“No! I don't want to!" Jennie's grip tightened, and her cries grew louder.

The driver exchanged a look of discomfort with Sabrina.

Realizing the situation was beyond her initial plan, Sabrina finally relented, "Alright, come inside."

Sabrina turned to the driver. "You can head back. Let Wanda know Jennie will stay with me for now."

"Understood." With that, the driver and the principal departed.

Sabrina walked in, slipped into her slippers, and settled onto the sofa.

Jennie trailed behind, a shadow of nerves, standing next to the couch, her hands tight, eyes cast downward in a mix of guilt and fear.

“Why didn't you go back with the driver? Why come here by yourself?"

Sabrina's voice held a chill.

Tears welled up in Jennie's eyes, making them red and blurry. “I didn't want to go back," she murmured, her voice thick with sadness.

"And why's that?"

“Because... That lady picked me up from kindergarten, and everyone saw her. They started saying I was a child born out of wedlock..."

Her tears spilled over, glistening on her cheeks like dewdrops.

With eyes brimming with tears and a look of timid hope, Jennie pleaded, “Please, Sabrina, don't dislike me. I'll do whatever you say.

I won't upset you. I promise to be good..."

With that, Jennie burst into tears again.

Sabrina watched the frightened Jennie before her, so eager to be loved yet so scared of rejection. She felt a surge of remorse. How could she possibly feel anything but fondness for such a sweet and thoughtful child?

Jennie relied heavily on her. Sabrina couldn't bring herself to resent or leave Jennie behind. Jennie was blameless. She didn't get to pick her family.

Sabrina's grip on her thighs tightened a bit. She pulled Jennie closer and tenderly wiped away her tears. “Stop crying, Jennie. I don't dislike you."

Like a little cat, Jennie pawed at Sabrina's hand. With tears still in her eyes and a sniffly nose, she whimpered, “For real?"