"millie, just one bite. come on." kelly sighs with a small frown
"millie, if you want to leave this hospital, you have to eat." the nurse says, "we're trying to help."
"well it's not like i'm going to die." millie whispers, crossing her arms
"actually, you will die. you're 17 weighing 86 pounds!" paige exclaims at her
"millie, eat this congee so we can leave this place!" robert scolds, "if you don't, i will literally force it into your mouth."
"mr brown, i don't think forcing her would be the best way." the nurse says calmly with a soft smile
"millie, are you going to eat or not?" robert turns to ask her
millie stays silent, her hands trailing to her stomach under the covers. she feels her flat stomach and her ribs and closes her eyes.
"fine." robert lets out a breath, picking up the bowl in anger
"honey, just eat it." kelly whispers softly as millie cries quietly
"open up." robert says as millie turns her head away
he grabs her face, turning her head back as she whimpers. forcing her mouth open, he pours the congee into her mouth.
she gags, using her hand in attempt to push him away.
"dad, stop." charlie says, "don't force her."
"it's the only way, clearly." robert says, "now swallow it."
millie looks up at him with glassy eyes, the congee still hot in her mouth.
"i said; swallow it!" he scolds loudly as she flinches
she then gulps, swallowing the liquid nervously as he nods satisfied.
"mr brown, you really can't force her." the nurse says
"i can and i will. i'm picking you up tomorrow and we are leaving this place." robert spat before exiting the room
"mills..." kelly whispers, "your condition is not good and-"
"i know. and i don't care. dad left, you should go if you want a ride." millie lays down, turning the other way away from them
"actually millie, we need to go do a checkup on you." the nurse says
"what's the point? it's the same old shit, i don't weigh enough. i don't eat, i'm killing myself. i don't care." millie mutters, "don't forget how i got here in the first place."
"millie, listen. if after this checkup and you weigh at least 90 pounds, then i'll let you do whatever you want." charlie suggests as her eyes widen
she sits up, "take me out. take me to watch the sunset later."
"sure, whatever you want. now go, you'll do great." charlie smiles at her reassuringly
millie nods, getting out of the bed with the help of the nurse.
"we'll be back soon." the nurse smiles as they exit the room
millie jerks up from the bed, sweat all over her forehead as she breathes heavily from the flashback.
she closes her eyes, remembering what happened back then before she stands up with a small sigh.
she walks over to her bag, taking out her meds and pours a hand full of both before swallowing them quickly.
sitting down at the desk in the room, she places her hand against her forehead as she sighs.
