A Moment of Peace

As Ashley walked through the front door of her apartment, she was greeted by the familiar sight of Ender's toys scattered across the living room floor. Franklin, sensing they were home, let out a contented sigh and plopped down on his favorite cushion. Ashley smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She had made it through the walk with Franklin, and now it was time to focus on her son. Ender was sitting at the kitchen table, his eyes fixed on the colorful pictures in his book. He looked up as Ashley approached, his face lighting up with a smile. "Mama!" he exclaimed, his voice squeaking with excitement. Ashley smiled, dropping her keys and purse onto the counter. "Hey, baby," she said, scooping Ender into a hug. "How was your therapy session today?" Ender chattered excitedly, using a few of his favorite words to describe the activities he had done. Ashley listened attentively, nodding along as she tried to decipher his language. She had learned to read his cues over the years, and she knew that he was trying to tell her something. As she hugged him tight, Ashley realized that she had promised Ender a special dinner. She had planned to make his favorite mac and cheese, and she quickly got to work in the kitchen. Ender followed her, his eyes fixed on the pots and pans as she worked. As the pasta cooked, Ashley set the table, putting out a glass of milk and a spoon for Ender. When the mac and cheese was finally ready, she scooped it into a bowl and handed it to Ender. "Here you go, baby," she said, smiling. "Mama made your favorite." Ender's eyes lit up as he took a bite of the creamy pasta. "Mama mmm!" he exclaimed, his face scrunched up in concentration. Ashley laughed, watching as he savored the taste. As he ate, Ender began to stim, his hands wiggling in the air as he made happy sounds. Ashley smiled, feeling a sense of joy wash over her. This was what it meant to be a mother, she thought – to see her child happy and content. When Ender finished his dinner, Ashley ruffled his hair, earning a giggle from her son. "You're such a big boy," she said, hugging him tight. Ender wrapped his arms around her neck, holding her close. As they sat at the table, Ashley felt a sense of peace wash over her. For a few brief moments, she forgot about the looming court case and the stress that came with it. All that mattered was this – her son, happy and content in her arms.