**Chapter 5: A Glimmer of Freedom**

Nurse Thompson walked back into Ashley's room, her expression serious, and behind her, Dr. Lee followed with a stern look on his face. Ashley's heart skipped a beat as she watched them approach, her eyes darting back and forth between the two. She sat up in bed, her movements eager and anxious. "Can I take them off?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. She looked up at Nurse Thompson and then at Dr. Lee, her eyes pleading. "Please," she begged, her voice cracking with emotion. Dr. Lee cleared his throat before speaking, his voice firm but gentle. "Ashley, we've discussed your request, and we've decided to take a gradual approach to removing the restraints." He paused, his eyes locked on Ashley's. "But before we do that, I need to make sure you're committed to your treatment plan." Ashley nodded vigorously, her eyes welling up with tears. "I am, Doctor. I promise I'll do everything I'm supposed to do. I'll take my medication, I'll attend my therapy sessions, I'll do whatever it takes to get better." She looked up at Nurse Thompson and then at Dr. Lee, her face filled with determination. Nurse Thompson and Dr. Lee exchanged a look, their expressions unreadable. Then, Dr. Lee nodded slowly. "Alright, Ashley. We'll start by removing the restraints from your wrists. But I need you to promise me that you'll work with us and follow your treatment plan." Ashley nodded, her eyes shining with tears. "I promise, Doctor. I promise I'll do everything I'm supposed to do." She looked up at Nurse Thompson, who was smiling slightly. Nurse Thompson stepped forward, her hands moving to the restraints on Ashley's wrists. With a few quick movements, the restraints were removed, and Ashley felt a surge of freedom wash over her. She flexed her wrists, feeling the circulation return to her hands. Dr. Lee watched her, his eyes narrowed. "Ashley, I want you to know that this is a privilege, not a right. If you don't follow your treatment plan, the restraints will go back on. Do you understand?" Ashley nodded, her eyes locked on Dr. Lee's. "I understand, Doctor. I won't let you down. I promise." She looked up at Nurse Thompson, who was watching her with a kind expression. Nurse Thompson smiled. "I think we're making progress, Doctor," she said, her voice soft. Dr. Lee nodded, his expression still serious. "Let's see how it goes. We'll reassess in a few days and decide if we can remove the restraints from your ankles." He turned to leave, Nurse Thompson following close behind. As they left, Ashley felt a sense of hope rising up inside her. She was one step closer to freedom, and she was determined to make the most of it. She lay back in bed, her eyes closed, feeling the warmth of the sun on her face. For the first time in weeks, she felt like she might just make it through this after all.