"Letting Go"

Promise me you won't, Ashley said to her mother weakly, her voice barely audible over the beeping of the machines surrounding her hospital bed. Susan's eyes locked onto Ashley's, a mixture of sadness and determination etched on her face. I promise, sweetie, Susan whispered, her voice trembling. I'll do whatever you want. Ashley's gaze was unfocused, but her eyes seemed to bore into her mother's soul. Make me a promise, she insisted, her chest heaving with effort. If...if I go, you have to move on. Susan's face crumpled, and she felt a sob welling up in her chest. She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. I don't want to lose you, baby, she whispered. Ashley's voice was barely audible now, but her words were laced with a sense of urgency. Please, Mom, promise me. You and Ender have to move on with your lives. You can't stay stuck in the past. Susan felt like she was drowning in a sea of despair. She had always been the rock for her children, but now she was powerless to stop the inevitable. She took a deep breath and nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. I promise, Ashley. We'll move on. Ashley's eyes seemed to relax, and a faint smile played on her lips. Thank you, Mom, she whispered, her voice weak but full of gratitude. Ender, who had been quietly sitting on the other side of the bed, reached out and took Ashley's hand. I'm not going anywhere, Ash, he said, his voice cracking with emotion. I'm staying right here with you. Ashley's gaze locked onto Ender's, and she smiled weakly. I love you, Ender, she whispered. I love you too, Ash, Ender replied, his eyes brimming with tears. The machines surrounding Ashley's bed began to beep more rapidly, and Susan's heart sank. She knew that time was running out, and she was powerless to stop it. She leaned in close to Ashley, her voice barely audible. I'm here, baby. I'll always be here. Ashley's eyes drifted shut, and her chest rose and fell with shallow breaths. Susan and Ender held her close, their hearts heavy with grief, waiting for the inevitable, and wondering what the future held for them without their beloved Ashley.