Three Weeks of Healing

Three weeks had passed since that fateful night on the beach pier. Ashley had been in the hospital for most of that time, receiving treatment for her physical wounds and counseling for the trauma she had endured. She had made significant progress, and the doctors were optimistic about her recovery. As she lay in her hospital bed, Ashley's thoughts often drifted back to the young man who had saved her. She had asked the nurses about him, but they had only told her that he had given a statement to the police and had left town shortly after. Ashley's heart ached with gratitude, knowing that she owed her life to this kind stranger. On a day that would change everything, two police officers walked into Ashley's hospital room. They introduced themselves as Detectives James and Rodriguez, and Ashley couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. "Ms. Ashley, we've been investigating a case that's connected to your... situation," Detective James began. "We've been searching for you for a long time. Your mother has been looking for you everywhere." Ashley's eyes widened as she processed the information. Her mother? She hadn't seen or heard from her in two years, not since Kody had taken her. A mix of emotions swirled inside her, and she wasn't sure how to feel. The detectives exchanged a glance before Detective Rodriguez spoke up. "We've finally tracked her down, and we'd like to arrange a meeting between you two. Are you up for it?" Ashley's heart skipped a beat. She had so many questions, so many emotions bottled up inside her. She nodded slowly, and the detectives smiled sympathetically. As they made arrangements for the meeting, Ashley couldn't help but wonder what her mother had been through during those two long years. Had she been searching for Ashley every day, every hour, every minute? The thought filled Ashley's heart with a mix of sadness and hope. The detectives left, and Ashley was left alone with her thoughts. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she prepared herself for the reunion. She had so many questions for her mother, but most of all, she wanted to know if she was loved, if she was valued, and if she was forgiven. A few hours later, Ashley was wheeled into a hospital conference room. Her mother sat on the other side of the table, her eyes red-rimmed from crying. Ashley's heart swelled with emotion as she took in her mother's worn appearance. "Ashley," her mother whispered, her voice trembling. Ashley smiled weakly, and her mother rushed towards her, embracing her tightly. Ashley felt a wave of tears wash over her as she buried her face in her mother's shoulder. "I've missed you so much," her mother whispered, her voice muffled by Ashley's hair. Ashley pulled back, her eyes locking onto her mother's. "I'm sorry, Mom," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Her mother's eyes filled with tears as she took Ashley's face in her hands. "You have nothing to be sorry for, sweetie. I'm just glad you're safe."