A New Beginning

As they drove back to their house, Karen turned to Ashley with a concerned expression. "Ashley, I made you a doctor's appointment for today. I think it's essential to check on your overall health and make sure you're okay, especially after everything you've been through." Ashley's eyes widened, and she looked at Karen nervously. "Why? What's wrong?" Karen reached out and held Ashley's hand, trying to reassure her. "It's not because anything's wrong, sweetie. It's just that we want to make sure you're healthy and okay before you start school. You've been through a lot, and we want to get you the help you need." Ashley's grip on Karen's hand tightened, and she looked at her with a mix of fear and uncertainty. Karen smiled and squeezed her hand gently. "It's going to be okay, Ashley. I promise. The doctor just needs to check you out and make sure you're doing okay. That's all." Karen then dropped Ethan and Mia off at school, and Ashley felt a pang of relief that she wouldn't have to face her siblings in this anxious state. As soon as they were gone, Karen turned to Ashley and said, "Let's get going, okay? The doctor's office is just a few minutes away." Ashley nodded, and they drove to the doctor's office in silence. Ashley's mind was racing with thoughts of what the doctor might find, and she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. When they arrived at the doctor's office, Ashley was called in for her appointment. She walked in with Karen, her heart racing with anxiety. The doctor, a kind-looking woman with a warm smile, greeted them and asked Ashley to sit down on the examination table. The doctor began by weighing Ashley, and her expression turned serious as she saw the reading. "Ashley, it looks like you're significantly underweight. You're about 12 kilograms below the healthy weight range for someone of your age." Ashley's eyes dropped to the floor, and she felt a wave of shame wash over her. The doctor then began to ask her a series of questions, and Ashley hesitantly answered them. The doctor listened attentively, her expression growing more concerned with each passing moment. After a few minutes, the doctor finished her examination and sat down with Ashley and Karen. "Ashley, it's clear that you've been struggling with some health issues. Your weight is a concern, and I've also noticed a lot of deficiencies and bruising on your body. There are also some scars that suggest self-harm." Karen's grip on Ashley's hand tightened, and she looked at her with a mix of sadness and concern. Ashley felt a lump form in her throat, and she looked down at her hands, tears welling up in her eyes.