**Chapter 10: A Desperate Plea**

Ashley slowly rummaged through her bag, her hands shaking as she pulled out the items she had stolen. She held them out to Officer Jenkins, her eyes brimming with tears. "I'm so, so sorry," she said, her voice cracking with emotion. Officer Jenkins took the items from Ashley, her expression a mix of understanding and firmness. Ender, who had been quietly observing the scene, suddenly clung to Ashley's leg, his small body trembling with fear. "I didn't want to steal," Ashley continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "But my son... we had no food, and I have no job. I'm only 19," she said, looking up at the officers with pleading eyes. "I don't know what else to do." Officer Jenkins's gaze softened slightly as she looked at Ashley, but she remained professional. "Ma'am, I'm going to need to ask you some questions," she said gently. "Can you tell me more about your situation? How long have you been without a job, and what's your mother's condition like?" Ashley took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "My mom has cancer," she said, her voice shaking. "She's been in the hospital for weeks, and I'm taking care of Ender on my own. I lost my job a few months ago, and I haven't been able to find another one. We've been living off my savings, but they're running out." Officer Jenkins nodded sympathetically, her eyes filled with compassion. "I'm sorry to hear that," she said. "But stealing isn't the solution. We can help you, though. There are resources available for people in your situation." Ashley's eyes welled up with tears again as she looked at Officer Jenkins. "Am I being arrested?" she asked, her voice trembling with fear. Officer Jenkins hesitated for a moment before responding. "Not yet," she said. "But we do need to take you in for further questioning. However, I think we can work something out. Let me just check with my colleague." Officer Jenkins stepped out of the room, leaving Ashley and Ender alone for a few minutes. Ashley tried to comfort Ender, who was still clinging to her leg. She whispered softly in his ear, trying to reassure him that everything would be okay. When Officer Jenkins returned, she had a slightly more hopeful look on her face. "Okay, I think we can work something out," she said. "But first, I need to ask you to come with me."