Darkness Descends

Ashley's hand closed around the razor, her fingers wrapping around it like a vice. She raised it to her arm, the cool metal glinting in the dim light of the bathroom. Without hesitation, she dragged it along her skin, the blade biting deep into her flesh. She didn't feel a thing at first, just a numbness that spread through her arm like a stain. She did it again, and again, the razor slicing through her skin with a soft whoosh. The pain was starting to register now, a burning sensation that seared through her arm like fire. But Ashley didn't care. She just kept dragging the razor along her arm, back and forth, the blood flowing freely now. She felt a sense of detachment, as if she was watching herself from afar. She saw the blood flowing down her arm, pooling on the floor of the shower. She saw her own face, pale and drawn, her eyes vacant. But she didn't feel anything. Not really. The pain was starting to get worse now, a throbbing ache that pulsed through her arm like a heartbeat. Ashley stumbled, her legs buckling beneath her. She collapsed to the floor of the shower, the razor slipping from her hand. She lay there, feeling the warm water wash over her, feeling the blood flow from her arm. She was aware of a sense of tiredness, a sense of exhaustion. She closed her eyes, letting the water wash over her. But then, suddenly, she was aware of a presence. Her mother was standing over her, a look of horror on her face. "Ashley, oh my god," she whispered, her voice trembling. Ashley's eyes flickered open, and she saw her mother's face, distorted with worry. She tried to speak, but her voice was barely a whisper. "Mom," she said, her voice failing. Her mother was on her knees beside her, pressing a towel to her arm. "I've got to call 911," she said, her voice firm. "You need help, sweetie." Ashley nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She was aware of her mother's hands on her arm, applying pressure to the wounds. She was aware of the sound of her mother's voice, calm and steady, as she talked to the 911 operator. "My daughter has attempted to harm herself," she said, her voice shaking. "She's bleeding badly. Please, you have to send someone quickly." Ashley felt herself drifting away, feeling the darkness close in around her. She was aware of the sound of sirens, distant and then closer. She was aware of the feeling of being lifted, of being carried out of the shower. And then, everything went black.