A Glimmer of Sanity

As Ashley's eyes met the mother's, a wave of anguish washed over her face. She took a step forward, her voice cracking as she cried out, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Is he okay? Is he okay?" Her gaze was fixed on the baby in the mother's arms, and for a moment, Ryan thought he saw a glimmer of sanity return to her eyes. The mother, still tearfully smiling at her reunited son, looked up at Ashley and nodded. "He's fine," she said, her voice trembling. "He's been through a lot, but he's going to be okay." Ashley's eyes welled up with tears as she took another step forward, her handcuffed wrists jangling as she moved. The officer, who had been about to lead her away, hesitated, unsure of what to do. Just then, a psychiatrist appeared at the doorway, his eyes scanning the scene before him. "What's going on here?" he asked, his voice firm but gentle. The officer turned to him. "We have a situation with Ashley. She's been... unstable." The psychiatrist nodded and approached Ashley. "I'm not taking her in," he said, his eyes locked on Ryan. "Deal with her here." The officer looked uncertain, but the psychiatrist's authority was clear. He nodded and reached out to uncuff Ashley. As the metal cuffs fell away, Ashley let out a sigh of relief. The psychiatrist turned to Ryan. "You're her husband, I assume?" Ryan nodded, and the psychiatrist continued, "Good. I'm going to need your help to get her through this." Ashley's eyes darted back to Ryan, and she took another step forward, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry," she repeated, her eyes fixed on the baby. "I'm so sorry." Ryan opened his arms, and to his surprise, Ashley stepped into them, her body shaking with sobs. As he held her, he felt a sense of determination wash over him. He was going to get her through this, no matter what it took.