"A Moment of Truth"

As Ashley's eyes locked onto the screen, she gasped in wonder. There, in black and white, was her baby, moving and squirming in its tiny world. The doctor's gentle voice guided her through the images, pointing out different features and movements. Ashley's heart swelled with love and excitement as she watched her little one kick and stretch. The nurse, who had been quietly observing the examination, suddenly spoke up. "And it looks like you're having a baby girl, Ashley!" she said with a smile. Ashley's eyes welled up with tears as she processed the news. She had been hoping for a girl, and now that it was confirmed, she felt a rush of joy. But as she looked around the room, she wished that Aven was there to share in this moment. She wanted to see his reaction, to watch him beam with pride as he gazed at their little family. Ashley's thoughts drifted to Aven, wondering where he was and when she would be able to tell him the news. As she was lost in thought, Alex began to get agitated. He had been quietly observing the ultrasound, but now he was getting restless. "Mommy, can I go now?" he asked, tugging on Ashley's hand. The doctor smiled and nodded. "Just a few more minutes, sweetie. We're almost done." But Alex was not placated. He started to squirm and fidget, his eyes fixed on the screen with a mixture of fascination and unease. Ashley tried to calm him down, but he was getting more and more agitated by the second. "Mommy, I don't like this," he said, his voice rising. The doctor and nurse exchanged a concerned glance, and Ashley felt a surge of anxiety. What was wrong with Alex? Had the cookies worn off? She tried to distract him, but he was beyond consolation. "Let's take a break, okay?" the doctor suggested, carefully ending the ultrasound. As the doctor and nurse began to clean up, Ashley tried to soothe Alex, but he was having none of it. He pulled away from her, his eyes flashing with upset, and Ashley's heart sank. She knew that this was just the beginning of a long and potentially difficult road ahead.