"Losing It All"

Ashley trudged into Mrs. Patel's office, Theo clinging to her leg, his eyes still red from crying. She had been dreading this moment all day, wondering how she was going to face her boss after the chaos that had ensued. Mrs. Patel looked up from her computer, a sympathetic expression on her face, but Ashley could see the hint of frustration behind it. "Hey, Ashley, can I talk to you for a minute?" Mrs. Patel asked, her voice gentle but firm. Ashley nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. She sat down in the chair in front of Mrs. Patel's desk, trying to hold Theo close as he squirmed in her arms. "Look, Ashley, I know you've been trying to make this work, but...it's just not working out," Mrs. Patel said, her voice trailing off. "The other employees are starting to get frustrated, and to be honest, I'm getting frustrated too. I know you're a great employee, but...I think it's time for us to part ways." Ashley's heart sank. She felt like she had been punched in the gut. "What? No, please...I can make it work, I promise," she begged, trying to keep her voice steady. But Mrs. Patel just shook her head. "I'm sorry, Ashley. It's not just about you, it's about the team. We can't have a child crying all day, disrupting everyone's work. I'm sorry." Ashley felt like she was going to collapse. She was only 16, and now she had lost her job. How was she going to take care of Theo? She looked down at him, and he looked up at her, his big brown eyes sparkling with tears. "I'm sorry, Ashley," Mrs. Patel repeated, her voice softer now. "You're a great kid, and I know you'll find something else. But...I have to let you go." Ashley nodded, feeling numb. She stood up, Theo still clinging to her leg, and walked out of the office. She didn't know what to do, or where to go. All she knew was that she had just lost her job, and she was scared. As she walked out of the building, Ashley felt the tears welling up in her eyes. She tried to hold them back, but it was no use. She broke down, sobbing uncontrollably as she walked down the street. Theo, sensing her distress, began to cry too, and Ashley felt like she was losing it all. She collapsed onto a bench, holding Theo close as she sobbed. How was she going to take care of him now? She was only 16, and she had no job, no money, and no idea what to do. She felt like she was all alone in the world, and it was a terrifying feeling.