Lauryn's pov:
Dylan and I had been waiting outside the school for what felt like ages. The playground was emptying as other kids were picked up by their parents, leaving just the two of us. I tried to keep Dylan entertained, but I was getting more anxious with every passing minute.
"Do you think they forgot us?" Dylan asked, his voice small and worried.
I shook my head, trying to reassure him even though I was worried too. "No, they didn't forget. Something must have come up. They'll be here soon."
Just as I was starting to really panic, I saw Dad's car pull up. Relief washed over me, but that quickly turned to concern when I saw the worried look on Dad's face. He parked haphazardly and rushed over to us.
"Dad, what's wrong? Why are you so late?" I asked, trying to keep the panic out of my voice.
Dad looked at us, his eyes filled with worry. "Something happened to Maddie. She had a really bad panic attack. That's why I was late. We need to get home quickly."
My heart dropped. "Is she okay?" I asked, my voice trembling.
Dad didn't answer immediately, which only made my anxiety worse. "We're going to find out. Get in the car, both of you."
We hurried into the car, and Dad sped off, his knuckles white on the steering wheel. Dylan was quiet in the backseat, sensing the seriousness of the situation. My mind was racing with horrible thoughts. What if Maddie wasn't okay? What if something terrible had happened?
"Dad, is Maddie going to be okay?" I asked again, my voice barely a whisper.
He glanced at me in the rearview mirror, his eyes filled with worry. "I don't know, Lauryn. But we're going to be there for her, no matter what."
The rest of the drive home was silent, the tension thick in the air. When we finally pulled into the driveway, my heart sank. An ambulance was parked in front of the house, its lights flashing. Maddie was being wheeled out on a stretcher, paramedics surrounding her.
"Maddie!" I cried, jumping out of the car and running towards the ambulance.
Mum was there, her face pale but calm as she spoke with the paramedics. She saw us and rushed over, pulling me and Dylan into a tight hug.
"What's happening? Is Maddie okay?" I asked, tears streaming down my face.
Mum's voice was soothing, but I could hear the strain in it. "Maddie's going to the hospital. She had a severe panic attack and couldn't calm down. The paramedics are taking her to get checked out. She's in good hands."
Dylan clung to Mum, his eyes wide with fear. "Is she going to be alright, Mum?"
She nodded, though I could see the uncertainty in her eyes. "The paramedics are doing everything they can. We need to stay calm and be there for Maddie."
Just then, Ella arrived, having been called by Mum to look after us while Mum and Dad went to the hospital. Ella's face was a mix of worry and determination.
"I'll take care of Lauryn and Dylan," Ella said, hugging us both tightly. "You two go be with Maddie."
Mum and Dad exchanged a quick, grateful look before hurrying into the ambulance with Maddie. As the doors closed, I could see the worry etched on their faces. The ambulance drove off, its sirens blaring, leaving Ella, Dylan, and me standing in the driveway.
"We need to go inside," Ella said gently, guiding us towards the house. "Maddie's going to be okay. Mum and Dad will make sure of it."
Once inside, we settled in the living room, but I couldn't shake the worry gnawing at me. I tried to focus on comforting Dylan, who was visibly shaken, but my mind kept drifting back to Maddie.
