Chapter 77:

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Lorna abruptly stopped fidgeting with the ceramic toy, her gaze fixated on the ceramic mushroom that Allison had just shaped. Allison caught her stare while skillfully crafting another small mushroom, keeping a watchful eye on her from the corner of her vision.

Lorna’s eyes sparkled with a hint of enthusiasm, though her body remained still and reserved.

Allison set another array of tools in front of Lorna. Lorna’s hands often wobbled, and she had a tendency to bump or knock things over. But Allison met this with a deep well of patience. With gentle precision, she occasionally sprinkled water onto the clay, making it easier to mold. Lost in her own creative world, Lorna seemed barely aware of Allison’s presence.

Bit by bit, Lorna transformed a lump of clay into a tidy form. It was clear to Allison that Lorna possessed natural talent and an intuitive grasp of the craft that often required no instructions.

“Just steady your left hand a bit,” Allison suggested softly after a few gentle nudges.

Taking the advice to heart, Lorna remained silent and soon crafted a uniquely shaped mushroom.

Allison beamed and handed Lorna the carving tool, which Lorna accepted quietly. Observing this, Kellan murmured almost under his breath, “Lorna…” He recalled a past teacher who had given Lorna a carving tool, a moment that had caused her to retreat into herself, overwhelmed by anxiety. She had even hurt her finger on a file back then. But now, as Lorna accepted the tool from Allison, she radiated calm focus, a stark contrast to her previous tension.

Though still reserved with strangers, the tightness in her demeanor had eased. She diligently mirrored Allison’s actions.

When Lorna saw Allison deftly flick her finger to carve an intricate pattern, she attempted to imitate her with a rougher technique, her concentration sharpening despite her confusion.

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“Check this out, I finished mine,” Allison said, lifting her creation for Lorna to admire.

With careful deliberation, Lorna accepted it and returned a quick smile as she showcased her work.

The smile took both Allison and Kellan by surprise. “Lorna, you are incredible!” Allison exclaimed, a touch awestruck by the girl before her.

When Lorna didn’t smile, she seemed distant, and there was a faint echo of Kellan in her features. But when she smiled, it shone brilliantly and warmly, like sunlight mixed with the fragrance of roses, a comforting glow. This little angel deserved more than to carry such burdens. Kellan was momentarily stunned before regaining his composure.

“Lorna, you just smiled, didn’t you?” he asked, his voice thick with emotion.

Although Lorna slipped back into her reserved nature, Kellan felt the warmth of tears prickling at the corners of his eyes.

Over the years, he had sought help from countless doctors — both at home and abroad — for Lorna’s autism, all to no avail. Even several pottery instructors had struggled to connect with her, facing her intense resistance.

She had always been ensconced in her own world, reluctant to engage with outsiders, let alone share her creations or feel any sense of pride.

This was the first time Lorna had let down her walls around a stranger. Even if it was just a fleeting moment, a smile and shared eye contact, it meant everything. Kellan could hardly recall the last time he had witnessed his niece smile like that.

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