Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 191

Chapter 191 My Treasure

Tatiana didn’t dare to argue. Dr. Harlow was very stubborn about certain things.

It had been a miracle that he’d agreed to perform the secret surgery in the first place; she really shouldn’t push her luck. She would just have to keep wearing masks and glasses. After such a drastic change, none of her old acquaintances would be able to recognize her anyway.

After leaving the hospital, she drove to the early education center. Just as she parked, a sweet, high voice called out, “Mommy!”

A tiny figure came toddling unsteadily toward her, nearly falling several times, which gave Tatiana a fright.

“Ann! Slow down!”

The little girl, her eyes curved into crescents, threw herself into her mother’s arms, chirping, “Mommy!”

Tatiana’s heart melted. She scooped her up and kissed her smooth little cheek, her voice softening. “What did you learn today?”

The little person, with long curly hair and a little yellow duck outfit, began counting on her fingers. “Math, drawing…”

She listed several subjects. To anyone else, it would have sounded preposterous. Why would a child not even three years old need so many classes?

But Ann had Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism. She had an incredible ability to focus and learned everything quickly. The downside was…

“Did you

make any friends today?”

The little girl instantly went quiet, fiddling with her fingers in silence.

Tatiana set her down and crouched to her level, asking patiently, “You don’t want to make friends?”

Ann shook her head. “No.”

“Why not?”

“They’re… stupid.”

Her big eyes were filled with clear disdain.

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That was the downside. Asperger’s came with severe social deficits, isolation, and a tendency to retreat into one’s own world. Ever since Ann had learned to talk, she barely communicated with

anyone

besides Tatiana. The neighbors‘ children thought she was mute.

Tatiana had tried countless therapists, but the results were less than ideal.

“Ann, you can’t say other people are stupid. That’s not nice.”

Ann stared with her wide, round eyes and repeated in her childish voice, “They just are. Stupid!”

They can’t even get the math problems right. So stupid. Why won’t Mommy let me say it? She was not happy.

Tatiana looked at her daughter’s tense little face and sighed. It seemed the therapy was failing again.

“Alright, alright. They’re stupid, and Ann is the smart one.”

The little one gave a rare, reserved smile and reached out her chubby arms to hug her mother. “I’m very smart. In the future, I’ll make lots and lots of money to take care of Mommy.”

A

pang went through Tatiana’s heart, and her eyes stung. “Making money is for grown–ups. You just need to grow up slowly. Don’t be in such a hurry.”

She picked Ann up and said goodbye to the teacher.

The teacher couldn’t help but say, “Ann is no longer a good fit for our center. Perhaps you could try another facility. She’s too advanced for our methods, and it’s not having any effect. We will refund the rest of your fees.”

The teacher’s words were tactful, but the reality was that Ann was single–handedly causing several of the other, previously normal children to become withdrawn; they were starting to feel hopelessly stupid and inferior. Any longer, and the complaints would bankrupt them.

Tatiana paused, understanding. She didn’t make it difficult for them. “I see. I’m so sorry for the trouble.”

On the way home, Ann spoke up, her voice small. “Mommy, am I making trouble for you again?”

Tatiana stopped and looked at her daughter seriously. “Ann, you are never trouble. You are my treasure. I love you very much, so don’t you ever say that.”

The little girl snuggled against her mother’s neck, settling in.

Tatiana was already wondering what to do next. They had been to every single autism

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intervention center in Newport. This was the last one, and it had done nothing. The only benefit was that it had given her a place for Ann, allowing her to finally rush to complete her graduation.

“Tatiana!”

She looked

up and smiled at the person approaching. “Chandler?”

It was Chandler. Three years had made him look more mature and steady. After two years in a war zone, his previous scholarly air was gone, replaced by something more rugged.

“Mhm. Let’s go. I’ll treat you both to dinner. A celebration for my return.”

Chandler walked over and naturally took Ann from her. He was one of the only two people Ann didn’t mind being held by.

“When did you get back?”

“Last night.”

They chatted easily. Over the years, their relationship had grown far beyond friendship, but they had stopped short of becoming a couple. Not because Chandler had given up, but because Tatiana was unwilling. She didn’t want to drag him down. Her first life was already ruined; she just wanted to watch Ann grow up healthy.

Due to the turmoil during her pregnancy, Ann had been born with a heart condition. She had spent a long time in an incubator just to survive, and her subsequent treatments required a massive amount of money.

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