The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)
Chapter 138

"No need," Zachary refused firmly. "You stay home with Mommy Jessie and Cody. I can manage on my own."

...

Zane and the others arrived at the busy hospital.

Willow was very nervous. She held my hand tightly, her eyes fixed ahead.

I asked, "Don't you want to see your grandparents?"

Without a second thought, Willow replied, "I do!"

I could sense her tension.

Zane had already parked in front of the hospital room.

I squatted down and gently patted her back. "But you look like you're not very happy."

Only then did Willow turn to look at me.

I asked softly, "Can you tell Mommy why?"

Willow kept her head down.

I smiled and said, "It's okay if you don't want to talk about it."

"I'll tell Mommy when we get home tonight." Willow's voice was very soft.

I'd get a better sense of the issue if she were willing to share, and it would be easier for me to help her open up. I ruffled her hair. "Okay."

Zane waited until we finished our exchange before pushing the door open.

Willow followed him inside, glancing at her grandfather and grandmother before hiding behind Zane.

Milton waved at her. "Willow, come here! Let Grandpa take a good look at you. Looks like you've grown taller again!"

Willow obediently walked over.

Milton carefully examined her.

She was still a little girl, with baby fat on her face and a pair of sparkling eyes that looked like shiny black gems.

As he scrutinized, he nodded. "Zane, you've raised Willow very well."

Zane smiled and replied, "I treat her like my own daughter."

"Very good." Milton started to tear up. He had wanted to call his wife, Dorothy Bennet, but she had been unwell recently and had trouble sleeping. Now that she was asleep, Milton wanted her to rest. His gaze remained fixed on Willow. "The last time I saw her, she was so small, barely taller than my knee. In the blink of an eye..."

He gestured. "And now, she's grown into a big girl."

Zane also felt a bit emotional. "Yes. Children grow up so fast."

He looked at Willow. "Do you want to say anything to Grandpa and Grandma?"

Willow nodded, then tried to speak but couldn't get a single word out. She hung her head in frustration.

Milton understood her situation and didn't push her. He warmly said, "I'm already delighted that Willow is willing to come and see me."

Willow looked at him in surprise.

Milton's eyes were filled with deep affection and reluctance. "I hope you can grow up safe and healthy."

Zane reassured him, "Don't worry. She definitely will."

Later, Willow stayed in the ward with them for a while before leaving.

...

Willow hugged me tightly in the car. "Mommy, I really want to tell Grandpa that I'm doing well with Daddy, so he doesn't have to worry about me. But I just can't say it." Her sad tone sounded somewhat innocent.

I pondered seriously. "If you can talk to Daddy because you love him, then why can't you do the same with Grandpa and Grandma?"

"Because..." Willow buried her face in my embrace. "On the day Dad and Mom passed away, Grandpa and Grandma both fainted.

"Grandma said it was all my fault... If it weren't for me, Dad and Mom wouldn't have had that accident. And Grandpa and Grandma wouldn't be so sad, either."