"A Desperate Drive"

Ashley sat in the car, her eyes fixed on the hospital building as they inched closer to her mother's room. Karen, the social worker, sat beside her, holding Ender who was quietly whimpering, sensing the distress of the people around him. Ashley felt like she was going to shatter into a million pieces, her heart cracking under the weight of her grief. She couldn't believe she wasn't with her mother, holding her hand as she slipped away. The thought of not being there for her mother's final moments was eating away at her, filling her with regret and sorrow. Karen placed a gentle hand on Ashley's shoulder. "It's okay, we're getting there," she said softly. "You'll be with your mother soon." But it wasn't okay. Ashley felt like she was failing her mother, failing Ender, and failing herself. She was torn between two people she loved, and she didn't know how to be in two places at once. As they inched closer to the hospital entrance, Ashley's sobs grew louder, more intense. She buried her face in her hands, feeling like she was drowning in her grief. Ender, sensing her distress, began to cry louder, and Karen tried to comfort him, speaking softly into his ear. The car stopped, and Karen gently opened the door. "Come on, Ashley, we're here," she said gently. Ashley slowly got out of the car, her legs trembling beneath her. She felt like she was walking through a nightmare, a never-ending cycle of pain and sorrow. She looked down at Ender, who was clinging to Karen's hand, his eyes wide with fear. "I don't want to go in," Ashley whispered, her voice barely audible. Karen's expression was sympathetic. "I know, but you need to be with your mother. She needs you." Ashley took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. She reached out for Ender's hand, and Karen handed him over to her. As she held him close, Ashley felt a surge of determination. She would get through this, for her mother's sake, and for Ender's. With a newfound sense of resolve, Ashley walked towards the hospital entrance, Ender by her side, and Karen following closely behind. The hospital doors loomed ahead, a stark reminder of the pain and sorrow that awaited her. But Ashley steeled herself, knowing that she had to face it head-on, for the people she loved.