After finishing her basic exercises, Willow went upstairs to practice speaking, leaving only Zane and me in the living room.

Suddenly, Zane remembered the new doll in the trunk. He quickly headed toward the garage. "Let me grab the new doll and give it to her."

"We should talk to Penelope first," I explained. "If she's willing to help Willow, only then can we give her the doll."

I paused, then added, "If we just hand it over without preparing her, what will we say when Willow finds out the grandparents' dolls can talk back, but her friend's can't? How do we explain that?"

Zane considered my suggestion and nodded. "You're right. Should I hide the doll for now and take it out once Penelope agrees to play along?"

"Exactly." I paused to think before adding, "It'd be best to wait until Willow can comfortably communicate with Milton and Dorothy first."

Zane agreed, "Even if things don't go smoothly with Penelope, at least Willow will have two more people she can talk to."

I smiled. "That's exactly what I was thinking."

After her practice, Willow excitedly brought her dolls back to her room. "Grandpa, Grandma, guess what? I can read so many words now!" she exclaimed proudly.

Just a few days ago, she had to sound out each word slowly. Yet today, some words came to her instantly.

At first, she doubted herself, thinking she might have made a mistake. She spelled them out loud to check, and they matched perfectly with what she remembered. "Wow!" Milton was genuinely impressed. "You're still in preschool and already learning to read?"

Willow proudly nodded. "Yep!"

Dorothy chimed in, "You're so smart!"

Willow grinned. "Thank you."

Milton shook his head in disbelief. "Most kids I know don't start learning to read until first grade. You're ahead of the curve."

Dorothy added with admiration, "Willow, you're going to be extraordinary when you grow up."Content is © by .

Willow accepted the praise with a confident smile. "Of course!"

...

Steven didn't return to Jessica's side that evening.

He didn't understand why the thought of being in the same space as her made him feel suffocated, even though he had decided to be with her and had mentally prepared for it.

It was only when he was in the spacious apartment he had shared with Annalise for six years that his restless mind began to settle.

He reached out to Jessica first. "I'm really busy today. So, I won't be coming home."

His calm voice carried a hint of subtle magnetism. "Are you scared of being home alone?"

"No," Jessica replied understandingly. "You've had a long day. I get it."

Only then did Steven relax. "That's good."

Jessica's voice softened. "Don't worry. I'll take care of myself. As long as you spend time with me on the weekends and remind me you still love me, I'll be fine."

She deliberately emphasized the word "weekends" as she was worried Steven would return during the weekdays and affect her mood.

"That's good," Steven replied gently. "If you need anything, just buy it yourself. The card's with you. Don't worry about saving money for me." Hearing this, Jessica couldn't help but chuckle. "Alright."

Steven stared at the phone screen. The truth was, his relationship with Jessica wasn't particularly intimate. In fact, it felt somewhat distant. Jessica wasn't nearly as caring as Annalise had been.

Even though Steven no longer loved Annalise, he could still feel the depth of her unreserved love through their everyday interactions.