**Fading Away**

The days that followed were a blur of pain and medication, as Ashley struggled to come to terms with the loss of her baby. The hospital room was a sterile and impersonal space, with its beeping machines and antiseptic smell, but it was where Ashley found herself, lost and alone. The only sound was the steady hum of the hospital's air conditioning, a constant reminder that life went on, even in the midst of tragedy. As the doctor's words echoed in her mind, Ashley couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness that had settled inside her. She had lost a part of herself, and she didn't know if she would ever be able to find it again. The music that had once defined her, that had once brought her so much joy, now seemed like a distant memory, a reminder of a time when she was carefree and whole. Dave was by her side, holding her hand and whispering words of comfort, but even his presence couldn't chase away the darkness that had settled over her. Ashley felt like she was fading away, disappearing into a sea of grief and despair. The lines on her face seemed to deepen, her eyes sunken, and her skin pale. She felt like a shadow of her former self, a mere ghost of the vibrant and energetic performer she once was. The days turned into weeks, and Ashley slowly began to heal, her body recovering from the physical trauma, but her heart still heavy with grief. She went through the motions, taking her medication, eating her meals, and attending her therapy sessions, but it all felt so hollow, so meaningless. The therapist's words of encouragement and support were like a lifeline, but even they couldn't reach her, couldn't touch the deep sadness that had taken up residence inside her. One day, as she was lying in bed, Ashley received a visit from her manager, Alex. He was a tall, imposing figure, with a booming voice and a charismatic smile, but today, he looked subdued, his eyes filled with concern. "Ashley, I've been thinking," he said, his voice soft and gentle. "Maybe it's time for you to take a break from music. You need to focus on your health, on getting better." Ashley felt a pang of anger, a spark of defiance igniting within her. "No," she said, her voice firm, but barely above a whisper. "I need music. It's the only thing that makes me feel alive." The words were like a declaration, a statement of intent, and for a moment, Ashley felt a glimmer of hope. Alex looked at her, his eyes searching. "Are you sure, Ashley? You're not in a good place right now. Maybe it's time to step back, to re-evaluate your priorities." His voice was like a gentle breeze, soothing and calming, but Ashley knew she couldn't give up. Music was her lifeline, her reason for being. Ashley shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "I need to write," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I need to create." The words were like a prayer, a plea to the universe to let her find her way back to the music. As Alex left, Ashley felt a sense of determination rising up inside her. She would find a way to heal, to move forward, and to rediscover the music that had once been her everything. She would write her way out of this darkness, and she would emerge stronger, brighter, and more radiant than ever. The thought was like a beacon, shining bright in the darkness, guiding her towards a brighter future. With a newfound sense of purpose, Ashley slowly got out of bed, her legs wobbly beneath her. She walked over to her guitar, which had been sitting quietly in the corner of her room, and she picked it up, feeling its familiar weight in her hands. She strummed a few tentative chords, and then began to sing, her voice soft and gentle, but full of emotion. The music flowed out of her like a river, washing away her grief, her pain, and her fear. Ashley closed her eyes, letting the music take her away, letting it heal her, and mend her broken heart. For the first time in weeks, she felt alive, and she knew that she would be okay.