Chapter 341 She Wanted Landon and Winston
As soon as Zoey walked into the classroom, she was hit with the sound of Finley's sobbing. She quickly scanned the room and spotted the little girl, her face all tear-streaked and her cries echoing around.
"Finley, what's up?" Zoey asked, rushing over.
Finley kept crying, either couldn't or wouldn't say a word. Nearby, Bishop stood up, trying to explain. "Ms. Scott, before the class, I wanted to play with Finley, but I think I scared her."
Another kid jumped in to back Bishop up. "It was Finley who hit Bishop first, but now she's the one crying."
Zoey listened to the kids and quickly pieced it together. She knew Finley pretty well by now and had noticed her being down the past few days. Bishop was probably right; he must've startled Finley, making her lash out.
Zoey turned to Bishop, her face softening. "Where did Finley hit you? You okay? Let me see."
Bishop obediently showed his hand and said, "She just hit the back of my hand once. It doesn't hurt anymore."
Zoey checked his hand and, seeing no injury, sighed in relief. "Thanks for telling me, Bishop. I'm sorry on Finley's behalf."
Bishop nodded, still looking worried about Finley. "But she's still crying."
Zoey looked at Finley, just as concerned. She picked the little girl up and stood. "I'll take Finley out for a bit. Another teacher will come to watch you guys. Be good, okay?" she said gently.
The kids nodded as Zoey carried Finley out of the classroom. Once they were alone in a quieter hallway, Zoey tried to comfort her. "Finley, should I call your dad?"
Finley shook her head vigorously, making Zoey's heart ache. She was in a tough spot. Ignoring Finley's wishes might make things worse, but without contacting Donovan, she didn't know how to calm the girl down.
"Can you tell me why you're crying, sweetie?" she asked gently, rubbing Finley's back.
Through her sobs, Finley managed to stammer out, "Landon, Winston..."
Zoey thought for a moment and got it. The little girl was sad because Landon and Winston hadn't been around the past few days.
"I see," Zoey said softly. "Winston hasn't been feeling well. He's taken a few days off to rest. He'll be back once he's better."
Finley's sobs started to die down, though her tear-streaked face still looked doubtful. Zoey gave her a reassuring smile, gently stroking her hair. "I know you miss Landon and Winston, but the other kids in the class are really nice too. Maybe you can get to know them while you wait for your friends to come back?"
Finley frowned and shook her head firmly. She didn't want new friends; she wanted Landon and Winston.
Finley thought, 'Ms. Scott said Winston is sick. Is that true?'
She wasn't sure if Zoey was just trying to comfort her, but she couldn't help but worry. So Finley tried hard to stop her tears, ran back to the classroom, and came out with paper and pen.
Zoey watched curiously. "What are you doing, Finley?"
