**Chapter 1: The Unexpected Stay**

Gary's life had been turned upside down in a matter of days. One moment, he was a normal 16-year-old, hanging out with his friends and worrying about school; the next, he was being driven away from his home in a hospital-bound ambulance. The diagnosis was still unclear to him, but apparently, his parents and the doctors had decided that a two-week stay at the Oakwood Mental Hospital was the best course of action. As the ambulance sirens faded into the distance, Gary couldn't help but feel a mix of anxiety and despair. He had never been to a mental hospital before and had no idea what to expect. The only thing he knew was that it couldn't be good. Upon arrival, Gary was greeted by a friendly nurse who showed him to his room. It was a small, tidy space with a single bed, a desk, and a chair. A window let in a sliver of sunlight, which Gary found comforting. He was given a hospital gown to change into and told to wait for further instructions. The first few days passed in a blur of therapy sessions, medication, and getting to know the other patients. Gary was still trying to wrap his head around why he was there. He had always been a bit of a loner, but he didn't think he was depressed or crazy. He just felt...lost. As the nights began to fall, Gary started to experience something he hadn't done since childhood - bedwetting. The first night was a one-time thing, or so he thought. He had fallen asleep too quickly, and before he knew it, he had wet the bed. Panicked, Gary quickly got out of bed, grabbed some extra blankets, and tried to clean up as best he could. He didn't want anyone to know, fearing it would make him look like a baby. But the second night was no better. Gary woke up to the same sensation, and despite trying to hold it in, he ended up wetting the bed again. This time, he knew he couldn't hide it. He was too scared to get out of bed and clean it up, hoping that maybe no one would notice. However, someone did notice. A kind-faced female staff member, Emma, came into Gary's room in the morning to help him get ready for the day. As she approached his bed, she caught a whiff of something unpleasant. Her expression changed from cheerful to concerned. "Gary, can I talk to you for a minute?" Emma asked gently. Gary's heart sank. He knew he had been caught. "It's about...your bed," Emma continued, her voice soft but serious. "We've noticed it's been wet for the past two nights. Is everything okay?" Gary looked down, feeling a mix of shame and embarrassment. "I...I don't know. It just happened," he stammered. Emma nodded understandingly. "It's not uncommon, especially with the stress of being in a new environment. But we do need to take some precautions to make sure you're comfortable and hygienic." Gary's anxiety spiked as he wondered what these precautions might entail. Would they tell his parents? Would he have to sleep in a different room? "What kind of precautions?" Gary asked hesitantly. "We'll get you some protective gear for the night, and we'll make sure to change your sheets more frequently," Emma explained. "The goal is to make you feel safe and supported here." Gary wasn't sure if he felt better or worse. He knew he needed help, but a part of him was mortified. As Emma helped him get ready for the day, he couldn't shake the feeling that his life was about to change in ways he couldn't control.