**A Turning Point**

Ashley nodded, wiping away her tears as she looked up at Mr. Johnson with a mix of gratitude and hope. "Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Mr. Johnson smiled kindly and stood up from his chair. "Let's go talk to someone who can help us figure out a plan," he said, leading Ashley out of his office and down the hall to another room. As they entered the room, Ashley's eyes widened in surprise. Sitting across from each other were Mrs. Thompson, her math teacher, and a man she had never seen before. He was tall and lean, with a kind face and a gentle smile. "This is Brian, our school social worker," Mr. Johnson explained, nodding towards the man. Ashley's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with confusion and alarm. "I don't need a social worker," she said, trying to sound calm, but her voice shaking slightly. Brian smiled and held out his hand. "It's okay, Ashley. I'm here to help. Mr. Johnson has asked me to talk to you about some of the challenges you're facing in math class." But Ashley was having none of it. She felt a surge of fear and anger, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios. "I need help with math, that's all," she said, her voice rising. "I don't need some social worker telling me I'm crazy or that I'm not trying hard enough." Mrs. Thompson's expression turned sympathetic, but Ashley wasn't having it. She glared at her teacher, her eyes flashing with anger. "You're the one who's always yelling at me, making me feel stupid. You're the one who's not helping me." The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Brian's expression remained calm, but Ashley could see the concern in his eyes. Mr. Johnson's face was stern, but Ashley could sense a hint of understanding. Suddenly, Ashley felt a wave of panic wash over her. She was trapped, surrounded by people who she thought were out to get her. "I'm not crazy," she shouted, her voice echoing off the walls. "Fuck you all. I'm leaving." With that, Ashley turned and stormed out of the room, leaving the others staring after her in shock.