**Chapter 19: Facing Reality**

The fluorescent lights of the social worker's office hummed overhead, casting a sterile glow over the small, cluttered room. Ashley sat on a worn couch, Ender snuggled tightly in her arms, as Karen sat across from her, a stack of files and papers on her lap. A police officer, dressed in a crisp uniform, stood by the window, his eyes fixed on Ashley with a mixture of sympathy and professionalism. "Ashley, I know this is a difficult time for you," Karen began, her voice gentle but firm, "but we need to talk about your mother's funeral arrangements. Have you given any thought to what you'd like to do?" Ashley shook her head, feeling a lump form in her throat. "I don't know. I haven't had a chance to think about it. I just want to hold my son and grieve." Karen nodded understandingly. "Of course. We'll work with you to make the arrangements. But we also need to talk about some other things. As you know, there are some outstanding issues that need to be addressed." The police officer, who had introduced himself as Officer Johnson, stepped forward. "Ashley, I'm afraid the shoplifting charges are still pending. We'll need to discuss a plan for how you'll handle those." Ashley's eyes widened, fear creeping in. "I don't know what to do. I was just trying to get by, and I made a mistake. I promise it won't happen again." Officer Johnson's expression softened. "I believe you, Ashley. But we need to take this seriously. You're 19 years old, and you're facing some serious consequences if you don't take care of this. We can work with you to get community service or counseling, but you need to take responsibility for your actions." Ashley felt a wave of panic wash over her. She was already struggling to cope with the loss of her mother; the thought of facing more challenges was overwhelming. Karen intervened, placing a reassuring hand on Ashley's arm. "We'll work through this together, Ashley. But we also need to talk about Ender's custody. As his mother, you have rights, but we need to make sure he's safe and stable." Ashley's grip on Ender tightened. "I can take care of him. I just need a chance." Karen nodded. "I'm not saying you can't, Ashley. But we need to make sure you're in a position to provide for him. With your mother's passing, things get complicated. We'll need to explore options for Ender's care and make sure you're getting the support you need." As the conversation continued, Ashley felt her world spinning out of control. She was only 19 years old, and it seemed like everything was being taken away from her. Her mother, her freedom, her son's custody – it was all on the line. She looked at Karen and Officer Johnson, feeling a sense of desperation. "What can I do?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Karen's expression was sympathetic. "We'll work with you, Ashley. But you need to be willing to take help and make some changes. Can you do that for yourself and for Ender?" Ashley took a deep breath, feeling a glimmer of determination. She would do whatever it took to keep her son and herself safe. She nodded, a small sense of resolve forming within her. "Yes, I'll do it."