The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 36

Chapter

36

After all, I was trying to analyze why Willow had suddenly gotten better after seeing signs of her improvement. My thought process was maybe Willow could overcome her social avoidance if I continued to get along with her and help her grow in this direction Zane seemed to like people who genuinely cared for Willow. He said, "Most cases mentioned in books are significantly Willow's situation." different

from

He had already taken Willow to the necessary doctors these past few years. Likewise, he had read all the books on autism. Yet, he still hadn't found a way to help Willow.

"Yeah." I didn't deny his words as they were the truth. "But it's clear from this morning that she's willing to speak with others. So, I plan on getting her to communicate more with others while also doing things she'd be happy to tell others about, "My hope is maybe she'll be more open to talking to others if she has something she's excited to share with others, Once I try methods, I can compare which is better for her overall improvement."

Of course, those were only my hopes. Zane was still Willow's true guardian, so I needed his opinion. "What do you think?"

Zane wasn't opposed. "Just don't force her to communicate with others if she refuses when you ask her to.

that Willow would socially isolate herself again after

"That's what I

glimpsed at me through the rearview mirror, but it was only a split second. He soon looked away and resumed his usual emotionlessness. Everything about him appeared unwelcoming and cold, but I could tell he was in a good mood. We soon arrived at the kindergarten. The past two times we came here, Zane would always wait in the car while I went to pick up Willow from the gate. Yet, this

walked shoulder to shoulder ahead when he suddenly asked, "Do you want to have dinner at home, or shall we take Willow out

and raised my

He didn't

I naturally understood his wishes. "How about

walking. He turned on his heel to face me just

voiced my thoughts, "We should still respect Willow's opinions since we want

previously non-verbal. It became a habit over time, so

only realized it now that I reminded him about children having their own

mind, he continued walking forward.

classes ended on time. Today, she stood at the front of the line and walked faster once she saw me. Alas, Holly stopped her from running, which upset her. Despite being unhappy, she still complied and

first child to make

she allowed Willow to run over. Willow leaped into my arms for a hug. Her gentle, murmuring voice made it seem like she had a rough

to Willow, Zane put on a wounded look and spoke up. "Do you not miss me,