Chapter 12: The Darkest Moment

Ashley nodded, tears rolling down her cheeks as the machine beeped loudly, signaling the start of the Electroconvulsive Therapy. She felt a wave of fear wash over her, and her body began to shake. "Do I have to do this?" she asked, her voice trembling. "I want to come home. I'm better. I'm okay," she pleaded, trying to convince everyone, including herself, that she was fine. As she spoke, Ashley tried to get up from the chair, but the nurse quickly moved to restrain her. "Ashley, please," the nurse said firmly but gently. "You need to stay here. You're not okay." Ashley struggled against the nurse's grip, her eyes darting wildly around the room. "Let me go," she demanded, her voice rising in panic. "I don't want to do this." The nurse held firm, speaking softly to calm Ashley down. "Ashley, you need to be here. You're unwell. The doctors have decided that this treatment is necessary to help you get better." Ashley shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "I'm fine," she lied, trying to convince herself that she was okay. "I just want to go home." The nurse's expression was sympathetic, but firm. "Ashley, sweetie, you can't go home yet. You need our help. Please, just relax and let us do our job." As the nurse spoke, Dr. Lee entered the room, a look of concern on her face. "Ashley, I know this is scary, but we need to do this. It's for your own good." Ashley looked up at Dr. Lee, her eyes pleading. "Please, can't I just go home?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Dr. Lee's expression softened, and she reached out to gently stroke Ashley's hair. "I'm sorry, Ashley. We can't let you go home yet. But I promise you, this will be over soon. And when it's done, we'll be here to help you get better." The machine beeped again, and Ashley felt a jolt of electricity run through her body. She closed her eyes, bracing herself for the unknown, as the nurse settled her back into the chair, holding her down firmly.