The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 139

Since then, Willow felt that whenever her grandparents saw her, they would be reminded of her parents' deaths. So, she no longer dared to speak to them. She was afraid that her grandparents would hate her. The more I listened, the more my heart ached. "But Willow, the accident wasn't something you could control, was it?"

Willow's eyes were filled with tears.

I continued, "You couldn't have prevented the accident from happening, even if you were in the car. So it's not your fault."

I hugged Willow tightly. "You were a victim, too."

"But..." Willow wailed, "Mom died to protect me."

I helped her smooth her hair. "Your mom loved you very much, Willow. You must know that even if she had to do it all over again, she would still make the same choice." Willow stopped crying, focusing intently on me.

I went on saying, "Even in her final moments, she would have been very grateful that her daughter survived."

Willow asked, "Is that true?"

"Yes." I slowed my speech. "Although she is no longer with you, she absolutely wishes for you to live well and not live in guilt like you are today."

silent for long before finally nodding. "I

her forehead. "Good

Zane watched Willow silently.

the past, Willow had

to

as an adult, not consider that Willow might be unable to bear

...

"Mommy."

Willow suddenly sat up. Her eyes fixed on the window. "Aren't we having barbeque today?

the car by

my hand. "I've always wanted to

the way,

with a few responses now

to be the helper, pushing the small cart as he

that interested her and, without any hesitation, tossed them all

to ensure she had a balanced diet while