"Betrayal and Tears"

Ashley sat on the couch, her eyes fixed on the floor as Erica poured out her stresses to the social worker. The woman's expression was sympathetic, but Ashley could sense a hint of skepticism behind her eyes. Erica's voice cracked as she spoke, her words tumbling out in a frantic rush. "I'm at my wit's end, I don't know what to do. Ashley's been getting worse and worse, and I'm worried about her, but I'm also worried about myself. I have a life to live, and I can't keep sacrificing it for her," Erica said, her voice breaking. The social worker nodded, her eyes never leaving Erica's face. "I understand, Erica. It sounds like you're feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to help Ashley." Erica's face crumpled, and she burst into tears. "I just want what's best for her, but I don't know what that is anymore. I'm scared for her, and for me," she sobbed. Ashley stood there, frozen in anger and hurt. She felt like she was watching her sister betray her, and it was tearing her apart. She took a step forward, her voice cold and hard. "That's enough, Erica," she said, her eyes blazing with anger. The social worker looked up, her eyes meeting Ashley's. "Ashley, why don't you come sit beside me?" she suggested gently. But Ashley wasn't having it. "Bullshit, I'm staying here," she spat, her eyes never leaving Erica's face. "You think you can just get rid of me that easily? You think you can just ship me off to some institution and forget about me?" Erica's face was streaked with tears, and she looked up at Ashley with a mixture of sadness and pleading. "Ashley, please, just listen to the social worker. She's here to help you." But Ashley was beyond reason. She was fueled by anger and a sense of betrayal, and she lashed out at Erica and the social worker. "You don't know anything about me," she snarled. "You don't know what I'm going through, or what I need. You just want to get rid of me, to make your life easier." The social worker's expression remained calm, but Ashley could see a hint of concern in her eyes. She leaned forward, her voice gentle. "Ashley, I'm here to help you. I want to listen to you, and to help you find a way to get the support you need." But Ashley was having none of it. She turned her back on the social worker, and glared at Erica. "You're just trying to get rid of me," she repeated, her voice cold and hard. "Well, it's not going to work. I'm not going anywhere."