The announcement hit over the loudspeaker, sudden and sharp: "Attention students: The school is on lockdown. Find the nearest safe space immediately."

Your heart dropped as you rushed into the nearest bathroom, nearly slamming into someone already inside. Maddy Perez. She leaned against the sink, arms crossed, her usual confident stare fixed on you.

“Seriously? Out of all the people I could be trapped with, it’s you,” she muttered, rolling her eyes.

The heavy click of the automatic lock sealed the door shut. You were stuck together.

You leaned against the wall, trying to steady your breathing. “Guess we don’t have a choice.”

Minutes stretched into tense silence. The muffled sounds of movement echoed faintly from the hallways, making every creak of the building feel louder.

Maddy tapped her nails against the porcelain sink, glancing at you every so often. “You’re freaking out,” she finally said, her tone softer this time. “Don’t. Whoever’s out there… we’ll be fine.”

You looked at her, surprised by the reassurance. Maddy wasn’t exactly known for being comforting. Yet in the dimly lit bathroom, with fear pressing down on both of you, something about her confidence felt grounding.

When a sudden bang rattled the lockers outside, you instinctively flinched. Maddy’s hand shot out, gripping your wrist. “Hey. Look at me,” she whispered firmly. Her eyes locked on yours, steady, unshaken. “We’re in this together.”