The Breathing Method

"The Breathing Method" is a novella by Stephen King that was published as part of the collection "Different Seasons". The story follows a group of men who gather at an exclusive club to share stories, and one of them shares the tale of a woman he helped through a difficult childbirth using a unique breathing technique.

The novella takes place in the 1930s and is narrated by an elderly lawyer named David. He recounts a time when he was invited to an exclusive club called the "Admiral's Men", where each member is expected to share a story. One night, a man named Edward introduces the group to the story of a woman named Sandra Stansfield.

Sandra was a young, unmarried woman who became pregnant and was forced to keep it a secret due to societal norms at the time. She finds a doctor who agrees to help her through the childbirth, but he warns her that it will be a difficult delivery. He teaches her a breathing technique that involves envisioning a staircase and climbing it with each breath to help her manage the pain.

Despite the difficulties, Sandra gives birth to a healthy baby boy thanks to the breathing technique. However, the doctor realizes that Sandra is dying from complications and tries to save her life. Sandra passes away, but the doctor learns that she had left a letter thanking him for helping her through the childbirth and expressing gratitude for the breathing technique.

The story concludes with the members of the club sharing their thoughts on the tale. David, who has been largely silent throughout the discussion, reveals that he actually knew Sandra and the doctor. He provides more insight into their lives and what happened to the baby boy after Sandra's death.

Overall, "The Breathing Method" is a poignant and eerie story that explores themes of life, death, and the power of the mind. It is a departure from King's more horror-focused works, but still maintains his signature storytelling style and attention to detail. The novella has been well-received by both fans and critics alike and continues to be a popular addition to King's collection.