**Chapter 12: Desperation's Grip**

The social worker quickly caught up to Ashley and grabbed her hands, holding them tight to restrain her. "Where are you taking me?" Ashley cried, her voice shrill with panic. "Answer me!" she screamed, struggling against the social worker's grip. The social worker's expression was sympathetic, but firm. "Ashley, please listen to me," she said, trying to calm her down. "The ambulance is here, and we need to get you some help. You've been through a lot, and we need to make sure you're safe." But Ashley was beyond reason. She continued to struggle and scream, her eyes fixed on Erica, who stood back, crying and looking at her sister with a mixture of sadness and helplessness. The social worker's voice was gentle, but firm, as she tried to reassure Ashley. "We're not going to hurt you, Ashley. We just need to get you some medical attention. You've been through a traumatic experience, and we need to make sure you're okay." As she spoke, the paramedics rushed into the room, their equipment at the ready. One of them quickly moved to Ashley's side, and with a swift motion, administered a sedative. Ashley's eyes widened, and she tried to struggle, but it was too late. The medication took effect quickly, and she began to relax, her body going limp. The paramedics quickly restrained her, securing her wrists and ankles with soft restraints. Ashley's eyes fluttered closed, and she let out a soft sigh, her body sagging against the paramedics. Erica stood back, her eyes fixed on her sister, tears streaming down her face. She looked like she was about to collapse, her body shaking with sobs. The social worker moved to her side, putting a comforting arm around her shoulders. "I'm so sorry, Erica," she said, her voice soft. "We'll do everything we can to help Ashley. But we had to get her out of here. She was going to hurt herself or someone else if we didn't intervene." Erica nodded, her eyes fixed on Ashley's limp form. She looked like she was in shock, her face pale and drawn. The social worker led her away, as the paramedics lifted Ashley onto a stretcher and began to wheel her out of the room. As they left, Erica's eyes never left Ashley's face. She looked like she was saying goodbye, her heart heavy with sorrow and worry. The social worker's arm around her shoulders was a small comfort, but it was something. Erica knew she had to be strong, for Ashley's sake, but it was hard to see her sister like this, helpless and sedated.