The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Willow stared at me, her expression blank. After a long pause, she asked, "Is that really possible?"

I nodded. "Absolutely. You can spend time with Penelope as long as you like."

Willow jumped to her feet, her face lighting up with a grin. "Yes!"

Earlier, Zane had been pulled away by an urgent work matter. He'd just wrapped up the call when he caught part of our conversation. An idea came to him right away.

"If you try to invite Penelope out every day this summer, she might not have the time," he said.

Willow's smile faded. "What should I do, then?"

Zane nudged her gently. "Can you think of a reason to spend time with her that would help you both grow? Something Mrs. Summers couldn't possibly say no to?"

Willow caught on, her face brightening again. "Studying?"

Zane played it cool. "Oh?"

me this summer? I could get ahead in my studies! Then I could ask Penelope to join me. Mrs.

he'd gotten the answer he was after, Zane pressed a bit further.

Just keep Saturdays

call the tutors now to set up your summer classes?" Zane asked,

I'm

her a

beside me. "Kids

in kindergarten. Don't you think arranging all these classes for her is a bit

her waste the whole summer. At least this way, she'll learn

time, what if we ask Dorothy and Milton to keep an eye on them at

hadn't thought that far ahead. "I'll

core subjects and a few exploratory hobbies, planning to make adjustments once Willow's interests became clearer. After that,

for bed when he heard Zane knock on the door. He opened it. "Everything alright?"

Dorothy to help keep an eye on her while we're at

brightened. "No problem. We'll make sure she's

you need anything