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.

me

circumstances, Willow would find it difficult to enter elementary or middle school. She would likely be

her and help her get better as soon as possible to prevent her

and tentatively asked Willow, "How about we try

courage and

to Richard and said, "How about you say

to ask, like, "Mr. Cruze, have you eaten? Are you

though her mouth

eyes were immediately filled

better. So, she felt like she had let me

were willing to

I encouraged her instead.

I reassured her, "Yes!"

mood brightened up a

...

by the side of the road, watching the car disappear

and sneered, "Are

and Steven

of sight,