Three days had passed. To Jasmine it was quick, for she had slept completely through them. Never once having the energy to eat, get up, or bath. At times her family and the staff resorted to having to bath her and force feed her.

The sun had perched itself high in the sky by the time the princess began to stir on the fourth day. Her heavy eyes weakly opened and her senses slowly came to her. For the next few minutes Jasmine laid in her bed waiting for the blurriness to wear off. Even without sight she knew she had managed to accidentally wet herself yet again. The dried smelly liquid had begun to crystallize in her crotch area. For a minute she focused on her breathing, everytime she took a breath she could feel her lungs giving up. Her attention was brought to the door her back was facing toward. Jasmine knew even without turning around it was time to eat.

"Hey babe. I know you're sick but you have to eat," he whispered in her ear.

The princess only heard a few words he said before she felt a fluttering feeling inside her. The scent alone of the food he had brought in made her want to throw up. Eventually she felt the light touch of an arm on her shoulder and then felt herself being rolled over. She closed her eyes and waited for the drizzling feeling to wear off. By the time it was half way gone the presence from the person had gone away.

Then a wet towel felt below made her eyes shoot open. She quickly sat up and breathed in deeply. After some more adjusting her vision and hearing came back. There staring at her with a wet wash cloth was Aladdin. He gave her a slight smile before pulling out the plate he had brought in. She cringed inside when she saw the bright yellow scrambled eggs on the plate.

"I know you aren't a big fan of this form of protein but the dietitian told us it's best to try to get-"

"What dietitian?" she asked.

"Your father and I went once to check it out. It's best Jas if you went with us next time,"

"When's that?"

"After your doctor's appointment-"

"I have a doctor's appointment!?" she asked, surprised.

Aladdin gave her a concerned look, "Yes. I told you yesterday,"

"I don't remember, that's not fair," she complained.

"I'm sorry,"

"I don't want to go. I'll get another feeding tube,"

"What makes you say that?"

"I cried my way out of the last one saying that I would eat. Crying only gets me so far, Aladdin!"

Aladdin looked at her and then pushed the plate toward her, "Here-"

"NO!" she screamed. Jasmine backed up. The imagine of the moist, mushy, and spongy eggs in her mouth were enough to make her gag.

"Jasmine please. I know it's hard but if you don't get any food in you what are we going to tell the doctor?"

"Nothing because I'm not going!"

"Yes you are! Now eat the eggs please-"

"NO!" she screamed.

Aladdin annoyedly picked some eggs and placed them next to her mouth. The fresh stream of warm eggs filled Jasmine's nostrils and immediately gave her an uneasy feeling. She shook her head and covered her face. Jasmine let out cries like a little child not wanting to eat their veggies. And just like one she kicked while screaming at Aladdin.

"Jasmine, stop it!" he demanded, "It's just some eggs,"

"No it's not! Go away, I don't want to eat. Or go anywhere,"

"Then what will you do? Sleep?"

"Yes!"

"You can't just sleep your life away!"

"Yes I-" Jasmine couldn't even finish before a piece of egg was shoved into her mouth. She wanted to spit it out, but his hands covered her mouth. She let out moans and squeals.

"Jasmine just swallow the egg,"

The princess only shook her head and tried to pull away. Eventually she managed to get loose enough to send Aladdin one stomach kick.

"Ow Jasmine!" he screamed. Instinctively he moved his hands to his stomach which gave enough time for Jasmine to pull away. She quickly leaned on the side of the bed and then vomited.

"Seriously!" Aladdin yelled annoyed.

After one last time she looked up weakly at Aladdin. She let out a muffle and dug her head in her hands.

"I'm sor-"

"Yeah yeah I know. Just put these clothes on for now," he said quickly. He tossed a blue two piece at her feet and then stared at her, "Well are you gonna put it on?"

Jasmine moaned and then grabbed her head.

"Jasmine?"

"Yeah?"
"Put the outfit on please,"

"But I-"

"No but's we're running late," he interrupted.

"I'm to tired,"

Aladdin threw his hands in the air, "We all are!"

"Well I-"

"Jasmine, just get up and get dressed," he mumbled, annoyed.

"I want help,"

"You're not a child. Actually you might as well be since you act like one,"

Even though he mumbled the last part it was loud enough for Jasmine to hear.

"I'm not a child. I'll help clean up my mess," she said pointing to the vomit.

"No you won't. We have servants for that," he mumbled.

"But-"

"Jasmine just get up and get dressed,"

"I want help!"

"No you don't! Grow up!" he screamed.

"I am! I'm almost 19,"

"You still have a few more months till that,"

"Well I-"

"Can we please stop arguing. Just get up,"

Jasmine wanted to say something but stopped. She looked up at Aladdin. When he looked down at her it was as if all his anger vanished. Her tired eyes were enough to make anyone fall for her.

Aladdin let out a sigh of defeat, "Ok. I'll help,"

The prince picked up the sheets and pulled them back. It took all his strength to not pull back from the mess.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled into the pillow.

"Don't be. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gotten angry at you,"

"But I should have just eaten my eggs. I'm hungry,"

"Let's get you ready. Come on,"

Aladdin carefully helped her sit up and bed and gave her a drink of water. While the water did wash away the foul taste that was left in her mouth it didn't wash away the fear of going out. Aladdin picked up the damp cloth that he had set aside on the table.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled.

"It's alright. No need to fuss over it. Right?" he asked.

Jasmine shrugged her shoulders. She only let out small whimpers as he wiped away the dried pee.

"It's alright. It's done now,"

"Don't make me go," she begged.

"Jasmine we have to,"

"No we don't,"

Aladdin sighed and handed her some undies and a top, "Here, you put these on,"

Jasmine shook her head and turned around. Now with her back facing him Aladdin was able to take notice of her rigid back. Without thinking he came up to her and then rested his head on her bony shoulder. The sudden moment made Jasmine gasp and tense up.

"What's wrong?" he whispered in her ear.

"Nothing," she said quickly.

"Are you sure?"

Jasmine sighed for a moment, "I- I just don't know. I guess I don't really feel good,"

Aladdin gave her a confused look before looking into the mirror. Staring back at them was Jasmine. Clad in nothing but a lightweight purple nightgown that barely covered her.

"Jasmine?"

"Yeah?"

"What do you see when you look in the mirror?" he asked.

Jasmine looked down at the ground before responding, "I see nobody…"

"Why's that?"

"Because I don't feel like anybody. I feel like a sad excuse for a human being who just exists day to day," she admitted.

"Why's that?"

"Because I just do,"

Aladdin gave her a kiss on the cheek and then hugged her tightly from behind.

"What do you see?" Jasmine asked Aladdin.

"Well I see someone who just needs helps and some extra TLC,"

"How long will that take?"
"Not too long. Maybe like a year at most,"

Jasmine let out a deep sigh, "I read once it could take up to a like 5 years to get back completely healthy,"

Aladdin paused and gulped, "Well you're strong, you can do it,"

Jasmine groaned and grabbed her outfit.

"I know. I've heard it at least 20 times now,"

"Are you ok-"

"NO! Can we just not talk about this anymore?" she cried.

The two stared at each other for a moment before Aladdin gave a slight nod. Then Jasmine walked behind a curtain and began to undress.

"Just tell me when you're done," Aladdin told her.

He wasn't surprised when she didn't respond. Eventually he found himself staring at her silhouette. He took note of her slow body movements and her pauses.

"Are you ok?"

"No… I don't feel good and I want to stay home,"

"I get that but we need to get you into seeing the doctor,"

Aladdin watched as the silhouette of Jasmine stopped, "Aladdin…" she asked.

"Yeah?"

"What if something goes wrong?"

"Huh?"

"What if they discover something really wrong with me?"

"Why do you say that?"

Jasmine peeked her head around the curtain and then motioned for Aladdin to come in. After closing the curtain Aladdin looked at Jasmine confused.

"Look at me, Aladdin. I'm so thin…"

"You just need some meat on your bones," he said, squeezing her arm.

"It's more than that. I know it,"

"So why am I here?"

"I need you to safety pin my outfit,"

Aladdin looked at her concerned, "What? These are the new ones made to fit you,"
"Well I guess I've shrunk in size,"

"How's that possible? How much do you weigh now?"

"I don't know Aladdin. But not enough to fit into these clothes. I'm sorry,"

"Don't apologize. Here give me one,"

After safely pinnings her waist and stomach he took a moment to examine her.

"So how do I look?" she asked.

"Like a princess," he laughed.

"I know I keep asking-"

"Yes we have to go. Now come on, I'll carry you,"

Jasmine shook her head and slipped into her shoes, "I'll just walk,"

Aladdin shrugged his shoulders before they both exited the room. As the two walked down the hall Aladdin stopped suddenly. He pointed to the pantry.

"You want a snack before we go?"

"Uh… maybe a glass of water," she suggested.

After her water request was fulfilled the two found themselves waiting on Carpet.

"Aladdin. I'm kinda scared," she admitted.

"How come?"

"What if I get shots, or a feeding tube, or we find out something's wrong,"

"I don't think that will happen. It's just a routine checkup,"

"Ok…"

By the time Jasmine was half asleep against his shoulder, Carpet had flown in. Aladdin gave a slight wave before whispering in Jasmine's ear.

"Hey Jas it's time,"

"I don't wanna go," she moaned, "I just wanna sleep,"

"I understand, but this has to be done,"

"I know," she mumbled.

Aladdin pulled her up toward him and then placed her one Carpet. As the two ascended into the sky a cool breeze could be felt. Jasmine clutched her cloak closer to herself and curled up in a ball. Aladdin, seeing this, crawled over and held her.

"What's the matter?"

"I don't like this," she whispered in his ear.

"Too fast?"

"I don't like heights. They make me sick," she explained.

"No heights? What happened to my Jasmine?"

"She's gone. The only thing left is her body," she whispered.

Aladdin wanted to ask more but they had arrived at the hospital. As the two descended behind a nearby alley the princess could feel a tingling feeling in her stomach.

"What's the matter?" the prince asked

"What?"

"I can feel something's off. What's going on?"

"Nothing,"

"Are you sure?"

Aladdin stopped in front of her abruptly which made her bump into him.

"Why'd you stop?" she asked, annoyed.

"Because I can sense you're not feeling well,"

"I just get this weird feeling anytime I'm by or in the doctors," she explained.

"Well let's try not to think about it. It's just probaly a routine checkup on your weight and body,"

"So no shots?"

"I don't think so. I'm not gonna make any promises,"

Jasmine sighed and looked down. Aladdin sighed and lifted up her chin, "Jasmine this is for the best,"

"But I feel tired,"

"I understand,"

After some more encouragement Jasmine finally gave a slight nod. The two turned the corner and then walked into the office.

"Take a seat. I'll get us checked in," Aladdin wispeared.

Jasmine nodded slightly and then walked over to the corner and sat down in a chair. The princess took one more look around the room before curling up in a ball.

"We're here for Jasmine's appointment," Aladdin told the front desk.

"Ok I'll get you checked in. You can sit down anywhere and make yourself comfy," the lady told him.

Aladdin walked over to the princess and sat down. He took her hand and gave it a quick kiss on her arm. Jasmine looked up at Aladdin and then let out a small chuckle.

"Jasmine?"

The two's attention was brought to the women.

"Come on Jas," Aladdin wispeared.

While Aladdin was helping the princess out of the chair she could feel all eyes on her. Even though she knew it was childish. After walking into the hall the women stopped her in front of a nearby scale.

"I'll have you hop on that scale over there princess,"

Jasmine stared at the scale for the longest time. It had been a solid month since she had last weighed herself. She knew last time she was weighed she was 86 pounds.

"It's ok Jasmine," Aladdin whispered in her ear.

She only shook her head and backed up into the hall.

"I don't want to," she mumbled.

Before she was able to fully back away Aladdin grabbed onto her wrist. He slowly shook his head and pointed back to the scale.

"Can't we just put down like 70 pounds?" she asked.

"You really think you've lost 16 pounds?" Aladdin asked.

"I don't know. I just don't want to,"

The nurse walked over to her and then grabbed onto her wrist. Slowly the two guided her toward the scale. As she was being dragged toward the scale she could feel her stomach drop. She took one look at Aladdin and then stepped onto the scale. She watched as the dial swang back and forth before stopping. Her heart sunk in her chest when she saw what number it landed on.

"73 pounds," the nurse said, writing it down.

Jasmine was left speechless.

"Only three off," Aladdin whispered to her.

Jasmine didn't respond and only gave a heartbroken look at Aladdin. He could see that she was on the verge of tears. He quickly took her in her arms and led her to her room.

"In here,"

After helping her up on the big chair in the center he moved away.

"So Jasmine… What brings you in today?" the nurse asked.

The princess sniffled and shrugged her shoulders.

"Just a routine checkup," Aladdin told her.

"Ok well let's start with blood pressure and all that,"

Jasmine flinched backwards as the nurse grabbed onto her arm. She shook her head and began to sniffle.

"I don't want to,"

"It's not going to hurt," Aladdin told her.

"I still don't want to," she refused.

Aladdin grabbed onto her arm and brought it toward the nurse. Even when she kicked and screamed he still wouldn't let go.

"No! I don't wanna go!"

"Jasmine stop," Aladdin demanded.

"NO!" she screamed.

"Princess please. I haven't even touched you yet,"

"But I don't want to be touched at all,"

"I understand,"

"Jasmine, you know we were going to do a routine checkup. And all this is part of that," Aladdin told her.

"I don't want to," she complained.

Eventually the two were able to hold her still enough to get her blood pressure. After it was taken off the princess stayed quiet.

"I know you hate needles princess but the doctor said he wants a sample of your blood,"

Jasmine cried and shook her head.

"Jasmine it's fine-" Aladdin tried to calm her.

"NO! I don't want a needle!"

"It's only going to hurt for a bit,"

"I don't like needles!" she cried.

The two watched as the princess attempted to climb over the chair. Eventually she gave up and curled up in the corner. With her back facing toward them all the two could do was try to talk her into it.

"Look princess, I know it's hard. I get it's difficult to wake up and immediately have to go somewhere you don't like. But this has to be done for the better of you," the nurse tried to explain.

"You don't understand. I can't take anymore needles," she mumbled.

"Jasmine, you're in good hands," Aladdin said.

Eventually she gave in and turned around. Her teared face said all that they needed to know.

'It's ok. Just do it, I don't care anymore,' Jasmine thought.

The nurse lifted Jasmine's arm and prepared the spot. After cleaning her arm with the whip and tying the tourniquet she brought out the needle.

"Try not to stare," Aladdin wispeared.

Jasmine looked away and toward Aladdin. Her eyes flowed with fresh tears as she felt the nurse come close.

"Small poke in one, two,"

Jasmine gasped as she felt a sting in her arm. Instinctively she tried to pull away but the two held her back. She let out small whimpers as the stinging continued.

"Ok done," the nurse said, pulling the needle out. Quickly she pulled a bandaid out and took off the tourniquet.

"See it wasn't so bad," Aladdin said.

"I'm ready to go home,"

"Not yet-" the nurse started.

Jasmine let out a loud cry. She threw her head in her hands and just cried. Tears soaked her palms and her clothes. No matter what the two tried she would not calm down. Aladdin looked at the nurse embarrassed and then back at Jasmine.

"Please Jas. Calm down for me-"

"NO! I want to go home! I hate it here!" she cried.

"Stop, please. You're not a child you're a princess," Aladdin scolded her.

"NO! GO AWAY! I just want to be alone!"

Aladdin glances back at the nurse, "Just give us a minute," he told her.

The nurse nodded and then walked out of the room quickly. After the door shut Aladdin stopped rubbing her back and faced her.

"Look if you don't calm down it's just going to be another shower incident all over again. None of us want that so you have to calm down Jas. I'll help you count-"

"It's not my fault Aladdin. I can't help it!"

"Just please you're getting worked up-"

"I CAN'T HELP IT! No one understands what I'm going through,"

"Do you understand what you're going through?" Aladdin asked worriedly.

"No really," she admitted. Jasmine wiped some tears away, "I don't know what's going on. I just know that I've had enough. I want to just give up-"

"Don't say that-"

"But I do! I'm so tired Aladdin of everything. Of needles, of hospital visits, of just everything. I need a break and sleeping isn't going me any good,"

"I understand,"

"No you don't. Try starving yourself on purpose because you thought you weren't good enough for anyone,"

After she said that the door opened and a man walked in.

"Why hello princess. I heard you've had a hard time being here,"

"Yeah I guess,"

The doctor took a seat nearby and began to do a physical examination on her. He took her arms and examined them. He flipped them over and graced only them.

"I feel you're tense," the doctor said.

"Just don't like people touching me,"

"I understand. I see you're more paler than normal,"

"I guess,"

For the next few minutes the doctor performed a physical checkup on the princess. It was silent apart from a few comments from the doctor.

"Princess I'm going to have to ask you to take off the cloak please,"

Jasmine's eyes dilated and she shook her head in fear.

"I'm sorry I won't allow that," she declined.

The doctor and Aladdin gave her a stern look.

"Please…" she begged.

"Jasmine. It's for the best,"

"What for?"

"It's so the doctor can examine how you've uh… changed…" Aladdin tried to say.

"It's just that I don't want to show a complete stranger my body," she admitted, "Sorry…"

"I understand," the doctor said.

"So I don't have to?"

"Yes you do,"

"But-"

"Jasmine," Aladdin said.

Jasmine moaned and hugged herself close. She shook her head.

"You can't make me!"

"Jasmine please. Just do what-"

"NO!"

Jasmine cried and pulled away from Aladdin's grasp. She began to cry again and crumble.

"Jasmine…" he mumbled disappointed.

"I'm sorry," she cried.

"No- no it's fine," Aladdin said, trying to keep his calm.

"It's not. I can't do anything without crying," Jasmine mumbled.

Aladdin looked over at the doctor and mouthed the words 'I'm sorry'.

For the next few minutes the princess cried to herself as the two men watched her with worry. She cried so hard at times she was blind to the fact the two were having a secret conversation.

"What do you recommend we do? She complains all the time about pains everywhere and I can't get her to do anything these days. I have to help her with everything. From getting dressed, to cleaning her, to feeding her. And obviously you can see that I couldn't get her to eat,"

The doctor listened as Aladdin rambled on about Jasmine.

"I see you are very concerned. I think that it's best if you get her checked into a therapist as soon as possible. It's clear she has serious mental health issues and the longer you wait, the sooner she might get to doing some dangerous again,"

"What do you mean by that?"

"Prince. A lot of people who struggle with mental health make not so smart decisions that they will deeply regret,"

"Like running away?"

"Yes, like running away. But I'm afraid she might go as far as hurting herself,"

Aladdin was left speechless for a minute. Eventually he resorted to shaking his head and mouthing no.

"No… you don't know her. She'd never do that,"

"You never know. She already has run away. Nothing's stopping her from hurting herself,"

"I will try to stop her the best I can,"

"You're not always there. She needs serious help," the doctor sighed looking over at the princess, "She needs help my prince. Please when you leave today. Don't let her get that low. It can happen, and it will if nothing is done,"

"So what should I do other than getting her into a dietitian and a therapist?"

"You should just try your best to manage. She's already on the brink of giving up,"

"I know. And it's heartbreaking to see her like this. I never imagined this could ever happen to uh… me I guess,"

"I understand. I'll be prescribing her some pain medications and I'll get in touch with the dietitian,"

"Do you have any advice to get her to eat?"

"Not many. You should probaly talk to the dietitian about that-"

"What are you guys talking about?" Jasmine asked.

"It's about you. And how we're gonna get you back," Aladdin told her. He walked over to her and helped pull her up. Immediately her hands went to her head and she let out a loud moan.

"Does your head hurt princess?"

Jasmien gave a slight nod before she let some more tears fall.

"I'd recommend resting and maybe putting an ice pack on your head," suggested the doctor.

"But it will make me cold," she complained.

"Have you been cold lately?" the man asked.

"Yeah. And sick,"

"When you're sick princess. Do you throw up more often? Do you get chills?"
"I just get tired and my stomach hurts. My head hurts. I just feel dead at times,"

Jasmine laid in Aladdin's lap looking out of the nearby window. Watching the clouds go by she slowly found herself falling asleep. For the next hour the two men talked while Jasmien slept peacefully. Eventually their conversation came to a close and it was time to go. Aladdin looked down at Jasmine and then sighed. Slowly he picked her up in his arms and kissed her on the forehead. Her brown tired eyes fluttered open. For a moment they looked to be gazing off in the distant clouds. It wasn't until Aladdin kissed her again on the forehead she came to her senses. First she blinked and then she grabbed her head.

"What's going on?" she mumbled.

"We're just talking. But it's time to go now,"

"I want to go home,"

"We have another appointment,"

"No…"

"Yes," Aladdin chuckled.

Jasmine dug herself more into Aladdin and then moaned.

"If you don't mind Jasmine I'm just going to check up on your back,"

"No…" she mumbled.

"It's ok. Just don't think about it," Aladdin told her. Aladdin's fingers ran through the princess's hair as the doctor pulled back the cloak. The doctor went wide eyed and then ran his fingers down her back.

"I can see a lot of bones, princess. Now if I press down does it hurt?" asked the doctor.

Jasmine shook her head as her hand searched for her cloak.

"That's ok. Well we're about out of time today princess. But I am very happy that you came today,"

Jasmine pulled away from Aladdin and looked at the doctor, "I was forced to Doctor Ahmed," she complained.

"You were forced now?" Ahmed asked, confused.

"Yeah…" Jasmine looked back at Aladdin, "I wasn't given any time to wake up and then was forced to come here. Even though I said I wasn't feeling good,"

"I'm sorry to hear that," the doctor gave a short pause, "But. I did want you here. And you were. So thanks,"

Jasmine put her head down and let out a few cries.

"Is there anything else we should know?" Aladdin asked.

"No, not that I'm aware of," The doctor responded.

Aladdin smiled and then helped Jasmine stand up. One of her hands went to Aladdin's side and the other went to her head. She let out a loud moan before tears began to fall.

"Shh it's ok-"

"No it's not. I can't stand it!" she screamed.

"It's going to be ok. Just try to keep your legs strong-"

"NO!"

Eventually after enough begging, screaming, and pleading he was able to slowly nudger her out. He whispered one more "Sorry" to Ahmed before the two exited the room. The entire time she was being pulled away her hands were in her arms. She tucked her head in her arms anytime the two would pass a person. Eventually they exited the hospital. Aladdin walked the two away from the newly forming crowd and into a back alley. He watched out of the corner of his eyes Jasmine collapse on the dirt path and vomit. He sighed and took a deep breath of the new crisp air. He was taken out of stressless trance when a loud vomit from beside him emerged.

"Jasmine are you ok?" he asked, walking over to her.

"No…" she barely mumbled.

"I get it's hard for you," Aladdin paused and sat down, "But I really am proud of you for getting up by yourself and coming here with me,"

Jasmine shook her head and looked at Aladdin, "How can you be proud of me for throwing a fit like a child given a needle? I never got up by myself. It was all you and it always will be,"

"What do you mean by that, Jasmine?"

"I mean I'll never be able to do anything for myself anymore. I'll always be sick and I'll always just be a disappointment.

"You're not Jasmine. You're the most amazing person I know,"

Jasmine sighed before attempting to pick herself up.

"Where are you going?"

Jasmine groaned, "The faster I get to that stupid diet place the sooner I'll get to take a nap,"

Aladdin ran up to her and took her hand.

"Want something to eat?" Jasmine shook her head, "Something to wash out the taste?" Aladdin asked.

"No, I just want to go home!" Jasmine snapped.

"We have to-"

"I KNOW THAT! Why do you think I'm getting up?"

After some more yelling the two finally exited the alleyway. The walk to the dietitian was a long silent one. Neither one of them wanted to talk. Jasmine was too tired and Aladdin was too frustrated. Eventually the two had walked far enough that they were now facing the door to the clinic.

"Lady's first," Aladdin said as he opened the door for her.

Jasmine took a step back from the door and then shook her head slightly. Her eyes were brimming with tears.

"Jasmine…" Aladdin sighed.

Before he could wrap his arms around her to carry her in she bursted into tears and ran back into the alley. Aladdin groaned in frustration and ran after her. Following the cry's he soon found her huddled up behind some boxes crying. His heart broke when he caught sight of her scared, shaken form.

"I know it's hard," Jasmine nodded in reply, "But we need to go. Our appointment was an hour ago,"

"Then why can't we leave?"

Aladdin gave a short pause, "What's so terrifying about the dietitian?" he asked, ignoring her question.

"I don't know… I just have a gut feeling I'll make another scene again. I always do,"

Aladdin wanted so badly to tell her she doesn't, but based on the past week he knew that was a complete lie.

"Please Jasmine-"

"NO! I don't wanna go. I just wanna go home and sleep,"

"Well you can't sleep you're entire life away,"

"I pretty much have for the past three-ish months!"

"Jasmine, I'm not going to argue anymore. We have to go,"

Aladdin grabbed onto her wrist and attempted to pull her up but she refused. Eventually she resorted to kicking at him like a child would to their parents. She screamed, squirmed around, and cried loudly.

"Why do you have to be so difficult!" Aladdin snapped. He got down to her face, held her chin and stared deeply in her eyes, "You just have to stretch everyday simple tasks an hour long because you just have to have a cry-"

"I can't help it, Aladdin! It's not my fault. I try to eat but-"

"Try!?" Aladdin exasperated, "Those eggs didn't even get an inch to your mouth,"

"I don't like eggs," she mumbled.

Jasmine tucked her legs in and wrapped her arms around them.

"Don't hide now Jasmine… Come on-"

"GET AWAY FROM ME!" she screamed, getting to her feet. Before she even had the chance to run Aladdin grabbed onto her stomach and pulled her toward him. Jasmine cried and desperately attempted to squeeze out of Aladdin's grasps. Even though Aladdin tried to calm her down with words she heard none of it. To Jasmine Aladdin was her sadness, her mourning, her pain. Constantly holding onto her, squeezing her tight. Never wanting to let go. No matter how hard she would scream or cry it would never go away. The monster that was her depression kept telling her everything would be ok. Every word it spoke the more scared she would become. The more deep and distorted its voice would get. All she wanted to do was run away and never look back.

Unfortunately the monster that held onto her won. She gave up and collapsed to the ground. She had no more energy to cry to pull away.

"Shh it's ok Jasmine," Aladdin whispered as he picked her up.

While Aladdin carried her way back to the clinic Jasmine found shelter behind her hood. She was too embarrassed to even look out, scared that people would be staring at her. Aladdin tried his best to comfort her by brushing his fingers through her hair.

"It's ok Jasmine,"

Jasmine buried her hand in her arms as Aladdin pushed open the door to the clinic.

"So sorry we're late ma'am," Aladdin apologized.

"Oh it's fine. Name?" the man asked.

"Jasmine. Princess Jasmine,"

Jasmine looked up from her hiding spot for a moment and spotted a few people staring at her.

"Ok you're all checked in. Please wait for your name to be called," the man told them.

Aladdin set Jasmine down on her feet and together the two took a seat. The two sat in silence for a moment as the two waited for her name to be called. At some points the two would engage in small talk until their conversation abruptly ended.

"Jasmine," A nurse called.

Aladdin stood up and helped her stand. Almost immediately her head felt light and she felt queasy. The couple walked their way down the hall and made their way into a back room. The two took a seat in front of a desk and waited. Within seconds a woman in her thirties entered the room. She had a clipboard in her hands.

"Good evening princess," she welcomed. The woman pulled out her hand for her to shake. Jasmine stared at the women for the longest time before shaking her head.

"That's ok. My name's Lina and I've been selected to be your dietitian,"

"Good evening," Jasmine mumbled.

"I'm going to have to ask you to step on the scale princess,"

"I'm 73 pounds," Jasmine snapped.

Aladdin sighed in and then shook his head, "Jasmine that's not polite,"

"It's ok. I'm going to need to take some measurements,"

Jasmine's eyes shot open and she shook her head, "NO! I'm fine!"

Both were shocked by her outburst but both had seen it before. Aladdin was about to wrap his arms around her waist again but the doctor stopped him.

"Wait. Don't do that sir. You'll just get her worked up again,"

Jasmine looked at the women and then began to tear up.

"I know it's going to be hard-"

"I don't wanna be measured!" she cried.

"Would it help if Aladdin did it and I wrote them down?" Lina suggested.

Jasmine shook her head and wrapped her arms around herself, "I don't want to be measured at all!"

Jasmine cried and dug her hand in her hands. Every time she felt someone touch her arm she would squeal and cry.

"Please Jasmine. Trust me," he told her.

Jasmine shook her head and let out a small whimper, "I don't wanna be here,"

"Jasmine please-"

"NO!" she screamed. Jasmine got to her feet and attempted to walk out, but Aladdin grabbed onto her wrist and pulled her back. Again she found herself kicking and crying at Aladdin who she saw as a monster.

"Get away from me! Monster!" she cried.

Aladdin, shocked by her calling him a monster, let go. He watched helplessly as Jasmine tried to pry the door open. She screamed and cried like a scared animal when either of them would touch or come near her.

"Go away!"

After around 10 minutes of the two listening to her cry the princess began to show signs of giving in. She was now leaning on the door instead of pulling it and she now only let out small whimpers. Aladdin breathed in deeply before walking over to her and slowly pulling her robe off. Jasmine shivered and let out a small cry as Aladdin finished pulling off her cloak. Now clad in her usual blue two piece outfit she stared at the two people in front of her. One who was a complete stranger and one who had a short temper.

"I- I'm sorry," she stuttered.

Jasmine wrapped her skinny arms around her painful stomach to attempt to hide. Aladdin walked over, kissed on her forehead and then coaxed her to the middle of the room. Lina handed Aladdin a measuring tape but he refused. He pushed the tape back to her and shook his head.

"You should do it," he whispered.

"Alia come in," Lina shouted.

Just then a black haired woman came through the door.

"I'm here," the woman said.

Aladdin looked at Jasmine who coward in fear behind her hair.

"I need you to write the numbers down," Lina told her, "You ready?"

"No," Jasmine said.

Aladdin chuckled from his seat, "I don't think she was asking you,"

Jasmine rolled her eyes and did as she was told. For the next five minutes the two worked on measuring the princess while Aladdin watched from afar.

"Is this really necessary?" Jasmine asked.

"Yes. It's just a good idea to get your measurements down the first time you come in here," Lina explained as she measured her hip.

"But… it's just so uh…" Jasmine searched her head for a moment before she quietly mumbled, "invading my space,"

Everyone in the room stopped for a moment before looking at each other.

"I'm sorry you feel that way. But to get better you have to face your fears," Alia explained.

"But-" Jasmine started.

"Jasmine. Just let them help you. Let us, your family, citizens, everyone. Let us help you," Aladdin interrupted.

Jasmine let out a groan and rolled her eyes, "I shouldn't need help,"

"Why?" Aladdin asked.

"Cause I'm the princess. I should be able to handle anything by myself,"

"Your father still needs help," Aladdin noted.

"He's old. I'm not. I should have no excuse to not eat. I'm young, fit. Or I was… now I'm thin, tired, and sad all the time," Jasmine rambled.

"But I still don't get Jas why you have to work so hard-"

"Because I feel like I haven't done anything by myself. I feel spoiled at times with everything being done for me Aladdin. Aside from all the stuff I did during my uh… I guess spree, I haven't really done anything. I've just been spoiled living my life as a princess. What gives me the right to live in luxury while others can barely afford to eat,"

"So.. correct I'm wrong. But what I'm inferring is that you think that you don't deserve the things you have… because you don't think you've earned it?" Lina asked.

Jasmine's eyes went wide and she tensed up. She had completely forgotten where she was. Jasmine turned around and then gave a tiny nod.

"I'm ready to go home now," Jasmine said abruptly. She undid the tape that was around her stomach and crossed her arms.

"What's wrong?" Aladdin asked.

"Nothing… just ready to go home,"

Against her wishes the appointment continued. The couple were led back to the seats and took a seat. For the next thirty minutes the doctor and Aladdin talked. Alia had taken Jasmine to a back room.

"So what do I do? She won't eat and everytime I get her food she says she doesn't like it," Aladdin told Lina.

"Well Alia's back in a room with Jasmine for some tasting,"

"Of what?"

"Yogurt with different fruits,"

"Does she like yogurt?"

"Hopefully. I wanted to stay here and ask you some more details on her eating patterns. Alia, my partner, is doing her part,"

"So are you guys like a team?"

"I guess you could call it that. But we'll go there soon. I want to see myself-"

Lina stopped talking when a loud cry came from down the hall. Aladdin let out a disappointed sigh.

"I don't think it's going well," Aladdin mumbled.

In a room down the hall Jasmine screamed and cried. Alia watched and took notes of her body language. She watched as Jasmine flinched at the sight of food and her tense up.

"Jasmine please-"

"NO! I don't want to eat it!" she cried.

To Alia and every outsider they probably saw her as being spoiled and childish. But to Jasmine she saw it as some type of tourtune chamber. One where you'd be forced to eat food against your will. The yogurt was like cold dirt and the toppings were a variety of bugs and crushed maggots. She gasped when she felt a hand on her shoulder behind her. Jasmine turned around and practically fell into Aladdin. For once she saw him as a hero, here to save her from the witch.

"Aladdin! Save me please. I don't want to eat. It's gross!"

"It's just yogurt and fruit," he told her. He brushed through her hair in an attempt to calm her down.

"NO! It's gross! I don't like any of it," she cried.

Jasmine wanted to curl up in his arms, but he would not let her. Instead she took her wrist and led her back to the seat. She cried and tried to pull away. She could feel a sickening feeling in her stomach. Aladdin sat her down in the chair, pushed in the chair and sat next to her. Lina took a seat next to Alia. Jasmine felt a shiver down her spine anytime she made eye contact with either of them.

She watched from the corner of her eye one of the women scoop up some yogurt. Jasmine flinched and backed up.

"No- no please-"

"Jasmine! It's fine!" Aladdin shouted.

"Don't shout at her please," Lina scolded the prince, "Now when was the last time you ate princess,"

"She ate this morning but she threw up,"

"Maybe I ask what it was?" Lina asked again.

"Eggs,"

"But I threw them up! I hate eggs, yogurt, everything," Jasmine said, "I want to go home. I hate it here,"

"We have to arrange a diet for you that you'll actually like. That's why you're here Jasmine," Lina explained.

"I don't want yogurt,"

"We're just trying to find something filling for you're breakfasts,"

"I don't want to eat breakfast. I've never been a breakfast person," she explained.

Aladdin gave a nervous look at the two and then nodded a bit.

"Well we're going to have to get you used to eating breakfast. If not just a small snack," Alia told her.

"But I don't like it,"

"What food do you like?" Alia asked, "Maybe we can find something else you like,"

"Well I like rice cakes, at times pears… uh that's all,"

"And again how many times would you say you eat a day?" Alia asked.

Jasmine gulped and searched in her mind for an answer. She could lie and say at least three but Aladdin was next to her. Jasmine let some tears fall, embarrassed to admit someone of her stature was practically starving herself.

"Like… maybe once," she admitted.

Everyone in the room looked at the princess, Lina went from staring at her with a worried look to frantically writing words down on her clipboard.

"And if I do it's only a small meal," she added.

"Do you still drink any fluids?" Lina asked.

"I drink a glass of water a day. It's not much but it's better than nothing… right?"

"I mean it's not the worst we've heard. But we need to get you drinking and eating more,"

Aladdin walked over to Jasmine and placed his hands on her shoulders.

"And how are we going to do that?"

Lina looked over at Alia, "Alia please," she told her.

After Alia had stepped out of the room the three were left alone.

"Can we go home?" Jasmine wispeared.

"Not yet," he responded.

Jasmine moaned and gripped onto her stomach. For the next hour or so the princess felt as if she were an animal. A science experiment being tested on. Everytime they placed food nearby or in her mouth she would squirm and squeal. The fact everyone around her would just watch and write stuff down didn't help either. She knew she was acting like a child everytime she would swap away their hands or the food. But to Jasmine she felt like she had every right to.

Eventually the force feeding stopped. Jasmine rested her head down on Aladdin and cried. She cried so hard she didn't notice that Aladdin had picked her up. When she did she quickly wiped her tears and attempted to put on a happy face. She hid her face from the people staring and let some tears fall. It was noon by the time the couple had exited the dietitian office.

Even though it was only mid day the princess was already exhausted. Both from crying and screaming. Her voice was scratched and croaked anytime she spoke. Her eyes were full of tiredness and unable to stay fully open. While it did hurt Aladdin to have to put her through so much he knew that in the end it was in her best interest. If they didn't start her on anything soon her health would just deteriorate more. It hurt to hear her scream and cry like a helpless child or animal. Aladdin took a quick look down at Jasmine's face. Her cheeks were moist with tears and her hair was tangled and fallen. He sighed and kissed her on the forehead for good luck.


It was around seven by the time Aladdin walked over to wake up Jasmine. The couple had joined a political meeting after a quick lunch. But had to leave in the middle due to Jasmine complaining of stomach pains. He recalled them barely making it out the door before she vomited into a planted pot nearby.

He set the plate of bread and butter in order to knock on the door. He heard some shuffling in the room. After a minute of waiting he knocked on the door, announced his presence, and then opened the door.

"I'm coming in Jasmine,"

When he entered the room the first thing he spotted was a frail outline of a human on the bed. He knew no doubt it was Jasmine. Slowly he crept over to her and set the food down nearby.

"Good evening princess," he whispered in her ear.

His heart broke when she only opened her eyes a tiny bit before closing them and moaning. He noticed her holding her stomach. He sighed and then took her arms away and began to massage it.

"Your medication will be in tomorrow Jasmine. It's going to help with all this,"

"What happened today?" she mumbled.

Aladdin looked at her worried, "You don't remember what happened today?"

"A little,"

Aladdin looked over to the side before speaking, "Well… the day started with me trying to get you to eat some breakfast. And you didn't eat it. Then we went to the doctor's office and discussed your health. Then we went to the dietitian and you uh…"

"Threw a fit?" Jasmine guessed.

"Yeah," He reluctantly replied, "But it wasn't too bad. We figured out you like to eat rice cakes. Maybe we could experiment with that,"

Jasmine sat up from the bed and gave him a confused look, "Experiment? Aladdin I'm not just some test subject you can continue to feed your experiments to. I'm a human being that has feelings and can say when I don't like stuff," she huffed.

Aladdin was speechless for a moment, "Jasmine you're getting this all wrong. This is to try to get you to eat new food and get you out of your comfort zone,"

"I'm not a child. I'll eat new foods when I'm ready,"

"Well, are you ready now? I brought some bread up from dinner," he told her.

Jasmine looked at the bread. Even though she didn't want to admit it, it looked very delicious. Her mouth watered at the scent of fresh grains. Aladdin gave her a confused look before pulling the tray away.

"I mean I can head down and get-"

"No. No I- I want the bread," she interrupted pulling it closer.

The two sat in silence while Jasmine ate the bread. Even though her instinct was to not eat it due to someone staring at her the need for some nutrients took over. Piece after piece she ate. Aladdin watched intently. Though he wanted to speak and try to help Lina had told him to just supervise and try to not take control. She was about halfway done when Aladdin finally had to step in. Jasmine watched speechless as Aladdin took the bread away and placed it back down.

"Sorry Jas. You can only eat that much babe,"

"But I'm hungry,"

"I know you are. But you have to limit how much food you can eat at a time," he explained.

"Why?"

"Jasmine. Your body can't handle a large amount of food at one time. You've starved yourself to much,"

Jasmine sat shocked at the last thing he had said. Her sudden quietness didn't go unnoticed by Aladdin.

"Jasmine what's wrong? You've gone silent,"

The princess let some tears fall, "Like- like I've starved by self beyond repair?" she asked heartbroken.

"No! No! No Jasmine. You've got this all wrong babe-" He was interrupted when Jasmine collapsed into his chest and cried. He cursed himself for making her cry again. He had forgotten how fragile her emotions could be.

"Jasmine, please calm down. You're tired, not thinking straight, and burned out. I know today was hard for you Jasmine. I know! I know today was too much for you," he admitted.

"Then why did you go ahead with it?" she asked.

"Because I didn't want to wait any longer. Jasmine…" Aladdin lifted Jasmine's chin up to him, "I'm really worried for you. I hate seeing you cry and it breaks my heart. We need to get you help Jasmine,"

"Or else I'll die?" she asked quietly.

Even though Aladdin never answered, the guilty side eye was enough. Jasmine attempted to hold it together but once he touched her hand she let out a heartbroken cry.

"Leave me alone!" she cried.

In the matter of seconds the princess made a quick dash to the closet. Aladdin was met with a door slammed in his face and then muffled cries from the other side.

"Jasmine please. Don't get too worked up about this. I didn't mean that it's impossible to get better," he said.

"I- I know. I- I just- I don't know!"

"Shh… calm down,"

"I can't Aladdin. I can't handle any form of criticism these days,"

"I know your emotions are fragile Jasmine but you need to try to control them. You know you can't afford to run away every single time-"

"Yes! I know that. I just get so worked up about everything. I can't handle it until it's too late," she cried.

"Jasmine, please don't isolate yourself from me. Let me help you Jasmine,"

The princess felt an overwhelming pressure in her chest no matter how hard she tried to hold it down. Next thing she felt a hand on her back. She hadn't even noticed she had turned around until she looked up and was met by her wedding dress. Her mind for a minute was flushed with faded memories of the day. She remembered briefly the forty thieves coming and destroying their wedding. Unfortunately she had very little memory of the moments when the couples became one. It broke her heart but she wouldn't dare tell anyone. She couldn't afford possibly losing out on Aladdin because she could barely remember their special moment.

"Jasmine?" he asked.

Jasmine looked up at Aladdin and then wiped some tears away. She coughed a bit before sitting up. After straightening herself out she let out an audible sigh. Without any more words shared Aladdin lifted Jasmine from the ground and carried her back to the bed. After placing her and tucking her in he kissed her gently on the forehead. Then he pulled a loose hair behind her ear and gave her one last kiss.

"Sleep well princess," he whispered in her ear.

"Good night… my.. hand…" before she could finish she had entered a silent slumber.

Aladdin's smile vanished when he took a good look at her frail figure. Her body barely moved up and down every other five seconds. Her cheekbones were protruding uncomfortably and her entire face was moist from tears. After giving her one last kiss he left the room. All he could do now was hope that tomorrow would be better. And she might show some signs of wanting to change.

"Aladdin?" Jasmine asked.

The prince turned his back and noticed a small hand, lighted by the moonlight, motioning for him to come. He reluctantly came over and the two made eye contact for a moment.

"Hey. You ok?"

"No. I'm sorry for today. I feel like such a disappointment,"

The two made eye contact for a few minutes before Jasmine spoke.

"Can you hold me?" she begged.

He didn't even have to think twice before he rested himself in the bed and then held Jasmine. The whole night the two sleeping curled up to each other and talked. He wouldn't trade this moment for the world. Even if it meant losing sleep. For once he remembered what it was like to talk to her. Other than screaming and crying.

"I love you Aladdin," she mumbled. Jasmine pushed her head into his chest and then let out a little chuckle.

"I love spending time with you Jasmine, but it's getting late. You have a dentist appointment in the morning,"

Jasmine's smile vanished.

"I'm sorry Jas. But you need your teeth checked out,"

"It only hurts a bit when I chew,"

"But your teeth are starting to stain,"

Jasmine's eyes opened and then her hand went up to her teeth.

"They're going to be ok Jasmine. Don't worry about it,"

"Do I still have a nice smile?" Jasmine asked.

"Of course babe. I'll love you no matter what,"

Jasmine laid her head back down. She let out a soft sigh before speaking, "What color?"

"Just a little yellow tint. And no offense but your breath's starting to smell," he admitted.

Jasmine didn't know what to think. Never before had she been told that her breath smelled. She didn't know how to react. Had her breath smelled all day? Why did he kiss her even though her breath smelled?

"You ok?"

Jasmine didn't respond.

"Never been told that before huh?" Jasmine nodded. Aladdin gulped, "Well, I'm sorry that I had to tell you. It must be hard to be told that by your own husband,"

"Yeah," Jasmine took a deep breath in, "But I need to get used to criticism,"

"Just get rest for now," he whispered in her ear.

"I don't want this moment to end,"

"Me neither. But you know all good things come to an end," Aladdin said without thinking. It wasn't until he noticed her go quiet and look away he noticed what he had done.

"Jasmine, please talk to me. I didn't mean it like that,"

"I know…" she mumbled, "Let's just get sleep,"

Aladdin watched as the princess turned her back. Now the two had separated once again. Once together but now not on speaking terms. Both were reminding in that moment how quickly a relationship could diminish.

"Well if you want. But just know that I love you. No matter what," Aladdin told her.

Without any more words the two fell asleep. Sleeping away from each other at first. But once finding it too cold Jasmine turned around and snuggled up against Aladdin. The movement didn't wake Aladdin entirely but enough for him to wrap his arms around her. For a moment she was reminded what it was like to be loved. To belong to someone who would love her no matter what. The princess felt her eyes heavy and then she too fell into a deep slumber.