I didn't know how many hours had passed in the white void before the heavy steel door finally groaned on its hinges. I scrambled back toward the wall, my back pressing against the cold cinderblock, as a nurse in crisp, pale blue scrubs walked in. She was carrying a small plastic cup and a paper cup of water, her face set in a mask of practiced, professional cheer.
"Oh, good, you’re awake!" she said, her voice bright and hollow. "It’s time for your meds, Sarah."
"Please," I whispered, my voice raspy from the charcoal and the screaming. "I don't need meds. My husband... he’s been abusing me. He’s been forcing me to do things, drugging me so I can't think. Please, you have to help me out of here. Just let me make one phone call."
The nurse didn't even flinch. She didn't look surprised or h
