Chapter 289
Anna’s POV:
Anna, you’re truly remarkable. Since your international breakthrough a year ago, I bet people have been lining up to hire you, haven’t they?‘ The elegantly dressed woman in front of me raised her champagne glass, her eyes gleaming with admiration.
“That goes without saying,” another guest chimed in before I could respond. “Her reputation is well–earned.”
Seth playfully draped his arm around my shoulder. “She’s not just internationally recognized now, ladies and gentlemen. She’s a successful young
entrepreneur with her own business worth millions! Everyone, keep your eyes open and don’t scare away my valuable partner!”
I laughed, gently removing his arm. “Enough with the flattery. It’s Seth who deserves the praise. Otherwise, this guy will definitely give me grief about it later.
The champagne bubbles tickled my throat as I took another sip, enjoying the warmth of the celebration.
The ballroom buzzed with conversation and laughter, a testament to Seth’s ability to throw the perfect party.
My phone vibrated in my clutch, and I excused myself to find a quieter corner.
“Is this Nora Wright’s mother? This is Jessica Wilson, Nora’s teacher at Golden Steps Academy.”
My smile faded instantly. “Yes, speaking. What can I do for you?”
“Well, Ms. Anderson, Nora has been with us for three days now, and as her designated teacher, I’ve been observing her closely. Perhaps because we have many international students here, Nora seems to have trouble fitting in. During these three days, she hasn’t spoken to any of the other children at all. I believe our environment might not be suitable for Nora, and would suggest you consider another preschool.”
The weight of her words hit me like a ton of bricks. I felt like I was being dragged into the depths of Boston Harbor with lead blocks tied to my feet, barely able to breathe.
This was the fifth childcare facility I’d found for Nora. Last year, when Monica came to help me care for Nora, she noticed something unusual – Nora’s rigid
routines.
She always held her bottle in exactly the same position and placed her small pillow in precisely the same spot. If forced to change these habits, she would cry inconsolably.
Monica, with her background in child development, had gently suggested that Nora might have Asperger’s syndrome, a high–functioning form of autism. She explained it had genetic probabilities, couldn’t be cured, but could be managed with early intervention.
Since then, I’ve moved Nora through five different care facilities, but she couldn’t integrate into any of them.
‘Ms. Anderson? Are you still there?”
“Yes, I’m here. Thank you for letting me know. I’ll… I’ll figure something out.”
I ended the call and stared blankly at the glittering party around me. The joy I’d felt moments ago had evaporated completely
‘Only Nora could make you look like that,” Seth’s, voice came from behind me. “Things not going well again?”
–
I showed him the surveillance video the teacher had sent Nora standing alone in a corner, watching the other children from a distance. “Looking at Nora all by herself in the corner, watching the other kids… it breaks my heart, Seth.”
“Don’t worry. Nora might just not be adapting to this school’s environment. I’ll find her a better preschool.”
I took a deep breath. “Seth, I’m going back to Boston.”
His face fell. “Anna, you said you never wanted to go back there.”