?Chapter 2811:


    On the third day, during PE, Locke ran back to the same tree. Savannah was already there, waving eagerly.


    “Locke!”


    “Grandma!” he called, running to her.


    “Hey, slow down!” Savannah crouched to steady him.


    “Careful—you’ll trip.”


    “Grandma, I’m fine.” He shook his head firmly.


    “I’m a big boy now. I run fast and steady.”


    A big boy?


    Savannah froze for a heartbeat. Had his hardships already made him think of himself as grown?


    “Locke.” She sighed and took out a small lunchbox.


    “Guess what this is?”


    “What is it?”


    “Ta-da!”


    The lid popped open, and a sweet aroma swirled into the air.


    “Cookies!”


    “That’s right!” Savannah smiled, a trace of guilt flickering in her expression.


    “Your mother made these. I didn’t bring themst time because I wasn’t sure I’d see you again. But I brought them today. She said you love her cookies best.”


    “Yes!” Locke grabbed one eagerly and popped it into his mouth.


    Chewing, he asked, “Grandma, Mommy made these for me?”


    “Of course.” Savannah nodded warmly.


    “She made them just for you, and told Grandma to make sure you got them.”


    Locke’s cheeks were puffed with crumbs as his voice softened.


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    “Mommy loves me.”


    He knew it now. His mother hadn’t abandoned him.


    “Locke!”


    “Locke, where are you?”


    His friends called again.


    “Coming!” Locke replied quickly. Then he turned back to Savannah.


    “Grandma, I have to go!”


    “Alright.” She didn’t stop him.


    “Go on. Grandma wille again.”


    “Goodbye, Grandma!” Locke darted away, his small feet carrying him in quick, lively strides as he hurried to rejoin his friends.


    Later, in ss, Joy wrinkled her nose and leaned closer.


    “Locke, you smell sweet!”


    “No, I don’t.” He swallowed nervously.


    “You do!” Joy poked at his lips.


    “Open your mouth!”


    Locke had no choice but to obey.


    “Ahhh…” He opened wide like a little soldier.


    “Let me take a smell.” Joy leaned in for another whiff, then said with certainty, “It’s definitelying from your mouth! Locke, what delicious treat did you sneak in? It smells amazing.”


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