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 and Zane. Even if someone bullied her,

Willow would find it difficult to enter elementary or middle school. She would likely be isolated and bullied without knowing how to speak up

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

backseat and tentatively asked Willow, "How about

gathered her courage

said, "How about you say a few words to Mr.

she wanted to ask, like,

even though her mouth opened, no sound came

eyes were immediately

wanted her to get better. So, she felt like she had let me down. "I'm sorry,

her gently, "Look. You were willing

would be disappointed, but I encouraged her instead.

I reassured her, "Yes!"

brightened up a

...

side of the road,

her arms and sneered, "Are you regretting

was going to the supermarket earlier, and Steven had followed him.

of sight,