"Are you okay?" Xander asked, moving closer to Ashley.

Ashley took a deep breath and looked at Xander. "No, I'm not okay," she said, her voice low. "I don't love my mother, but I feel like I have to save her. I don't want to be an orphan." Xander looked at her, concern etched on his face. He put his arm around her, trying to offer some comfort. Ashley appreciated the gesture but couldn't shake the feeling that she was in a dangerous situation. Carl was standing right next to them, observing their interaction with a disapproving look on his face. Ashley couldn't help but feel like she was being...