scribble it down.
"Okay, next. Long-sleeved shirts and pants. You got that. Rain jacket with hood, you have that too"
"Yeah, but mine isn't exactly waterproof anymore"
"Okay, then write it down"
They went through the rest of it together.
"Okay, some of it we could buy but... Jug, that's still..." FP overlooked the list of necessary things missing once more before sighing.
"Well, yeah, but this is Jurassic World, dad. I can't just show up half-prepared. This is our one chance to see them..."
"I know, kid, I know. But this is... this is still a lot of money. Money that we don't have. I mean... you know how long we had to save money, just for you to get those VR glasses. We're speaking of stuff for a full trip here..."
"Maybe... Maybe we should call them. Explain the situation. Perhaps they have some form of... scholarships or grants or anything. Come on, dad, we can't just give up..." Jughead pleaded and the man nodded softly.
"Yeah... that might be a good idea"
They called Mrs. Kline once more, asking about financial support and luckily, there was. They got an email the following hour, consisting of vouchers for required clothing and equipment.
Jughead exhaled such a deep breath, he almost passed out.