**Chapter 1: The Unwelcome Admission**

Gary lay on the hospital bed, staring at the ceiling as the fluorescent lights above hummed to life. He had been admitted to the mental hospital for what felt like an eternity – two weeks so far, with no end in sight. His parents had insisted he needed help, that he was struggling to cope with the stress of school and his own mind. Gary wasn't so sure. He just felt lost, like he was drowning in his own thoughts. As he looked around the sterile room, he felt a sense of unease wash over him. The hospital was a place where people came to get fixed, but Gary didn't feel broken. He felt like he was just trying to survive. The other patients seemed to be dealing with more serious issues than him – the girl in the room next door was catatonic, and the guy across the hall was convinced the government was controlling his mind through the TV. Gary sighed and closed his eyes, trying to calm his racing thoughts. But as he drifted off to sleep, he felt a familiar sensation building in his bladder. He tried to hold it, but it was no use. He wet the bed. Panic set in as he quickly got out of bed and grabbed a handful of tissues to clean up the mess. He hastily stuffed the soiled sheets into the laundry basket and changed into a fresh set of clothes. He didn't want anyone to know. He was mortified. The next morning, Gary went about his day as usual, attending therapy sessions and trying to avoid eye contact with the nurses. But as he was getting ready for bed that night, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was going to wet the bed again. And he did. This time, he didn't have a chance to clean up before Nurse Thompson walked into his room. She was a petite woman with a kind smile, but her expression turned stern as she took in the scene. "Gary, I think we need to talk," she said gently. Gary felt his face burn with shame as he realized he had been caught. He looked down at his feet, unable to meet her gaze. Nurse Thompson helped Gary clean up and get changed into a fresh set of clothes. But this time, she also brought him a package of adult diapers. "I'm afraid we're going to have to take some extra precautions, Gary," she said. "We'll get you set up with some pull-ups for the night. It's not uncommon for people to experience some regression when they're under a lot of stress." Gary felt a wave of humiliation wash over him. He didn't want to wear a diaper to bed, but he didn't have a choice. For the rest of his stay, he would have to endure the indignity of wearing a pull-up every night. As Nurse Thompson helped him get settled in for the night, Gary couldn't help but wonder what the next two weeks would be like. Would he ever be able to overcome his embarrassment and shame? Or would this be his new reality?