The "burden" of her mother was part of the reason Ashley felt so guilty for not having been to visit in so long. Helen had never been a burden to her and if she knew her mother felt that way, she'd be quick to banish it. She was there because she wanted to be, not because of some stupid obligation or just because she was worried. She was worried, but she also just missed her mother's company.
She gave their joined hands another squeeze and let the subject drop, frowning instead at what Helen revealed. "What happened?"