"Two Years of Turmoil"

As Ashley sat on the couch, watching Ender play with his blocks on the floor, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and joy. Her little boy was growing up to be a happy, healthy, and cheeky toddler, with a mop of curly hair and a contagious giggle. He was always on the go, exploring every nook and cranny of their small apartment, and Ashley loved every minute of it. But as she gazed at Ender, her thoughts were also consumed by the darkness that had been growing in her life. It had been two years since she'd left the hospital with her baby, and Alev had slowly but surely reinserted himself into their lives. At first, it had seemed like a good thing - Ender loved his "daddy," and Ashley had been grateful for the help with childcare and financial support. But as time went on, Ashley began to realize that Alev's involvement came with a steep price. He would show up at their apartment unannounced, demanding to see Ender and becoming angry if Ashley didn't immediately hand him over. He would criticize her parenting, telling her that she was doing everything wrong and that he knew better. And then, there were the days when Alev's anger turned violent. Ashley tried to push the memories away, to bury them deep down where she couldn't feel them. But they lingered, haunting her. The daily beatings, the screams, the tears - it was all becoming too familiar. Ashley had tried to leave, to escape from the toxic cycle of abuse that had become her life with Alev. But he always managed to talk her back, promising to change, to be better. And so, she stayed, trapped in a prison of her own making. As she watched Ender play, Ashley felt a wave of fear wash over her. What would happen to her baby if she couldn't protect him from Alev's wrath? What would happen to her own life if she didn't find a way to escape? The door to their apartment burst open, and Alev strode in, his eyes blazing with anger. "Where's my son?" he bellowed, his voice making Ender cry out in fear. Ashley felt a familiar sense of dread creeping over her. She knew what was coming. She slowly got up from the couch, trying to prepare herself for the storm that was about to erupt. "Ender's in the living room, Alev," she said quietly, trying to keep her voice steady. Alev strode over to the living room, scooping up Ender in his arms. Ender began to cry, reaching out for his mom, but Alev just ignored him, turning to Ashley with a sneer on his face. "You're not fit to be a mother," he spat, his eyes cold and hard. "You're a failure, Ashley. A complete and utter failure." Ashley felt a sting of tears in her eyes as Alev's words cut deep. She knew she had to protect Ender, but she didn't know how. All she could do was watch as Alev's anger consumed her, and her world began to crumble around her.