"Breaking Point"

Ashley mumbled, "I'm fine," her voice barely above a whisper, as she stared down at her plate. Erica's eyes narrowed, her expression skeptical. "No, you're not fine," Erica said, her voice firm but laced with concern. "Bullshit, Ashley. You're not okay. What's going on? You're always in trouble, always getting into fights, always pushing boundaries. It's like you're trying to get attention, to get someone to notice you." Ashley's eyes welled up with tears, and she felt a lump form in her throat. She tried to speak, but her voice caught, and she was forced to swallow hard before she could try again. "I...I'm just stressed, okay?" Ashley stammered, her eyes darting around the room, searching for an escape. Erica's expression turned incredulous. "Stressed? Stressed is when you have a math test and you're worried you won't do well. Stressed is when you're trying to balance school and a part-time job. You're not just stressed, Ashley. You're self-destructing. You're sabotaging your own life, and I don't understand why." Ashley felt a surge of anger at Erica's words, but it was quickly replaced by a wave of despair. She knew Erica was right, but she didn't know how to stop, didn't know how to fix herself. "Just leave me alone, Erica," Ashley said, her voice cracking as tears began to spill down her cheeks. But Erica wouldn't let it go. She reached out and grabbed Ashley's arm, her grip firm but gentle. "No, Ashley. I'm not going to leave you alone. I'm going to get to the bottom of this, even if it kills me. You're my sister, and I love you, but I won't stand by and watch you destroy yourself." Ashley felt a sob rise up in her chest, and she knew she was on the verge of breaking down. She looked up at Erica, her eyes pleading for understanding, for mercy. But Erica just held her ground, her eyes locked on Ashley's, her expression unyielding. "Tell me what's going on, Ashley. Tell me the truth."