Chapter 5: Weight of Responsibilities

"I'm sorry buddy," she said, tears in her own eyes. "Next time we will get the car." Ender sniffled and looked up at her with big, pleading eyes, but eventually nodded and took her hand again. They walked home in silence, Ashley trying to think of ways to make up for disappointing her son. As they approached their apartment, Ender's energy seemed to return, and he skipped ahead of her, chattering excitedly about the car. When they got inside, Ender ran to the living room and plopped down on the worn beige sofa, kicking off his shoes. Ashley smiled weakly and headed to her mom's room to check on her. She found her mother asleep in the hospital bed that had been set up in the room. Ashley gently nudged her mom's arm and whispered, "I'm home." Her mother's eyes fluttered open, and she smiled faintly at Ashley. Ashley quickly got to work preparing her mother's medication and tube feed. She carefully administered the medication and adjusted the feed, making sure her mother was comfortable. After finishing with her mother's care, Ashley helped her out of bed and into the bathroom for a quick washcloth bath. Her mother was frail and weak, but Ashley was determined to keep her clean and comfortable. Once her mother was back in bed, Ashley made herself a mental note to ask the doctor about getting her mother physical therapy to help her regain some strength. Ashley then headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner for Ender. She heated up the chicken nuggets and made him a simple meal of nuggets and applesauce. Ender chattered excitedly as he ate, telling Ashley about his day at daycare. Ashley listened attentively, trying to make him feel loved and heard. After dinner, Ashley suggested they go outside and play. Ender squealed with delight, and they spent the next hour playing tag and running around the backyard. As the evening drew to a close, Ashley knew it was time for Ender's bedtime routine. As she bathed and dressed him in his pajamas, Ender seemed to perk up, chattering excitedly about his day. Ashley smiled and hugged him tightly, feeling a surge of love for her little boy. She read him a bedtime story, and he snuggled into her arms, his eyelids drooping. But despite her best efforts, Ender didn't fall asleep until 4am. Ashley was exhausted, her body aching from a long day of work and caring for her mother and Ender. She lay down beside him on the couch, feeling like she was running on empty. As she drifted off to sleep, Ashley couldn't shake the feeling of being overwhelmed by her responsibilities. At 19, she was caring for her mother, her son, and herself, all on her own. It was a heavy burden to bear, and Ashley wondered how much longer she could keep it up.