"A Mother's Final Breath"

As Ashley walked into her mother's room, she was met with a scene that was both familiar and foreign. Her mother's frail body lay in the bed, surrounded by machines that beeped and whirred, keeping a vigil that had been ongoing for days. Ashley's eyes locked onto her mother's face, and she felt a surge of love and sadness wash over her. Karen, the social worker, gently took Ender from Ashley's arms, holding him close as she whispered something in his ear. "I'll be right outside, sweetie," she said softly. "Go be with your mom." Ashley nodded, her eyes never leaving her mother's face. She took her mother's hand in hers, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. Her mother's eyes, sunken and weak, looked up at her, and a faint smile played on her lips. "Ashley, come here," her mother whispered, her voice barely audible. Ashley leaned in close, her ear inches from her mother's mouth. "I love you," her mother whispered, her voice filled with emotion. Ashley kissed her mother's head, tears streaming down her face. "I love you, Mom," she said, her voice cracking with grief. As she held her mother's hand, Ashley felt a sense of calm wash over her. She was exactly where she was meant to be. Her mother's grip on her hand tightened, and Ashley felt a jolt of fear. "Nicole said...weekly," her mother whispered, her voice fading away. Ashley didn't understand what her mother was trying to say, but she didn't care. She just wanted to hold her close and keep her safe. But it was too late. Her mother's body relaxed, and her eyes glazed over. Ashley felt her mother's hand go limp in hers. "Mom?" Ashley whispered, her voice shaking with fear. But there was no response. Ashley's mother had taken her last breath. Ashley broke down, clutching her mother's body, holding her close as she sobbed uncontrollably. She didn't want to let her go. The nurses rushed in, trying to pry Ashley off her mother's body. "I'm so sorry, sweetie," one of them said, her voice soft and gentle. "We need to let you go now." Ashley was dragged out of the room, her body wracked with sobs. She couldn't believe her mother was really gone. The pain was too much to bear. As she stood outside the hospital room, Karen handed Ender over to her. "I'm so sorry, Ashley," Karen said, her eyes filled with compassion. "I know this is a tough time for you." Ashley nodded, her eyes dry and empty. She felt like she was walking through a nightmare, and she couldn't wake up. Karen took a deep breath. "We need to talk about what's next, Ashley. You have a lot on your plate. The shoplifting charges, your son's custody, your house...it's all going to be a challenge." Ashley looked at Karen, her eyes flashing with anger. "Can't it wait?" she asked, her voice firm. Karen shook her head. "I'm afraid not, Ashley. You need to fight for your son, your house, and your freedom. You can't let this tragedy define you. You need to rise above it and take control of your life." Ashley took a deep breath, feeling a surge of determination. Karen was right. She couldn't give up. She had to keep fighting, for herself and for Ender. But for now, she just wanted to hold her son close and mourn the loss of her mother.