Chapter 173
Sunshine Preschool was basking in the gentle glow of a late autumn sun as the kids ran around the playground, their laughter mingling with the crisp air. Todd and Angela found themselves surrounded by a dozen eager children.
"Hey Todd, can I hold Angela's hand? I really wanna be friends with your sister!" one of the kids pleaded.
"Angela's hair looks so pretty today. I just love her! Come on, Todd, let her play with us!" another chimed in.
"Please, we all love Angela and we won't hurt her," added another, their innocent eyes pleading.
The children were mesmerized by Angela's doll-like appearance, crowding around her, reluctant to leave her side. Todd couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness seeing his sister so adored.
He turned to Angela and asked, "Angela, wanna play with them?"
The little girl blinked her big, bewildered eyes, her gaze slowly wandering across the innocent faces around her. The simplicity and honesty of the children were on full display, their emotions unguarded and open, just like their smiles — pure and guileless.
It took a few minutes for Angela to give a slow nod. Todd let go of her hand and stepped back, standing watch over the playground, his eyes never leaving his sister. Though Angela stayed quiet, clarity began to emerge in her beautiful eyes, focusing intently each time a child spoke to her.
Miss Heidi, observing from the sidelines, couldn't help but feel gratified. Angela had made remarkable progress in the short month since she started at the school—her journey to overcoming autism seemed more promising by the day.
"Miss Heidi, could you keep an eye on Angela for me? I need to use the restroom," Todd asked politely as he walked up to her.
With a pat on his head and a reassuring smile, Miss Heidi replied, "Don't worry, just go. I’ll keep a close watch on Angela."
Losing Angela again wasn’t an option — he would be done. Todd headed towards the restroom but veered off towards the preschool's fence at the corner. A crouching figure lurked in the bushes. Todd's voice was cool and direct, "I've seen you already. Come out."
The tall grass rustled as a reluctant figure emerged, luxury children's clothes now disheveled and with bits of grass, his hair and face not spared.
"I was just passing through," the figure huffed.
Todd scoffed, "Leave before the teacher notices you."
Owen stood defiantly, not ready to give up his newfound freedom so soon after running away.
He dashed to the preschool, all just to catch a glimpse of his little sister Angela, but she was swarmed by so many people, he could hardly get a clear view.
"Hey, someone pinched Angela's cheek, aren't you going to do something?" Owen said, a hint of irritation in his voice.
Todd glanced back and, indeed, saw a boy grabbing Angela's cheek. But it didn't take long for Heidi to intervene.
The boy was swiftly pulled aside, and Heidi began to patiently admonish him...
Todd averted his gaze, stating coolly, "You snuck out from home, didn't you? Your dad probably has no idea you're gone. What if I call him up?"
"Don’t you dare!" Owen panicked, "You’d better not call my dad!"
But Todd was already bringing up the dialer on his smartwatch.
"I'm outta here!" Owen dusted himself off, retreating backward. "I'm not staying here anymore, I'm going home!"
He turned and ran as if running from trouble.
Todd watched his hurried retreat, a smile curving his lips for a moment before he suppressed it.
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