The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Steven was barking through the phone. When I glanced at my screen, I suddenly realized I hadn't blocked his number yet.

"What were you expecting?"

se you didn

didn't pick him up, he waited alone outside t

the

Angered by how nonchalant I sounded, Steven snarled, "Did you know? Because kindergarten. He got home at 9:00 pm."

Treplied calmly, "Mr. Pelham, but I think you're blaming the wrong person Jessica is his mother now. And I..."

I got up and walked out to the balcony. I looked into the distance and saw the starry skies and city lights.

"I'm just a stranger."

Steven took a deep breath and said, "Are you still angry at us?"

"No. I'm just moving on with my life," I said slowly. "I think there's no need for me to be tied down by things and people of the past. What do you think?

Before Steven could answer, Thung up and blocked his number. Suddenly, somebody knocked on my door. I opened the door to find Willow and a long-cared bunny doll outside my room.

Standing behind Willow, Zane said, "She had dessert, so she must brush her teeth tonight. I woke her up, but... She insisted on looking for you."

Zane rubbed his brows. Willow was embarrassed, too. She said, "My friends say that their Mommy will brush their teeth with them. But My Mommy never did..."

Willow's voice trailed off. It was s a small wish, so I decided to fulfill her wish. I said, "Do you want to brush your teeth in my bathroom or yours?"

Willow perked up and said, "In Mommy's bathroom!

gazed at me with her twinkling

Willow handed me her doll, and then she ran back to her bedroom to collect her cup and toothbrush. She ga eyes. I casually put her bunny doll aside and said, "Let's go." Willow skipped along behind me. I was amazed at how easily children can be satisfied.

Willow was petite; she couldn't be seen in the bathroom mirror. And so, Zane found her a stool. After thanking him, Willow stepped onto the stool and made funny faces at her reflection in the mirror. She grinned and said, "Mommy, look at my teeth. They're white!"

I peered over. In case I couldn't see her teeth, Willow opened her mouth bigger. I played along with Willow's childish actions, and I found it fun, too.Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

I said exaggeratedly, "Wow, they're so white!"

Willow proudly raised her chin and said, "I brush my teeth every day!"

I felt an urge to rub Willow's cheeks when I saw her proud expression, but I controlled myself. I said, "Good job, Willow."

Upon hearing that, Willow smiled shyly. She put kids' toothpaste on her toothbrush and stole several glances at me. She couldn't hide her expression, but I didn't call her out either.

Finally, Willow couldn't help but ask, "Mommy, can I ask for a lavor?"

She asked very carefully, and it was as if she was afraid of getting rejected. Upon hearing her question, I didn't agree immediately.

Willow whispered, "I want to sleep with Mommy tonight." As she said that, she stopped brushing her teeth, too. Willow gazed intently

"Can you promise me something, then?" I said, looking at Willow in the

Willow immediately answered, "What is it?"

eye

after putting down my cup,

I said slowly, "I know you don't like talking to people, so I won't force you to talk to other people. But at the very least, starting from today, you should talk to Daddy.