The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 228

Willow picked up her dolls and placed them on a small desk beside the bathroom door. She then stood on a little stool.

Gazing into the mirror, she began to practice her greetings, "Hello. I'm Willow. What's your name?"

After practicing in front of the mirror, she didn't forget to inform Milton and Dorothy, "The mirror practice is over now. It's time to read."

She picked up a storybook and carefully enunciated each word phonetically before reading the words. Once she was familiar with all the words, she read the entire sentence aloud.

After finishing a short story, she put the book down.

"Willow."

Hearing Annalise's voice, Willow quickly placed Milton and Dorothy on the bed and said, "I'm going to jog now. Bye, Grandpa, Grandma!"

"Goodbye!"

opened her bedroom door and called,

railing. Hearing her call, I turned around. "Let's

to

had become much stronger. She ran a full mile without stopping. Though she sweated like mad,

was breathing heavily. I was about to pick her up

becoming more independent with each passing

of her.

said, then quickly ran up the stairs. She stopped at her room's doorway and looked back at me. "Mommy, I want to shower by

her well. I knew she probably had something to say to Milton and Dorothy, so I didn't stop her. Instead, I smiled and returned

amazing she was, but then realized

a refreshing shower, and changed into

of the dolls and twirled in her new outfit. "Grandpa, Grandma, do you think this dress is

Dorothy both praised, "You look like a little fairy! So

"I think so, too." She

couple spoiled her, agreeing