She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter 20

Claire said, a smile in her voice, "Josie is super lively once she warms up to someone, but she's shy around new people.

'But she really likes you-she's been excited about meeting her seventh sister for the past two days. Just wait, it won't be long before she's glued to you." Athena nodded, then took a few steps forward and crouched down in front of Josic, smiling gently. "Josie, you know what? My little black cat whispered something special to me before I left the house today. It told me that the youngest person I met today would be my lucky charm. "And guess what? You're the youngest person I've met so far. That makes you my lucky star, Josie."

Josie's curiosity was piqued. She peeked out from behind Maria, her big eyes blinking in surprise. "Did your little black cat really say I'm your lucky star?" "Absolutely. My cat never lies," Athena said seriously. "Next time, III bring it with me to meet you. How does that sound?"

Noticing that Josie was holding a Hello Kitty toy, Athena guessed she liked cats. By flattering Josie, Athena hoped to make her feel more comfortable.

"Okay!" Josie exclaimed, fully stepping out from behind Maria, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "I want to tell my stories to the little cat! What's its name?"

Athena pretended to think for a moment. "It's still really young, so I haven't named it yet. How about you give it a name when you meet?"

"Oh, great!" Josie beamed, her dimples deepening as she shook her Hello Kitty. "Athena, you have to bring the little cat next

time. I want to name it"

Deal. Let's pinky swear on it," Athena said, extending her pinky finger toward Josie.

Josie let go of Maria's leg and h**ed her pinky with Athena's.

-"Alright, now no one can break it." Athena chuckled. "Josie, I'm hungry. I really want to eat some of Mom's cooking, but I

remember which floor our apartment is on. Can you

behind Maria and grabbing Athena's hand. "Let's go eat

together, Sister!"

as they started walking. "Josie, you know, we're almost the same age. You

such a beautiful

too, and good friends can call each other by their first names. Fora child like Josie, the concept of "friend" was much

to get the shy and timid Josie to hold her hand willingly. They all marveled at Athena's remarkable emotional intelligence. They exchanged glances and smiled appreciatively, following Athena and Josie at a leisurely pace. Josie walked slowly,

mental note to find a time to get Josie's leg checked out to see if it could be treated. 1/3 20:57 Wed,

Chapter 20

chatting with Josie Josie, how old

and a half," Josie replied. "I go to New Petal Kindergarten, in the middle class." "Do you

in kindergarten?"

"Yeah,

I like i

Kitty toy. The teachers are really nice to all the kids, and my classmates like to play with me. Athena then asked, "Is

"Maria takes

sleeping, and reading books. What do

love singing and listening to

hiding her

Josie!"

"Can you sing a song for face behind her Hello Kitty toy. "O-okay. I'm happy now, and when I'm. happy, I want to sing..."