**Confronting the Past**

The weight of Avan's gaze was suffocating as he waited for Ashley's response, his eyes searching for answers that seemed to hover just out of reach. Ashley's heart sank, she knew that she had to tread carefully, that one misstep could shatter the fragile peace that they had managed to build. "Attempted murder," she whispered, her voice barely audible as she looked down at Ender, who was still engrossed in the drawing sheet. Avan's eyes narrowed, his expression intense as he waited for her to elaborate. Avan's voice was low and even, but it was laced with a hint of curiosity. "Who did he try to murder?" he asked, his eyes locked on Ashley's face. Ashley's heart skipped a beat as she hesitated, her eyes darting to Ender before returning to Avan. She knew that she had to be careful, that she couldn't let Avan push her into revealing too much. But as she looked down at Ender, she knew that she had to take a chance. She took a deep breath and let her eyes meet Avan's, hoping that he would understand. As they locked gazes, Ashley's eyes seemed to plead with Avan to stop, to not push further. She knew that the truth was complicated, that it was messy and painful. But she also knew that she couldn't keep it hidden forever. The silence between them was oppressive, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. Avan's eyes seemed to bore into Ashley's soul, searching for the truth. And Ashley, her heart pounding in her chest, could only hope that he would understand. Ender, oblivious to the tension that filled the room, looked up at Ashley with a smile, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Mommy, look, I drew a picture of a castle," he said, his voice innocent and pure. Ashley's heart swelled with emotion as she looked at her son, her eyes meeting Avan's in a silent plea for understanding. She knew that she had to protect Ender, that she had to shield him from the pain that was sure to come. And as she looked at Avan, she could only hope that he would be able to help her do just that.