The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Zane drove both of us to Willow's kindergarten. When we arrived, Willow had already been waiting by the gate. When she saw us, she excitedly waved at us. "Daddy! Mommy!" she called out.

It was the first time Zane experienced Willow's enthusiastic welcome. He ran up to Willow and asked, "What's the matter, sweetie?"

Willow jumped into Zane's arms and said, "Let's get into the car! I'll tell you more after we get in."

"Sure," Zane said, picking Willow up and gently ruffling her hair. He put her in the backseat and then went to the driver's seat.

Willow looked around and then asked, "Where's Mr. Cruze? Why isn't he here?" "He's busy lately, so he took a leave of absence," Zane answered.

After hearing that, Willow nodded and said, "Okay, then."

Zane asked, "What were you rushing to tell me earlier?"

Immediately, Willow smiled obsequiously and replied, "We're about to graduate soon. All the kids are worrying about the same thing...'

"Hmm?"

"1

about. Willow said coyly, "It's about which elementary school we'll be

He hoped she would meet good friends and be surrounded by good influences, knowing that a good environment would help shape her into a better person. But Zane decided to ask

there any elementary schools you want to attend?" he

lowered her head and said shyly, "I want to go to the best elementary school, but I heard those schools have

that their family lived a comfortable life, but when her friends talked about school, they all said

problems. That got lowese

if their family had enough money for her

enroll in that school. She decided that if she went to a regular school she would only work harder. Willow

at Zane with her bright, glistening eyes. Meanwhile,

happy that she had a

we'll take care of

She asked Would it be