The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 222

"It's me," came a reply from the doll.

Willow's mouth dropped open in shock as she heard Milton's familiar voice. Zane hadn't lied to her! The doll could actually talk!

Willow's eyes sparkled with excitement. She quickly turned to another doll. "Grandma?"

"I'm here," came the reply.

Willow gasped. "Wow! This is amazing!"

As soon as she spoke, laughter echoed from the dolls, so lifelike that it felt as if Milton and Dorothy were sitting right across from her.

Willow thought that since she was just talking to her dolls, no one else would know what she said. So, she cleared her throat and solemnly said, "I love you both very much." The two replied in unison, "We love you, too."

Feeling shy, Willow rocked back and forth on the bed. "I think it's been a long time since I last talked to you. Has it been two years? Maybe even three. But I actually have so much to tell you." "Then, go ahead," Milton encouraged her.

the mirror every morning. Sometimes, I run out of things to say mid-practice, so Mommy

So now, I can read some simple

briefly before continuing, "After practicing speaking, I'll move on to reading. I've kept at it for so long that my pronunciation is super clear now. The only thing left is speaking to other people."

her chin

when

bullying me, Daddy and Mommy stepped in for me. But they realized it

en

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me. I was stuck feeling miserable without being able to fight back.

bullies me with

told me that's the best way to solve the

agreed wholeheartedly,

he wanted to start me on basic moves, but he realized I was too

speaking and reading, go for a run. Now, Mr. Lardon says I'm fit enough, so he's finally started teaching

en