"Thanks, Willow," I menured.


    If it weren''t for Willow stepping into my life and truly caring about me, I could have ended up being a different person. After saving all ny finished artwork, I finally turned off theputer.


    As soon as Willow woke up, she raced to my bedroom door and knocked. "Mommy!" y face."


    Topened the door, and she excitedly said, "I''m going to brush my teeth and wash my


    "Go for it," I replied, stepping out and closing the door behind me. "Juste straight downstairs after, I''ll be waiting for you." "Okay, I''ll be right there "Willow''s feet pattered as she dashed to her room. I couldn''t help but chuckle at her excitement. "Make sure you brush your teeth really well, even if you''re in a rush!"


    "Got it!" Willow replied.


    When I got to the living room, Zane was already sitting there. He looked at me and said casually, "I''ll be pretty busy these next few days."


    I knew what he meant. "So I''ll take care of dropping off and picking up Willow?"


    "I can still find time for that," Zane replied. No matter how hectic things got, be always made sure to take Willow to and from school. " But 1 might not have time to bring you back home."


    Inodded. "That''s okay. I can grab a taxi back"


    Zane seemed at a loss for words.


    I couldn''t help but ask, "Did I say something wrong?"


    "I was saying you could bring your work stuff ande to the office with me," he exined patiently.


    Oh, so that was what he meant. That would definitely save a lot ofmuting time and give me more hours to work on my projects. I didn''t refuse


    "Okay, I''ll bead upstairs and pack my things."


    By the time I returned to the living room, Willow hade downstairs, too. She was wearing a lovely little dress. Girls her age were all about princess stories, so they tended to have simr tastes and lovedyered, frilly princess dresses. Willow spotted me watching her and ran over to do a little twirl. "Mommy, do I look pretty?


    I gave her a thumbs-up. "You look stunning!"


    She lifted the hem of her dress and curtsied like a little princess. "Thanks, Mommy! You look beautiful, too!"


    The way she carried herself was charming for her age. I crouched down, cupped her face, and kissed her. Not to be outdone, she held onto my shoulders, stood on her tiptoes, and kissed my cheek


    Zane looked envious. "Willow, can I get a kiss, too?


    Willow adored Zane, too. She walked over and kissed his check


    Zane picked her up, his eyes shining with affection. "Willow, you''re the best."


    Willow puffed out her chest proudly. "Of course I am!"


    Richard heard the cheerful noise in the living room and approached to greet Willow. "Good morning, Willow."


    He made sure to soften his voice so he wouldn''t startle her. But she turned away and clung tightly to Zane, staying quiet.


    Richard looked a little disappointed. "I thought she was getting better."


    "Not yet," Zane replied. "She''s just morefortable interacting with me and Annalise, but that''s already a big step up from before, right?"


    He was satisfied with the progress. Richard nodded. "Yeah, you''re right."Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    After dropping Willow off at kindergarten, she held onto me for a bit before finally saying goodbye. I watched her until she disappeared into the ssroom before heading out "Annalise, Steven called out.


    I ignored him and picked up my pace to get to the car. But he stepped before me, blocking my path. "Do you have to keep acting this way?"