"A Glimpse of Reality"

As the doctor stood up to leave, Susan walked him to the door, her expression somber. "Call me aside before you leave," she whispered, her eyes pleading with him to be honest. "How long does she have?" Susan asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Be real with me, Doctor," she added, her hands clenched into fists. The doctor hesitated, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for an escape. But Susan's gaze held him, her expression unyielding. He took a deep breath, his shoulders sagging slightly. "It's difficult to predict with certainty, but based on the progression of her disease...I'd say she has maybe a few weeks, at most a few months," he said, his voice low and measured. Susan's face crumpled, but she didn't let tears fall. She nodded, her jaw set, as if steeling herself for the road ahead. "What can we expect?" she asked, her voice firm. "What kind of care will Ashley need?" The doctor launched into a detailed explanation of Ashley's care requirements, discussing pain management, symptom control, and the importance of keeping her comfortable. Susan listened intently, her expression a mask of determination. As they spoke, Ashley sat on the couch, Ender still clutched in her arms. She was trying to focus on the conversation, but her mind kept drifting back to her son. She wanted to cherish every moment with him, to make the most of the time they had left. She glanced over at Susan, who was still talking to the doctor, and felt a surge of gratitude towards her friend. The doctor finished his explanation and turned to leave, but not before placing a reassuring hand on Susan's shoulder. "I'll make sure the hospice team is in touch with you today," he said. "They'll help you navigate everything." As the door closed behind him, Susan turned to Ashley, her eyes red-rimmed but resolute. "We'll get through this, Ash," she said, her voice firm. "We'll make sure you're comfortable, and Ender is taken care of. We'll face this together." Ashley smiled weakly, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. She knew she wasn't alone, not with Susan by her side. She looked down at Ender, who was gazing up at her with big, adoring eyes. She hugged him close, trying to memorize the feel of his small body, the smell of his hair, and the sound of his laughter.