"A Mother's Heartbreaking Decision"

Ashley's eyes welled up with tears again as she looked at Officer Jenkins, her grip on her arm tightening. "Thank you, but I need to go back home to my mom," she said, her voice shaking with desperation. "I'm her carer, she's dying. She only has months left," Ashley cried, the reality of her situation hitting her like a ton of bricks. Officer Jenkins's expression turned sympathetic, and she stopped walking, her eyes locked on Ashley's. "I'm so sorry, Ashley," she said gently. "I had no idea. But we can try to arrange for someone to help you care for her, and-" Ashley shook her head, her tears streaming down her face. "No, you don't understand. I'm all she has. I have to be there for her," she sobbed, her body trembling with grief. Officer Jenkins nodded understandingly, her eyes filled with compassion. "I do understand, Ashley. But what about Ender? He's only a toddler, he needs care and attention too. And you can't do that on your own, not with your mom's health declining." Ashley looked at Officer Jenkins, her eyes pleading. "What happens if I don't come with you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Officer Jenkins looked at Ashley, then at Ender, who was still clinging to her leg. Her expression turned serious, and she took a deep breath. "If you don't come with us, we'll have to take Ender into protective custody. He's not safe with you, not in your current situation. You can't provide for him, not with your mom's health declining and your own struggles." Ashley's eyes widened in horror, and she felt like she'd been punched in the gut. She looked at Ender, and her heart broke at the thought of being separated from him. She looked back at Officer Jenkins, her eyes filled with tears. "Please, don't take him away from me," she begged, her voice cracking with emotion. "I'll do anything, just don't take my son away." Officer Jenkins's expression softened, and she took a step closer to Ashley. "I don't want to take him away from you, Ashley. But I have to think about his well-being too. We can offer you help, support, and resources. But you have to be willing to accept it." Ashley felt like she was being torn in two different directions. She didn't want to leave her mom, but she also didn't want to lose Ender. She looked at Officer Jenkins, her eyes searching for answers, and took a deep breath, unsure of what to do next.