CHAPTER 8

Gary was confident enough to know that Hope would recognize him. She did remember he was the magic man from the hospital. But he was definitely worried if she would trust him. Although Rowena did tell him that she called up the school to let them know someone else would be fetching Hope, he was still anxious about her making a fuss. He didn't have much experience with children. Hope seemed like a sweet and well-behaved girl, but Gary knew enough to know children have their complexities, especially if they were put in an uncomfortable position.

He waited outside with the rest of the parents. He was given a few looks, possibly because he was new. Thankfully, it wasn't a long wait and the children were let out soon enough. Dozens of small boys and girls rushed out toward their parents. Gary eventually spotted Hope, who was walking at the back of the crowd with an adult he could only assume was her teacher.

As soon as Hope saw him, her face lit up in pleasant surprise. She