Willow picked up her dolls and placed them on a small desk beside the bathroom door. She then stood on a little stool.

Gazing into the mirror, she began to practice her greetings, "Hello. I'm Willow. What's your name?"

After practicing in front of the mirror, she didn't forget to inform Milton and Dorothy, "The mirror practice is over now. It's time to read."

She picked up a storybook and carefully enunciated each word phonetically before reading the words. Once she was familiar with all the words, she read the entire sentence aloud.

After finishing a short story, she put the book down.

"Willow."

Hearing Annalise's voice, Willow quickly placed Milton and Dorothy on the bed and said, "I'm going to jog now. Bye, Grandpa, Grandma!"

"Goodbye!"

Willow opened her bedroom door and called, "Mommy!"

I stood by the railing. Hearing her call, I turned around. "Let's go. It's time to exercise."

Willow jogged over to me eagerly. "Okay!"

The morning's workout followed the plan we had set on Friday. It was clear that Willow's stamina had become much stronger. She ran a full mile without stopping. Though she sweated like mad, she never paused for a break. After the jog, the three of us practiced the basic moves of martial arts together.

Willow seemed to feel the fatigue then, as she was breathing heavily. I was about to pick her up and carry her back to the living room, but she pushed me away. "I can do it myself, Mommy!"

She seemed to be becoming more independent with each passing day.

I smiled, feeling proud of her. "Alright. You go ahead."

"Okay," Willow said, then quickly ran up the stairs. She stopped at her room's doorway and looked back at me. "Mommy, I want to shower by myself today."

After spending so much time with her, I had gotten to know her well. I knew she probably had something to say to Milton and Dorothy, so I didn't stop her. Instead, I smiled and returned to the living room.

Willow closed the door behind her. She wanted to tell Milton and Dorothy how amazing she was, but then realized she was covered in sweat. Milton and Dorothy wouldn't like that.

So, she went to the bathroom, took a refreshing shower, and changed into a beautiful dress.

She stood in front of the dolls and twirled in her new outfit. "Grandpa, Grandma, do you think this dress is pretty?"

Milton and Dorothy both praised, "You look like a little fairy! So adorable!"

Willow giggled, clearly pleased with herself. "I think so, too." She wasn't shy about it at all.

The elderly couple spoiled her, agreeing with her.

Willow beamed, saying, "You know, I just finished running. I ran a whole mile today without stopping. Pretty impressive, right?"

Milton praised her sincerely, "That's very impressive! Some adults couldn't even do that, let alone a kid."

"Of course!" Willow lifted her chin proudly. "And I also practiced my martial arts basics. I believe that if I keep this up, by the time I start elementary school, I'll definitely be one of the best in my grade." She continued proudly, "I'll be able to protect myself and never be bullied! Anyone who dares to mess with my friends will have to deal with my fists!"

Milton sounded worried. "But you can't start trouble, Willow."Content is © by .

Dorothy asked with a sharp tone, "Do you really think she's the type to start trouble?"

Milton thought for a moment. "You're right."

Listening to them, Willow felt a warm glow in her heart. "I really have to go now. Bye, Grandpa, Grandma!"