I threw my car into park and hurriedly climbed out, barely waiting for the door to close before sprinting towards the Traphouse. My breath came in quick bursts as I fumbled with the lock on the front door. I finally got it open and burst inside, the familiar chaos of the Traphouse greeting me with a cacophony of noise and laughter.

"You guys, I'm here!" I called out, tossing my bag, denim jacket, and keys haphazardly onto the floor as I entered.

"In here!" Jake's voice rang out from the living room, full of energy.

I dashed towards the sound of his voice and skidded into the living room, where everyone was seated around a table, looking somewhat perplexed. Nora was already sitting down, her expression a mix of concern and mild annoyance.

"What's the emergency?" I asked, trying to catch my breath as I glanced around at the gathered group.

Corey, who was lounging on one of the couches, looked up with a puzzled expression. "Why are you here? We thought you were sick."

"I am," I replied, slightly out of breath. "But Jake said you needed me for an emergency."

Jake, who was casually leaning against the wall, looked momentarily taken aback. "I did? I don't remember saying that."

Sam's eyebrows shot up. "Jake said it was an emergency?"

"Yes!" I replied emphatically.

Colby, who had been seated next to Sam, suddenly stood up and walked over to Jake. With a look of exasperation, he smacked Jake on the back of the head. "Dude! We told you not to bother her!"

Jake's eyes widened in surprise. "What? I didn't mean—"

Colby cut him off. "We're in the middle of a game, and we were short a player. Jake said he'd invite someone over, but we specifically told him not to bother you because you're sick. He didn't listen."

I looked around at everyone, realizing the situation was more complex than I'd thought. "Well, I'm here now, so I'm playing."

"No, Wren, go home," Nora said firmly, her voice brooking no argument.

I shook my head, stubbornly. "No, I'm fine. I want to stay."

"Wren, you don't sound good. Please, just go home and rest," Colby said, his concern evident in his voice.

"I'm not going home. I'm just going to stay here and play," I insisted, trying to sound as confident as I could despite my still-raspy voice.

"No, Wren," Aaron said, giving me a sympathetic look. "You need to rest."

"Guys, I'm fine," I protested, but as if on cue, I was overtaken by a coughing fit that lasted ten seconds and left me gasping for air.

Nora's expression hardened. "Wren, seriously, just go back to your house and rest."

"But you're short a person," I argued weakly.

"We can get Brennen or someone else," Sam offered.

"No, I'm going to stay," I replied, my determination unwavering.

Devyn, who had been watching the exchange with concern, spoke up. "Please, just go home and rest. We don't want you getting worse."

Despite their best intentions, I was not ready to give in. "I'm not going home now. What are we playing?"

Sam turned to Jake with a frustrated look. "Jake, go take her home."

"No!" I said, crossing my arms in defiance just as another coughing fit began to seize me.

Jake sighed and grabbed his keys. "I'm taking you home, Wren."

I shot him a glare. "You made me come here."

"And I apologize for that," Jake said, his tone softening slightly. "But you're obviously not feeling well. Let's get you home."

"I'm not leaving," I said stubbornly as Jake headed towards the door.

"Wren, let's go," Jake said, his voice firm.

"No," I repeated, crossing my arms tightly.

Jake looked at me for a moment, then walked over, picked me up effortlessly, and slung me over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. I squealed in surprise and kicked a little, but he carried me outside with determined strides.

He set me down in the passenger seat of his car, but I refused to buckle my seatbelt, crossing my arms defiantly.

"Wren, put your seatbelt on," Jake said, his voice gentle but authoritative.

"No," I said, pouting like a stubborn child.

Jake leaned over, reaching across me to buckle the seatbelt himself. "Wren, you're obviously sick, and I'm taking you home."

"I was fine," I muttered, trying to sound convincing but not quite succeeding.

"Liar," Jake said, smiling slightly. "I can tell you're tired and that you want to be in your onesie while you sleep."

I sighed heavily, knowing he was right. "Okay, okay. You win."

Jake settled into the driver's seat, starting the engine. "I'm glad you're finally seeing reason. Let's get you home and get you some rest."