"Calm After the Storm"

Ashley collapsed onto the bed, her body exhausted from the adrenaline that had coursed through her veins just moments before. She lay back against the pillows, feeling the softness of the bed envelop her. Avan, still holding her, slowly released his grip and headed towards the bathroom. "I'll go check on Alex, make sure he's okay," he said, his voice soft with concern. Ashley nodded, her eyes drifting closed as she listened to the sound of the shower turning on. She was vaguely aware of Avan's gentle voice calling out to Alex, and the sound of Alex's giggles echoing through the house. A few minutes later, the bathroom door opened, and Alex walked into the room, his hair damp and his eyes shining with apology. He looked at Ashley, his face scrunched up in concern. "I'm sorry, Mommy," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, as he crawled onto the bed beside her. Ashley opened her eyes, and smiled weakly at her son. "It's okay, baby," she said, her voice hoarse from crying. "I'm just glad you're okay." Alex snuggled into the bed beside her, his small body warm against hers. Ashley wrapped her arms around him, holding him close as she felt a wave of love and relief wash over her. Avan walked out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist, and smiled at the sight of Ashley and Alex cuddled up together. He climbed onto the bed beside them, and wrapped his arms around both of them, holding them close. For a moment, they just lay there, holding each other, and enjoying the peacefulness of the moment. The chaos of the past few minutes seemed to fade away, replaced by a sense of calm and contentment. As they lay there, Ashley felt her eyes drift closed, and she knew that she was going to be okay. She had her family, and that was all that mattered.