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

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

as soon as possible to

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

gathered her courage and said,

to Richard and said, "How about you say a few words

to ask, like,

even though her mouth opened,

were immediately filled

get better. So, she felt like she had let

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

be disappointed, but I encouraged her

I reassured her, "Yes!"

mood brightened

...

of the road, watching the car

and sneered,

going to the supermarket earlier, and Steven had followed

the car was out of sight, Zachary