“I don’t want it,” I said.

“It is standard procedure for patients experiencing high anxiety,” the nurse said, stepping closer to the bed.

“Take it, Alana.”

I looked at Ana.

Ana stood up, clutching her briefcase tightly.

“She doesn’t want the medication,” Ana said to the nurse.

“I am her attorney, and I am advising her not to take any unauthorized substances.”

“Dr. Vale authorized it,” the nurse said, her eyes narrowing.

“And he is the chief of psychiatry.”

She reached for my arm.

“Get away from me,” I said, pulling my arm back.

The nurse paused, her face hardening.

“I will have to report this refusal to Dr. Vale,” she said.

“Do that,” Ana said. “And tell him we will be filing for an independent evaluation in the morning.”

The nurse glared at us for a moment.

Then she turned on her heel and walked out, slamming the door behind her.

Ana let out a slow breath.

“We don’t have much time,” she said.

“Once the nurse reports this, Vale will act.”

“He will sign the emergency hold papers tonight.”