Chapter 510

I was stumped by Willow's bluntness. She continued, "I'm guessing Penelope told you about it?" I did not deny it. "Yes." "The bullying did happen," Willow confessed now that she knew I had heard about it. "But I've grown stronger since I started training and stopped caring about what others say about me. "If they tease me, I tease them right back. If they call me names, I'll do the same to them. Plus, I don't think they can beat me in a fight." She sounded pleased with herself, adding, "I handled the matter on my own, so I didn't feel the need to bring it up to you, Mommy." For good measure, she clarified, "But I promise I wasn't trying to keep it a secret from you." "I'm so proud of you, Willow," I said as I pulled her into my arms. "You handled the bullying splendidly despite your young age." She gave me a shy smile. I asked, "Are you angry with Penelope for telling me about the bullying incident?" Willow shook her head as she said, "No. I'd do the same thing if she got pick