The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Eric asked, "When's the soonest you can go over to sign those comics?"

Upon hearing this, I checked the time on my phone and realized I had to pick Willow up from school. I hesitated before asking, "I need to pick up Willow today. Can I go over tomorrow?" "Sure," Eric said obligingly, and I heaved a sigh of relief.

Zane was busy, and it took him an entire afternoon to clear his work for the day. He glanced at me and asked, "Are you going to the printing house tomorrow?"

I hummed in response as an odd feeling came over me. Zane and I had been inseparable since I moved in with him. The idea of spending time away from him made me feel hollow.

I stared at him thoughtfully. He had a lot on his plate these days, and I doubted we would have quality time for a while. I couldn't help my disappointment.

Zane seemed to sense my reluctance. He chuckled and said, "We won't miss each other as much once we're busy with work."

I considered this and found myself agreeing with him. "True. Can I have the driver drop me off at the printing house tomorrow?"

Zane wouldn't be free to chauffeur me around. He knew this too and said, "Sure." He held my hand and added tenderly, "We won't be spending much time together tomorrow, so we should make the best of today."

I had already gotten over my disappointment after listening to his sage advice. Nonetheless, I couldn't help laughing at his remark as I pointed out, "We'll still see each other at home when we get off work in the evening." "True."

I noticed that most of the children had gone home just as class ended. When I spotted Willow, I waved

...

"Mommy, we're having a stage performance the day after tomorrow. Promise me you'll come watch me!" Her

was the first

in a public,

her mother.

to make it

such, I agreed

thinking, "I'll be there."

her arms around me, beaming. As I stroked her hair gently, she glanced at Zane. "You have

seeing Willow upset, so he promised, "Count

then did Willow release me from her

looked conflicted as well. Upon seeing this Zane suggested helpfully, "You

in disbelief. "Can

QUMS

to afford a better life for your daughter, right? What's the point of dedicating all your time and energy to your work when you can't even spare a