Matilda seems to relax slightly at the simple, awkward gesture of the hand on arm, but she's still panicking, still sniffling. "I'm gonna freakin' die, I have no idea what to do! I almost flunked out of finishing school, and they don't even have math---" She cuts herself off, glancing down at Zafika's hand that she can definitely feel but can't see-- yanking back suddenly. "OHMAHGAWD I'M KILLING YOU." Since that's clearly what's happening here.