A New Beginning

The morning sun cast a warm glow over Ashley's small town as she got ready to tackle the day. She felt a sense of determination and hope that she hadn't felt in months. After her conversation with Karen from CPS, Ashley had decided to take control of her life and do what was best for her children. She carefully dressed herself and the kids, making sure they were all fed and ready for the day. As she dropped Ella off at daycare, the little girl gave her a tight hug and a smile. "Mommy, I'll be okay," she said, her eyes sparkling with reassurance. Ashley smiled back, feeling a pang of sadness at leaving her child behind. But she knew it was necessary. Next, she dropped off Jackson at school, making sure he had everything he needed for the day. He gave her a quick peck on the cheek and a wave before rushing off to join his friends. With the kids taken care of, Ashley headed to her appointment with Karen. Her back ached slightly, a reminder that she was almost due with her baby. Despite being barely showing, she felt like she was waddling along, her body preparing for the new addition. As she drove to the CPS office, Ashley felt a sense of positivity wash over her. She was taking control of her life, and she was determined to create a better future for herself and her children. She thought about all the times Gerald had belittled her, making her feel like she was worthless. But she was done with that. She was strong, and she was capable of creating a new life. Ashley pulled into the parking lot of the CPS office, feeling a mix of emotions. She was nervous about what the future held, but she was also excited to start this new chapter. She took a deep breath, grabbed her purse, and stepped out of the car. The office building loomed before her, a nondescript structure with a sign that read "Child Protective Services". Ashley steeled herself and walked towards the entrance, ready to face whatever lay ahead. She was taking the first step towards a new beginning, and she was determined to see it through. As she walked into the office, Ashley was greeted by a friendly receptionist who offered her a warm smile. "Hi, can I help you?" she asked. Ashley took a deep breath and replied, "I'm here to see Karen. We have an appointment." The receptionist nodded and picked up the phone. "Karen will be right with you," she said, gesturing to a comfortable-looking chair in the waiting area. Ashley sat down, feeling a sense of calm wash over her. She was doing this. She was taking control of her life, and she was going to create a better future for herself and her children.