The Changeling: Why did Apollo panic?

Apollo's panic attack was not an isolated incident but rather a culmination of various factors that had been weighing on his mind and heart. It was a manifestation of the emotional baggage he had been carrying for years, mixed with the overwhelming uncertainty and fear of losing Emma.Throughout the episode, we are provided with glimpses into the difficulties and challenges that Apollo has faced in his life. The loss of his parents at a young age, being adopted by his sister Kim, and growing up in Boones Mill, a small town that offered limited opportunities for growth and exploration, all contributed to a deep-rooted sense of loneliness and longing.The library and its librarian, Ms. Rook, served as a safe haven for Apollo during his formative years. It was there that he found solace in literature and movies, his window to the wider world beyond the confines of his small town. The movie "Quilombo" played a significant role in expanding his horizons and igniting a longing for something more, something different.In the present, when Emma enters his life, Apollo sees a chance at companionship and genuine connection. He finds in her a kindred spirit, someone who also carries the weight of her own past. Their bond and shared experiences offer a glimmer of hope for a future filled with love and understanding.However, as Emma reveals her plans to move to Brazil, Apollo's world begins to crumble. The thought of losing her, someone who has become his anchor in a sea of uncertainty, triggers a downward spiral of anxiety and fear. The mere idea of being left alone once again, without the love and companionship he so desperately craves, becomes unbearable for him.When Apollo discovers the box that belonged to his father, it serves as a catalyst for his panic attack. The flood of memories and emotions associated with his father's absence intensifies his feelings of abandonment and insecurity. It becomes a poignant reminder of the void his father left behind, and the weight of that emptiness becomes too much to bear.Apollo's panic attack is not only a physical manifestation of his inner turmoil but also a profound reflection of his vulnerability. It symbolizes his fear of repeating the cycle of loss and abandonment that has plagued his life. In that moment of overwhelming anxiety, he realizes the fragility of his emotional state and the depths of his attachment to Emma.However, it is important to note that a panic attack is not a sign of weakness but rather a cry for help and understanding. Apollo's panic attack becomes a turning point, a chance for him to confront his deep-rooted fears and address the emotional wounds he has carried for so long.Ultimately, Apollo's panic attack serves as a catalyst for growth and self-discovery. It forces him to confront his inner demons and unravel the complex web of emotions that have held him back. Through this process, he learns to lean on the support of his sister, Kim, and ultimately finds the courage to face Emma and express his true feelings.In conclusion, Apollo's panic attack in the episode is a powerful representation of the emotional turbulence he experiences throughout his life. It is not a standalone event but rather a culmination of past traumas and present anxieties. It highlights the profound impact that human connections and relationships can have on our emotional well-being. Through his struggle, Apollo embarks on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and ultimately finds solace in the warm embrace of love and companionship.