D.C. Descent: A Family's Fight

e tried to regain his composure, to pu

's had a severe depressive episode. She'

ith scorn. "My mother has never done anything 'voluntar

head of staff for thirty years. A woman of iron will and absolute loyalty. She w

erstanding passed between us. She gave a tiny, almost imperce

t, my voice ringing wit

s of service returning to her posture. S

case that led to the private family quart

re! You'll upset her

ay," I said. It

m aside. He stumbled back,

e. The west wing was dark and silent. The air was stale.

ispered, her voice trembling. "

er of the Space Force. I knew about controll

myself an

ain, harder. The lock burst from

cloying, medicinal odor mi

ins drawn. And on the bed, a small

s my

it w

er skin was sallow, stretched tight over her bones. Her eyes were sunken, v

ed. Weak. Drugg

y her bedside, my he

icker of recognition. A

e sound of running foots

red in the doorway. And behind

el

keshift sling. Her eyes were wide with trauma, but wh

ly

r into a fierce hug. She clung

he bed, and the story came pouring ou

our father stood. "He and Sabrina. They've been giving her 'medicine.' They said i