A Chemotherapy Session's Unforeseen Consequences

The chemotherapy session was over before Ashley knew it, but the effects of the treatment lingered, leaving her feeling drained and queasy. She tried to put on a brave face for the doctors, downplaying her symptoms and convincing them that she was fine to go home. The medical team seemed to buy her story, and soon she was being discharged. Ashley forced herself to stand up, her legs wobbly beneath her. She grabbed her things and made her way out of the hospital, the bright sunlight and fresh air hitting her like a ton of bricks. She knew she had to get to Ender's daycare to pick him up, and she slowly made her way there, dragging herself along. As she arrived at the daycare, Ashley managed to muster up a weak smile for Ender, who excitedly ran to her, chattering about his day. Ashley's heart swelled with love for her little boy, and she scooped him up in a tight hug. She grabbed his backpack and they headed out to get some takeout dinner, Ashley's stomach growling with hunger. The evening passed in a blur, Ashley putting Ender to bed and then collapsing onto the couch, feeling miserable. The night was a long and torturous one, Ashley spending hours throwing up and shaking uncontrollably. She was a mess, and she knew it. The next morning, Ashley was still feeling rough, but she managed to drag herself out of bed. She was just starting to doze off on the couch when she heard a knock at the door. It was her manager, Tony, come to discuss her upcoming projects. Ashley's heart sank as she saw him standing there, his expression shocked as he took in her disheveled appearance. "Ashley, oh my god, are you okay?" Tony asked, his voice filled with concern. Ashley tried to play it cool, but she knew she looked like a hot mess. Her eyes were sunken, her skin pale, and her hair was a tangled mess. She forced a weak smile onto her face, but Tony wasn't buying it. "Sit down, Tony," Ashley said, gesturing to the couch. "I'm fine, just a little...under the weather." Tony looked skeptical, but he sat down beside her, his eyes never leaving her face. "Listen, Ashley, I think we need to talk about your workload," Tony said, his voice gentle. "Maybe we can adjust things a bit, get you some extra help?" Ashley felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at Tony, his expression filled with kindness and concern. She knew she couldn't keep up the charade, not with her health the way it was.