Maddie

Chapter 11

!TW - Anxiety, Panic Attack!

Charlies pov:
Panic washes over me like a wave, and adrenaline rushes through my body as we run out of our bedroom. It almost feels like time stands still as we move through the dark house. The silence of the night is broken by our quick, heavy footsteps echoing against the old wooden floor. There's only one thing on my mind right now - Maddie.

Once we reach Maddie's bedroom door, we both stop. Our breaths are heavy and fast, both from adrenaline and running. Nick gently knocks on the door in front of us. After a moment of hesitation, as if we both fear what's on the other side, Nick pushes the handle down and opens the door carefully.

Inside the room it is dark, but the glowing night lamp on the bedside table casts a faint, warm glow over the bed. My heart breaks into a thousand pieces when I see Maddie. She sits in her bed, her little body huddled together and shaking from crying. In her arms, she keeps a tight grip on her teddy bear, almost as if it is the only security she can feel right now. Tears have left wet streaks on her cheeks and her red eyes are wide, filled with a terror that feels far too big for someone so small. She looks at us where we stand in the doorway, but it's like she's somewhere else at the same time. Nick takes a few careful steps towards her before dropping to his knees beside her bed. He holds out his hand, offering Maddie to grab it, but she doesn't move.
"Maddie, it's okay. We're here," Nick whispers, trying to bring her back to reality.
"It was just a dream". I quietly walk over and carefully sit on the edge of the bed, next to Maddie. She blinks a few times and finally turns her gaze to me. Her eyes are still wide and scared, but now they are more focused - more in the present.
"It was just a dream" she repeats quietly to herself, her voice shaky and fragile.
"Do you want to talk about the dream? Tell us what it was about?" Nick asks gently, not pressuring her in any way. But Maddie shakes her head quickly, almost panicked, and once again hugs her teddy bear tightly in her arms. Nick meets my gaze and I can see the reflection of my own worry in his eyes. But at the same time, we know that we can't force her to talk if she doesn't feel ready to share something. But we both know that something big and serious is definitely hunting her.
"It's totally fine, you don't have to tell us" Nick says softly and I can see how Maddie's little body slowly relaxes.

We sit there for a while, in Maddie's little room, in comfortable silence. Slowly but surely, Maddie's breathing is starting to calm down and I can see how the lack of sleep is catching up with her instead.
"Do you want us to stay here until you fall asleep?" I ask cautiously and her little head lets out a nod. I look over at Nick, and I see a clear promise in his eyes that he's ready to protect this little girl through the night. Maddie's eyelids begin to flutter, her small eyes fighting the weight of fatigue. However, at the same time I can see a fear in her eyes, a fear that the previous dream will come back if she falls asleep. Both me and Nick help her to lie down in bed. We are both careful with every movement. She hugs her teddy bear tightly as she lies down, comfortably under the covers.
"We're not leaving you," Nick whispers, his voice steady and determined. Those simple words fill me with conviction, and hopefully do the same with Maddie.

After a moment, she closes her eyes, slowly but hesitantly, as if she is still unsure. But eventually fatigue takes over and her breathing becomes more and more relaxed. I get a warm feeling in my body watching her sleep. Her little face is a reminder of why we are doing this for her, and that we will continue to be here for her no matter how many more nightmares lie ahead of us. I look over at Nick again, and we exchange a look of understanding, concern, and determination.