Willow lifted her head, staring blankly at me.

I gently reassured her, "This way, we can directly ask the students what happened."

She still looked down, listless. "Actually, I wanted to ask them today, but I..."

She continued, "I just can't push myself to ask."

"It's okay." I understood. Given her condition, it couldn't be rushed. "We'll take our time. One day, you'll be able to do it."

Willow nodded earnestly with a hum.

In reality, what she hadn't told me was that she really envied those other children with friends.

Willow couldn't help but secretly wish she had a friend. If she could talk to others, she could probably make some good friends, too.

When Zane came back, he shook his head at me.

I felt a little heavy-hearted. It seemed like Holly didn't know the reason, either.

I held Willow's hand and led her to the car.

Willow's situation was unique. She couldn't communicate with anyone except with me and Zane. Even if someone bullied her, she wouldn't tell the teacher.

Under such circumstances, Willow would find it difficult to enter elementary or middle school. She would likely be isolated and bullied without knowing how to speak up for herself.

I had to guide her and help her get better as soon as possible to prevent her from getting bullied in the future.

I sat in the backseat and tentatively asked Willow, "How about we try talking to others today?"

Willow gathered her courage and said, "Okay!"

I turned to Richard and said, "How about you say a few words to Mr. Cruze?"

Willow had many questions she wanted to ask, like, "Mr. Cruze, have you eaten? Are you tired?"

But even though her mouth opened, no sound came out.

Willow's eyes were immediately filled with tears.

She knew I wanted her to get better. So, she felt like she had let me down. "I'm sorry, Mommy... I can't do it."

"Willow..." I comforted her gently, "Look. You were willing to try. That's already very impressive."Property © of .

Willow thought I would be disappointed, but I encouraged her instead. She hesitantly asked, "Really?"

I reassured her, "Yes!"

Her mood brightened up a little.

...

Zachary stood by the side of the road, watching the car disappear into the distance.

Jessica crossed her arms and sneered, "Are you regretting it?"

Cody had said he was going to the supermarket earlier, and Steven had followed him. So, Jessica stayed behind to accompany Zachary. Once the car was out of sight, Zachary slowly answered, "Mm."

Jessica felt like teasing Zachary, knowing that Steven wouldn't find out, so she deliberately said, "But she doesn't want you anymore."

"I know," Zachary replied as he got into the car.

Jessica was about to continue, but she swallowed her words as soon as she saw Steven return. She sat in the front passenger seat while Cody pulled Steven into the back seat. Cody eagerly shared his new toy with Steven, telling him how much fun it was.

Steven smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Daddy," Zachary suddenly spoke.

Jessica instinctively gripped the seatbelt in her hand. Was Zachary about to tell on her?