**The Uncertainty of Tomorrow**

Ashley felt a wave of nausea wash over her, and she tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through her body, forcing her back onto the pillow. In her attempt to move, she knocked over the glass of water on her nightstand, and it shattered on the floor. "Uh oh!" Ender yelled from beside her, startled by the sudden commotion. Ashley's mother, Susan, came rushing into the room, concern etched on her face as she saw Ashley's pained expression. "Sorry, sweetie," Susan said, quickly grabbing some paper towels to clean up the spill. "It's fine, baby, I'm here." Just as Susan was finishing up the cleanup, there was a knock at the door. "That must be Dr. Thompson," Ashley said, her voice weak. Susan nodded and went to answer it. The doctor entered the room, his expression serious. "Ashley, I think it would be best if we spoke in private," he said, his eyes scanning the room. "Could you, please, have your mother stay with us, but ask Ender to go outside for a bit?" Susan quickly ushered Ender out of the room, promising him that it would just be a few minutes. As soon as the door closed behind them, Dr. Thompson took a seat in the chair beside Ashley's bed, his face somber. "Ashley, I've received the biopsy results," he began, his voice low and measured. "I'm afraid the news isn't what we had hoped for." Ashley's heart sank, and she felt a cold dread creeping up her spine. She glanced over at her mother, who was holding her hand tightly. "What does it mean?" Ashley asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Dr. Thompson took a deep breath before speaking. "The cancer has spread to your lymph nodes. We need to discuss treatment options and-" Ashley's mind went blank as the doctor's words hung in the air. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of uncertainty, and she didn't know if she was strong enough to keep her head above water.