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

Zane couldn't understand what children would usually talk about. Willow said coyly, "It's about which elementary

hoped she would meet good friends and be surrounded by good influences, knowing that a good environment would help shape her into

you want to attend?" he

shyly, "I want to go to the best elementary school, but I heard those schools have strict requirements. Apparently, you wouldn't get in

life, but when her friends talked about school, they all said

problems. That got lowese

for her to be enrolled in an elementary

decided that if she went to a regular school she would only work harder. Willow was confident that she could excel if

at Zane with her bright,

hear Willow's answer. He was happy that she had a clear head at such

said, "Don't worry, we'll

thought she'd be happy to hear that, but she felt worried when she saw Zane's expression. She asked Would it be stressfut for you, Daddy? If it adds stress, then I don't want it. I want you to have