Chapter 262 Throwing a Tantrum
The tree-planting event kicked off early the next morning.
Zoey waited for everyone to finish breakfast, then led the group to the event.
This time, the kindergarten teamed up with the botanical garden, which set aside a plot for the kids to plant trees.
Staff members were already there, ready to help.
The kids, all pampered and delicate, were warmly welcomed by the staff.
Zoey introduced the staff to the parents and split them into groups, instructing them to follow the staff to collect saplings.
When groups were announced, Finley looked longingly at Riley and didn't move even when the teacher called her name.
Donovan noticed her gaze but stayed silent.
Riley, remembering last night's conversation and Hollis's call, instinctively wanted to keep her distance.
After hearing Zoey call their names, she walked away with her two kids.
"Riley..." Finley said softly, looking disappointed and staying put.
Donovan was stunned by Riley's sudden abandonment of Finley and didn't know how to comfort her.
Seeing all the parents had left except Donovan and Finley, Zoey walked over, concerned. "What's wrong with Finley? Doesn't she like planting trees?"
Finley shook her head silently, eyes downcast.
Zoey looked at Donovan, puzzled. "Mr. Wilder, what's going on with Finley?"
Donovan saw Riley returning with the saplings and noticed Finley's disappointed look, but didn't react much, his gaze darkening.
Without waiting for his response, Zoey said, "Finley usually doesn't join these activities. It's her first time, so she might feel a bit uneasy. If she's not feeling well, Mr. Wilder, you should take her back to rest."
Donovan looked down at Finley.
Finley reluctantly looked up and shook her head at Zoey, indicating she didn't want to go back.
She still wanted to be with Riley; going back meant even less time with her.
Seeing Finley just shaking her head without speaking, Zoey seemed a bit troubled.
As she hesitated, she heard Donovan's voice.
"Finley's only friends in kindergarten are Ms. Monroe's kids, so she wants to be with them. She's upset they're not in the same group," Donovan explained.
Zoey looked down at Finley.
Finley nodded and said in her sweet voice, "I want Landon and Winston."
Zoey rarely heard Finley speak. Hearing her now, she felt guilty and soft-hearted, apologizing, "I was just dividing by numbers and didn't consider this. Since it's Finley's first time, she'd be happier with her friends. You can join Landon and Winston's group."
Donovan nodded, thanked her, and led Finley over.
Hearing she could be in Riley's group, Finley's disappointment vanished, and her eyes sparkled.
Without waiting for Donovan, she ran over to Riley.
Seeing Finley's happy face, Zoey smiled and said, "Finley really likes Landon and Winston. I rarely see her this expressive."
Donovan nodded and walked over.
