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, she wouldn't tell

elementary or middle school. She would likely be isolated and

as soon as possible to prevent her

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

her courage and

"How about you say

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

mouth opened,

immediately filled

get better. So, she felt like she had let me down. "I'm sorry, Mommy... I can't

gently, "Look. You were willing to try.

be disappointed, but I encouraged her instead. She

I reassured her, "Yes!"

brightened

...

of the road,

and sneered, "Are

had said he was going to the supermarket earlier, and Steven had

out of sight, Zachary slowly answered,