"A Life Unborn"

The next morning, Ashley and Avan sat in the hospital room, waiting for the doctor to arrive and update them on their baby's condition. The air was thick with tension as they sat hand in hand, their faces etched with worry. The doctor walked in, her expression somber, and Ashley's heart sank. She knew that look. "I'm so sorry, Ashley and Avan," the doctor said, her voice soft. "The tests confirmed that the baby's heart has stopped beating." Ashley's eyes welled up with tears as Avan squeezed her hand. She felt a wave of grief wash over her, but she knew that they had to move forward. The doctor explained that they would need to induce labor and deliver the baby as soon as possible. The hospital staff came in to prepare Ashley for the induction, and Avan went with Ender to get some breakfast before the long day ahead. Ashley lay on the bed, feeling a mix of emotions: sadness, grief, and a sense of detachment. She knew that she would have to tell Ender about the baby's passing, and the thought of breaking the news to her little boy was almost too much to bear. As Avan returned with Ender, Ashley took a deep breath and prepared herself for the conversation. Ender, oblivious to the gravity of the situation, chattered excitedly about his favorite cartoon, and Ashley's heart ached. She knew that she would have to shatter his innocence soon. Avan sat down beside her, and she took his hand, drawing strength from his presence. The nurse came in to start the induction, and Ashley felt her body begin to contract. She closed her eyes, focusing on the pain, and Avan held her close. As the labor progressed, Ashley's sadness deepened. She knew that their baby would soon be born, but it would not be alive. The thought was almost too much to bear. She looked at Avan, and he met her gaze, his eyes filled with compassion and love. "I'm here for you," he whispered. Ashley nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. She knew that she would have to be strong for Ender, but for now, she just wanted to hold onto Avan and let the grief wash over her. The contractions grew stronger, and the nurse announced that it was almost time to push. Ashley took a deep breath, preparing herself for the moment when she would meet her stillborn child. Avan held her hand, and Ender, sensing that something was wrong, clung to his father's leg, his big brown eyes filled with concern. "It's okay, buddy," Avan said, trying to reassure him. "Mommy's just having a baby, and it didn't make it." Ender looked up at him, confusion etched on his face. "What do you mean?" he asked. Avan took a deep breath, preparing himself for the conversation that would change their lives forever.