"Fading Light"

The coughing fit finally subsided, leaving Ashley gasping for air. She lay back on the pillow, her chest heaving with exhaustion. After a few minutes of silence, she weakly managed to choke out, "I'm fine." Susan's eyes, red-rimmed from crying, locked onto Ashley's frail form. She looked like she was about to collapse. As Ashley's labored breathing slowed, Susan took her hand and gently rubbed her forehead, trying to comfort her. Ender, still clutching his pizza, sat on the bed beside them, his eyes darting between his mother and sister. He took small bites of his food, his expression a mix of fear and confusion. Ashley's eyes fluttered open, and she stirred, her voice barely above a whisper. "Mom... I need a lawyer." Susan's expression turned puzzled. "Why, sweetie?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. Ashley tried to sit up, but a wave of weakness washed over her, and she fell back onto the pillow. "I need to stop... Enders father... from taking him," she said, her words tumbling out in a rush. Susan's eyes widened in confusion. "What are you talking about, Ashley? He's your guardian, he can't take Ender." Ashley shook her head, a faint smile on her lips. "He can," she whispered. "If... if I'm not here." The room fell silent, and Susan's face crumbled. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of despair. Ashley's eyes locked onto her mother's, and she saw the fear and panic reflected back. "I'm dying, Mom," Ashley said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I know I am." The words hung in the air like a challenge, and Susan felt her world shattering around her. She wrapped her arms around Ashley, holding her close as tears streamed down her face. Ender, sensing the tension, set his pizza aside and climbed onto the bed beside them, clinging to Ashley's arm. As the darkness closed in around them, Susan whispered softly, "No, baby. You're not going anywhere. You're going to be okay." But deep down, she knew it was a lie. Ashley's time was running out, and she was powerless to stop it.