"Fighting to Stay Alive"

You've been sitting in this hospital every day, thank you, Ashley said as she threw up in the bowl once more. Just as Erica was about to tell Ashley she was pregnant, the nurse walked in with Ashley's medicine. The timing couldn't have been worse, Erica thought, as she watched the nurse approach Ashley's bedside. The nurse smiled kindly at Ashley and Erica. "Time for your medication, Ashley," she said, injecting the medicine through Ashley's neck port. She then started up Ashley's feeding tube for the day, and Ashley let out a soft sigh. "I'm a mess," Ashley whispered, looking up at Erica with tears in her eyes. "I feel like I'm losing myself, and I don't know how to stop it." Erica squeezed Ashley's hand, trying to offer what little comfort she could. "You're not a mess, Ash," she said. "You're strong, and you're fighting. That's all anyone can ask for." Ashley shook her head, her eyes welling up with tears. "I'm not just fighting for myself," she said. "I have to think about my fans, my career. I haven't told them about this yet, and I don't know how to do it." Erica knew that Ashley was referring to her music career, which had been put on hold due to her illness. Ashley was a pop star, and her fans loved her for her energetic performances and catchy songs. But now, Ashley was struggling to even get out of bed, let alone perform on stage. "How will I tell the media?" Ashley asked, looking at Erica with a mixture of fear and anxiety. "I don't know how to do it, Erica. I feel like I'm going to lose everything that matters to me." Erica took a deep breath, trying to think of what to say. She knew that Ashley was worried about her public image, but she also knew that Ashley's health was the most important thing. "You'll figure it out, Ash," she said. "We'll figure it out together. But for now, let's just focus on getting you better, okay?" Ashley nodded, looking relieved. Erica could see the exhaustion in her eyes, and she knew that Ashley needed to rest. As the nurse finished up Ashley's medication and feeding tube, Erica leaned over and gave Ashley a gentle hug. "I'll be here for you, Ash," she whispered. "No matter what." Just as Erica was about to pull back, she felt a surge of emotion. She had been wanting to tell Ashley about her pregnancy for days, but now wasn't the right time. She would have to wait, and hope that Ashley would be strong enough to handle the news. Erica smiled softly at Ashley, trying to hold back tears. This wasn't the right moment, but soon she would have to find a way to share her secret with her dear friend.