Calming Storms

As they walked into Rachel's office, Ender suddenly stopped in his tracks, his eyes fixed on the interior of the room. "Mamma, no, no, no," he said, his voice rising in protest. Ashley sighed, anticipating a difficult time. "I go home," Ender cried, tugging on Ashley's hand, trying to pull her back towards the door. Ashley knelt down beside him, trying to reason with him. "It's okay, baby, we just need to talk to Rachel for a little while. Then we'll go home, I promise." But Ender was inconsolable. He began to whine and stomp his feet, refusing to budge. Ashley glanced up at Rachel, who was watching the scene with a sympathetic expression. Rachel stepped forward, a warm smile on her face. "Hey, Ender, I have some toys in my room that you might like," she said, her voice gentle and soothing. Ender's eyes flickered towards Rachel, and Ashley could see the curiosity sparking in him. Rachel led them to a small room adjacent to her office, filled with toys and books. Ender's eyes widened as he scanned the room, and he took a step forward, his grip on Ashley's hand loosening. Rachel smiled and handed him a small stuffed rabbit. "Why don't you play with Mr. Fluffers while we talk?" she suggested. Ender took the rabbit and began to hug it tightly, his eyes still wary. But as he began to play, Ashley could see the tension in his body start to ease. Ashley smiled gratefully at Rachel, who nodded and gestured for them to proceed to her office. As they sat down, Ashley felt a sense of relief wash over her. Maybe this meeting wouldn't be as difficult as she had anticipated. Rachel leaned back in her chair, a notepad and pen in hand. "So, let's get started. I've reviewed the new evidence the prosecutor's office sent over, and I have to say, it's concerning. But we can work with it. Ashley, are you ready to go over it?" Ashley took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead. She nodded, and Rachel began to explain the details of the case, her voice calm and professional. Ender, now engrossed in his play, seemed to have forgotten about his earlier distress, and Ashley was grateful for the small mercy. As Rachel spoke, Ashley listened intently, her mind racing with questions and worries. But with Rachel's guidance, she began to feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, they could get through this after all.