The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 121

Willow lifted her head, staring blankly at me.

I gently reassured her, "This way, we can directly ask the students what happened."

She still looked down, listless. "Actually, I wanted to ask them today, but I..."

She continued, "I just can't push myself to ask."

"It's okay." I understood. Given her condition, it couldn't be rushed. "We'll take our time. One day, you'll be able to do it."

Willow nodded earnestly with a hum.

In reality, what she hadn't told me was that she really envied those other children with friends.

Willow couldn't help but secretly wish she had a friend. If she could talk to others, she could probably make some good friends, too.

When Zane came back, he shook his head at me.

I felt a little heavy-hearted. It seemed like Holly didn't know the reason, either.

I held Willow's hand and led her to the car.

couldn't communicate with anyone except with me and Zane. Even if someone bullied her, she wouldn't tell the

enter elementary or middle school. She would

had to guide her and help her get better as soon

in the backseat and tentatively asked Willow, "How about we try talking to others

her courage and said,

Richard and said, "How about you say

ask, like, "Mr. Cruze, have

mouth opened,

eyes were immediately filled with

to get better. So, she felt like she had let

I comforted her gently, "Look. You were willing to try. That's

but I encouraged her instead. She

I reassured her, "Yes!"

brightened up

...

of the road, watching the

and

he was going to the supermarket earlier, and Steven had followed him. So, Jessica stayed

car was out of sight, Zachary slowly answered,