Chapter 932: Essie Is Pretty
“What is…” Estella carefully placed the wreath down and gave Roxanne a delighted look. Smiling, Roxanne patted Estella’s head. “It looks a little funny; I haven’t made one in a long time.”
Estella shook her head fervently. “I love it!” She placed it gently before her and began to draw it.
Roxanne and the boys leaned closer, curious, then gasped at Estella’s rapidly developing drawing. Her previous botanical sketches had been decent, if a little childish, but this wreath was astonishingly realistic. “Essie, you’re amazing!” Benny breathed. Roxanne nodded in agreement.
When Estella finished, Benny asked, “Essie, have you taken art classes before?”
Estella shook her head, confused. Benny’s surprise deepened. Roxanne, however, had a thought, and her heart ached for the little girl. Perhaps her artistic talent was linked to her autism. Many autistic children possess remarkable abilities.
Roxanne patted Estella’s head, feeling a pang of sympathy. Unaware of Roxanne’s thoughts, Estella innocently showed her the drawing. “I’ll keep it well!” The wreath itself wouldn't last, but the drawing would.
Roxanne’s heart softened as she saw Estella still wearing the shell bracelet she’d given her. “I’ll help you preserve the wreath when we get back.”
Estella looked up in surprise. Roxanne smiled. The research institute had plenty of chemicals suitable for preserving plants. Estella grinned at Roxanne’s smile.
Archie quickly took a picture of them. Roxanne gestured for him to show her the photo, and he obediently handed over the camera. Roxanne and Estella peered at the image together.
“Essie!” shrieked Estella excitedly, recognizing herself.
Roxanne’s gaze softened. “You’re really pretty, Essie.”
Estella’s smile widened. After a while, Roxanne led the children further afield. Leaving the car earlier, she’d noticed a rare medicinal herb nearby. She planned to let the children play while she searched for it.
The three children skipped ahead. Estella, having stopped drawing, carefully placed the wreath on her head and walked deliberately, her eyes on the ground. She hoped to find pretty flowers to make a wreath for Roxanne.
Suddenly, Estella found something. She squatted and called out, “Ms. Jarvis, what flower is this?”
Roxanne hurried over. Her eyes widened. Just as Estella was about to pick it, Roxanne gently stopped her. “This is a valuable medicinal herb. I’ve been looking for it for some time. Thanks to you, Essie, I finally found it!”