**Chapter 9: Descent into Darkness**

Tears streamed from Ashley's face and panic rose as she followed the guard to the back of the shop, Ender clinging tightly to her side. She was shaking like a leaf, her mind racing with thoughts of what was going to happen to her and her son. The guard led her to a small room with a table and two chairs, where a female officer was waiting. The officer, whose name tag read "Officer Jenkins," had a stern expression on her face. She motioned for Ashley to sit down, and the guard released his grip on her arm. Ashley collapsed into the chair, her body trembling with fear. Officer Jenkins stood over her, her eyes scrutinizing Ashley's every move. "Ma'am, I'm going to need to pat you down for any other stolen items," she said, her voice firm but not unkind. Ashley's eyes welled up with tears as Officer Jenkins patted her down, searching for any other contraband. She felt a wave of humiliation wash over her as the officer's hands searched her body. "I'm sorry," Ashley stuttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "My mom... my son... I have no money... The medication..." She trailed off, her words making no sense. Officer Jenkins's expression softened slightly, but she remained professional. "Okay, let's take a deep breath and try to get some sense out of this, okay?" she said, pulling out a small notebook and pen. "Can you tell me what happened? Why did you steal?" Ashley took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. She looked down at Ender, who was watching her with wide, scared eyes. She knew she had to be strong for him. "My mom is dying," Ashley said, her voice cracking. "She's got cancer, and I'm taking care of her and Ender on my own. I just didn't have any money, and I was so scared... I didn't know what else to do." Officer Jenkins's expression was unreadable, but Ashley saw a flicker of compassion in her eyes. "I'm sorry to hear that," she said gently. "But stealing isn't the solution. We can help you, though. There are resources available for people in your situation." Ashley shook her head, feeling a sense of despair wash over her. She knew she had hit rock bottom, and she didn't know how to climb back up.