Chapter 29: Letting Go

Ashley looked down at Emma, her eyes taking in every detail of her daughter's small face, her tiny hands, her fragile body. She felt a pang of grief in her chest, but as she gazed at Emma, she knew that she had to let her go. She slowly looked up at Alev, her eyes locking with his, and then at the nurse standing beside them. The nurse, with a gentle smile, held out her arms, and Ashley knew that it was time. She gently lifted Emma from her arms and handed her over to the nurse. As she did, she felt a lump form in her throat, and her eyes welled up with tears. "Wait," Ashley said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Emma needs her bear." She looked around the room frantically, her eyes scanning the space until they landed on a small, stuffed bear sitting on a nearby shelf. It was a faded teddy bear with a wonky ear and a threadbare patch on its side, a bear that Emma had loved dearly. Alev got up from his chair and walked over to the shelf, picking up the bear and handing it to Ashley. She took it from him, her fingers wrapping tightly around it, and then gently placed it in the nurse's arms, alongside Emma. The nurse smiled and nodded, taking the bear from Ashley. "We'll make sure she has it with her always," she said softly. Ashley nodded, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. She knew that Emma was in good hands, and that she would always be with her, in spirit, if not in body. She looked up at Alev, her eyes searching for comfort, and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Ashley felt a sense of grief wash over her, but it was a grief that was tempered by the knowledge that she had done everything she could for her daughter. She had loved Emma with all her heart, and she had given her the best life possible. The nurse, with a gentle smile, took Ashley's hand and led her out of the room, leaving Emma in the care of the medical team. Ashley knew that she would never forget this moment, this feeling of letting go, and she knew that it would stay with her for the rest of her life.