[ Sharon goes, returning a minute later with a full pitcher of water and a couple cups. She looks worriedly at Natasha as she sets them on the bedside table and backs away, gripping her hands together. As far as she can tell, Natasha isn't responding. ]

It was like sucking her life out of her. [ Her voice sounds haunted. She can't believe she came so close to killing her best friend, one of the few people whom she trusts and whom she had hoped would trust her. ]

I couldn't stop myself. Like it wasn't even me. It was like losing my mind, but I was still me.

[ She presses herself against the wall and slides to the floor. It hadn't felt like being brainwashed. She had known what she was doing. She just couldn't stop herself. She'd thought she would be strong enough. She isn't, though. She's far too weak. ]