Chapter 1030: It Pained Her

Meanwhile, Archie and Benny stood beside Pippa at the kindergarten. "Where did Essie go, Ms. Ward?" Pippa didn't know where Estella had gone but tried to reassure them. "Essie took the day off. I'm not sure why."

"Will we see her tomorrow?" Archie asked. Pippa hesitated, then, seeing their anxiety, smiled. "Yes, you will."

Archie and Benny visibly relaxed. Near the end of classes, Pippa received a call from the head of the kindergarten. He summoned her to his office, presented a document and a pen, and said, "All you need to do is sign this." Pippa read the document quickly.

"Essie is transferring? But why? Are we doing something wrong?" she asked, confused.

"Mr. Farwell cited personal reasons," the head of the kindergarten replied, smiling. "He'll continue funding the kindergarten, so don't worry. Just sign." Pippa couldn't bring herself to sign. She had sent Essie home that day. Had she known about the transfer, she would have spoken to Mr. Farwell! Essie wasn't in any condition to transfer. Besides, she'd promised Archie and Benny they would see her tomorrow. How could she explain this now?

"Well? Sign it," the head of the kindergarten urged. "I want to keep Essie here for the funding, but it's Mr. Farwell's decision."

After a moment, Pippa signed.

The next morning, Archie and Benny rushed to Pippa after Lysa dropped them off. "Good morning, Ms. Ward! Is Essie here?" they asked together.

Pippa shook her head, her expression conflicted.

Thinking Estella was late, they said, "We'll wait for her!"

Pippa opened her mouth to speak, but the words caught in her throat. When it was time for class, Estella still hadn't arrived. Pippa, unable to keep it a secret any longer, said, "Stop waiting. Essie won't be coming anymore."

Archie and Benny stared, shocked. "Why?"

Pippa looked away, replying helplessly, "I just found out after class yesterday. Essie's transferring to another kindergarten."

Their shock was evident. Pippa explained, "It was probably a last-minute decision. I'm not sure of the exact reason."

Archie and Benny were devastated. Pippa, seeing their distress, felt a pang of sorrow. They were close, and it pained her to see them so upset. She tried to comfort them. "You may not be in the same kindergarten, but you can still play together at home."