The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 173

"But to me, teaching you to read is resting," I told Willow gently. "Do you understand?

"So, don't worry. You won't wear me out. Mommy isn't that fragile."

Willow still looked uncertain. "Really?"

I nodded. "Of course."

Finally reassured, Willow smiled, grabbed my hand tightly, and pulled me outside to join her for a run.

Zane followed behind us. His usually cold gaze softened with a hint of warmth.

…

After our exercise, we all freshened up and then took Willow to school. She entered the school gates but didn't head straight for the classrooms. Instead, she stood at the entrance, as if waiting for someone.

A few minutes later, a girl with pigtails got out of a car. Willow immediately ran over to her. The two girls held hands and bounced around happily.

The little girl was chatty, talking nonstop, while Willow listened coolly, responding with occasional nods or shakes of her head.

I felt relieved upon seeing that Willow had made a friend and was getting along well. I got back into the car with Zane, and we returned to the company.

At my desk, I powered on my computer but didn't start drawing immediately. Instead, I found myself reflecting on Willow's behavior these past few days—the way she set goals and knew what she wanted to work on.

That gave me an idea for my next comic. I wanted to draw Willow's determination, hoping it would inspire others who might be feeling lost or uncertain.

Maybe, through this, I could help others find clarity and purpose within themselves—for them to see through their own fog and follow their dreams.

For the first time, I felt that my comics could have a purpose beyond simply recording life. I could use them to inspire people to be better versions of themselves.

With this in mind, I dove into my work with a new sense of focus and diligence.

…

Zane noticed how focused Annalise was on her work, and it seemed to put him at ease, too.