"A New Reality"

The doctor's words echoed in Ashley's mind as she pushed through the contractions, her body trembling with exhaustion. Avan's hand was clenched in hers, his face set in a determined expression. Ender, sensing that something was wrong, clung to Avan's leg, his eyes wide with fear. Finally, the doctor announced that it was time to push. Ashley gritted her teeth and pushed with all her might. The pain was overwhelming, but she knew she had to get through this. After what felt like an eternity, the doctor announced that the baby had arrived. Avan's eyes locked onto the doctor's face, his expression hopeful. But the doctor's somber expression told a different story. "The baby isn't alive, Avan," she said gently. Ashley's world came crashing down. She felt a wave of grief wash over her, and she broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. "Let me hold her, please, please," she begged, her voice shaking. The doctor nodded sympathetically and gently placed the stillborn baby girl in Ashley's arms. Avan wrapped his arms around both of them, holding them close as Ashley cradled her daughter in her arms. The baby girl was small and fragile, her skin cold to the touch. Ashley felt a pang of sorrow as she gazed at her daughter's peaceful face. She had never felt such a deep sense of loss before. Ender, sensing that something was terribly wrong, looked up at his father with tears in his eyes. "Is Mommy okay, Daddy?" he asked, his voice trembling. Avan knelt down beside him, pulling him into a tight hug. "Mommy's going to be okay, buddy," he said, trying to reassure him. "But we need to give her some space right now." Ashley looked up at Avan, her eyes filled with tears. "What's her name?" she whispered. Avan smiled, his eyes welling up with tears. "We can name her anything you want," he said. "But I think Avery is a beautiful name." Ashley nodded, her eyes locked onto her daughter's face. "Avery," she whispered, her voice barely audible. As they held their stillborn daughter close, Ashley and Avan knew that their lives would never be the same. They had been expecting a new addition to their family, but instead, they were faced with a new reality, one that was filled with grief and sorrow.