It is a cozy sunny afternoon at Bellmont. The breeze is just right for outdoor activities. The leaves of the trees sway lazily with the wind.

Anna just got home from school. She is a bit disappointed because she thought she will be able to go home earlier. Luckily, she has no written assignments to do for today. Professor Lane, her Botany teacher, made them stay to clean up the laboratory equipment they used for the day. The class took a while to finish because instead of just cleaning, everyone was fooling around in the lab. They ended up cleaning much more than they were originally supposed to. So here she is right now preparing in a rush for a little picnic setup for her friend. She tries to focus to calm herself. Everything is almost set anyway.

Anna thinks twice if the cucumber sandwiches are enough. Good thing she made the lemonade early this morning before she went to class so it's now ready enough to pack. What else?

Anna rushes upstairs for a quick change. She wears her favorite pastel green blouse and her dark green pants.

"I think we look good alright." she nods to her reflection in the mirror. Her reflection gives a brilliant smile and a thumb's up sign as affirmation to her.

"Okay, I'm going now, bye!" she says and blows a kiss towards her reflection. The reflection just winks back seemingly excited just like her.

Carrying a basket with the sandwiches and the big flask of lemonade, Anna crosses the street in a hurry towards the willow tree.

She half smiles envisioning how funny it would be if she trips midway crossing the street. Would that make her appear too eager? Anna breathes deeply and calms down.

Popsie and Marmee went out on a date late this afternoon. Marmee likes to check out the new bakery at the other town. They might even get some groceries as well. So, they may take a while to get back.

Anna reaches the backside of the willow tree and as she expects, Caspian is already there doodling with his stick on the ground. She observes him a little bit without making any sound.

Caspian is scribbling her name...

"Sorry I'm late..." Anna says shyly after a while.

"Oh, it's okay…" Caspian replies as he hurriedly erases what he wrote done.

He glances appreciatively at Anna with a wide smile. He walks towards her and takes the basket from Anna. They find a nice spot near the tree.

Both of them sit down at the same time under the shade of the willow tree. The breeze blows softly at their flushed faces.

Anna takes out a small picnic mat then Caspian helps her spread it on the ground. They move in silence, as if what they are doing needs a lot of concentration. However, in truth, both are just trying to think of what to say to the other.

Anna starts unloading the sandwiches and the flask from the basket. Still, she avoids looking directly at Caspian.

"You look nice, umm, the color green suits you." Caspian compliments Anna but is staring elsewhere. He tries to sneak a glance when Anna is busy with the sandwiches.

Anna stops rearranging the sandwiches and takes a quick glance at Caspian. As usual, he is wearing the same brown outfit. She grins at him.

"Thanks for the compliment. I really like this color too.” Anna pauses.

“I hope you will not mind if I ask you a question..." she hesitates.

Caspian looks her way without saying anything, still awkwardly.

Anna takes a deep breath then says, "Why do you always wear that?" pointing to Caspian from top to bottom.

Caspian looks at himself too, as if just seeing what he is wearing for the first time.

"Well, I don't know what else to wear? It's not nice?" he says with a puzzled look on his face.

"It's fine but it's just that... every time I see you, you are wearing the same clothes again and again. Is that some kind of uniform or something?" Anna asks.

"Maybe, I guess you can call it like that, if you mean that everyone wears it. My people wear the same as what I wear." Caspian admits.

"Okay, when you say your people, do you mean your family?" Anna questions again.

"Yes, my family. I grew up getting used to these clothes and our way of life." Caspian confides.

"What does your family do? I mean, what is your way of living?" Anna continues out of curiosity.

"My family takes care of the land. We make plants grow. We make sure things are fine in the Valley. Then people come to sell them in markets." Caspian replies.

"So, your family are farmers and landowners? That's cool. I have always been fascinated with plants and nature. I'm taking Botany and I love learning how things grow." Anna shares excitedly.

"We are not really landowners. The land is for everyone. We take care of the lands. We make sure that all the elements are balanced." Caspian explains.

"Your family lives in that land that had caught fire when I was still a baby, right? Do you know what really happened then?" Anna inquires.

"It's not really clear to me since, like you've said, you are still a baby. Back then, I was still very young. Only the elders know what exactly transpired at that time. Every time I ask, they will just say that whoever caused the damages was already caught and punished.”

“My people's priority now is to restore the place to its original glory. We are working hard towards that, for the sake of my people and for everyone else." Caspian clarifies.

"Yes, I have learned from Jo's parents that the place was really beautiful back then. It is very productive. I wish we could have seen that." Anna says thoughtfully.

She hands a cucumber sandwich to Caspian, urging him to take a bite.

“I prepared those. Jo and I love those. I hope you like it too.” She informs him.

"Thanks Anna," Caspian says.

"Maybe someday you will see the Valley the way other people witnessed its bounty, too." He turns serious for a moment.

"Speaking of your friend, when is she coming back?" Caspian asks changing the subject.

"Jo says after her graduation. I thought she will be gone for a long time but luckily, her dad will be finishing up soon. I miss her terribly..."

Anna stares blankly at an invisible spot on the ground.

Caspian looks intently at Anna and saw her sad face. He reaches out for Anna's hand without thinking and says, "You miss her a lot. I can tell."

Anna looks at Caspian beside her and gives him a half smile. She lets Caspian hold her hand.

"She's my best friend, my only friend." Anna narrates.

"I know, but she will be back soon and right now, I'm glad you are here. I am your friend too. Can I be your special friend?" Caspian asks in a whisper.

Anna smiles in response and takes a bite of her sandwich.

"Jo says she would love to meet you when she gets back. That would be your official welcome to our Willow Tree club." Anna blurts out adding a bit of humor to it.

"I would love to meet her too." Caspian answers but still staring somewhere else.

Both of them gaze in silence at the trail leading to the forest. They seem grateful that the sun has set and the shade provided by the willow tree hides the blush on their faces. They stay like that, holding each other's hands, until it is really dark and Anna needs to go back to her house. Time flies so fast when they are together.

Caspian helps Anna pack the picnic basket once more. He carries it while he accompanies her across the street. He seems unwilling to let go of her hand.

Anna notices that there is still no light inside. She is aware her parents are not back yet. She finds it unfortunate because she is hoping her Popsie and Marmee would be back by then. She likes to introduce her special friend to them. She stops short and thought of something to stall Caspian from going home yet.

"Would you like to go inside first?" Anna invites Caspian as she opens the blue door.

Caspian hesitates, staring at the open door. He then looks at Anna.

Anna waits for a reply.

"I guess, maybe some other time. Thanks for the lovely picnic.”

“Good night Anna," he says giving Anna's hand a gentle squeeze.

He crosses the street back to the willow tree. Caspian waves goodbye, then finally disappears behind the willow tree.

Anna stares after him absentmindedly. She feels like running after him. She shakes her head and smiles to herself. She cannot wait to tell Popsie and Marmee about her special friend.

Caspian stares at the sky thoughtfully. Slowly, the pale grey starts to show a little light. The sun will soon start to come out from the East. He lazily walks to his spot under the willow tree. He is holding a single green rose with one hand and his staff on the other. He idly draws circles on the ground with the end of his staff. He is thinking of what to say...

Coming from the forest, he hears laughing sounds. He abruptly stops doodling and starts to get nervous. He has not figure out what he would say after all.

Caspian looks towards the direction of the trail and soon enough, he sees Anna with Popsie Reed slowly coming into view, walking while laughing at the same time.

"Good morning Anna! Good morning sir!" he exclaims as he stands, feeling a bit awkward.

Anna walks towards Caspian while Popsie Reed stares in surprise.

"Sorry for interrupting your morning. I am Caspian, by the way. I am Anna's friend from the valley." Caspian explains politely to Popsie Reed, offering his hand for a friendly greeting.

"So, you are Caspian, the friend Anna was mentioning to us about. Her Marmee and I thought you were just an imaginary friend for we have never met you. Well, until now..." Popsie Reed gives him a warm smile.

"Popsie, that is so much details... I never thought you didn't believe me.” Anna cuts her Popsie’s teasing.

“He lives in the valley beyond the forest so… I guess he might have been busy at times when you and Marmee are here. But we often meet here under the willow tree." Anna rationalizes to her Popsie Reed to explain further.

Anna starts to get self-conscious too.

"Again, I apologize sir, for the intrusion this morning. I know you and Anna have your early morning jog together." Caspian repeats.

"Call me Popsie. I'm glad Anna has other friends. Well, Jo is her only friend then." Popsie Reed adds.

"Why are you here very early in the morning?" Anna asks turning to Caspian and finally notices the green rose in Caspian's hand.

"I just like to give this to you. It is the first green rose to bloom from our place. It reminds me of you, your eyes." Caspian answers.

He finally gains some courage to hand the rose to Anna at the same time as he gives his timid explanations. He seems unsure what to say next.

"Oh, thank you, Caspian" Anna replies while she blushes uncontrollably.

"Wow! That's a beauty that green rose." Popsie Reed says with admiration.

"Just like our Anna here..." he adds with another teasing tone, as he places his arms over Anna’s shoulders in a loving way.

"Popsie, stop that! We better get inside, Marmee might be waiting already." Anna tries to ignore the teasing.

"Young lad, would you like to join us for breakfast?” Popsie Reed asks.

“Marmee makes such good toasts with cheese omelets." He says proudly.

Caspian hesitates, and is about to decline the invitation.

Popsie Reed even suggested.

"Maybe we can have breakfast outside. The rising sun is such a nice view to miss.”

“I will go ahead inside and tell your Marmee we have a guest. We can set up the bench and make us a lovely outdoor venue. Wait here young man."

Popsie Reed winks at Anna and hurries to the house to start preparing.

Anna and Caspian stares at Popsie Reed going inside. Anna averts her eyes from so much shyness. Instead, she stares at the green rose in her hands.

"Thanks for this rose again. I'm sorry if Popsie seems imposing.” She states shyly.

“If you have other things to do, it's okay. I can tell them you had to leave already." Anna inquires doubtfully.

"Oh, it's fine. I'm happy that your Popsie is very friendly. He seems to adore you so much.”

“I really like to meet your family." Caspian assures her.

At that instant, Popsie Reed comes out carrying the movable bench.

Anna and Caspian cross the street and start to help Popsie Reed set up.

Marmee Rose comes out from the house carrying a tray of toasts, omelets and orange juice.

"Good morning ma'am," Caspian greets her.

He offers to carry the tray from Marmee Rose and places it on the table of the bench.

"Good morning dear. We are glad to finally meet you and I hope you enjoy our simple breakfast. Call me Marmee." Marmee Rose says with a smile.

"I will get the plates and glasses." Anna excuses herself.

Popsie Reed, Marmee Rose and Caspian are seated on the bench as Anna comes out again.

Anna serves everyone while they admire the beauty of the early morning sun. The four of them takes their time as they eat while enjoying the warmth of the sun. It surely seems to starts the day really bright.

"So, how is the valley nowadays?" Popsie Reed turns to Caspian, after finishing his orange juice.

"We are starting to see the growth of some of the rare blooms that the valley once had before the fire. That green rose is a proof that the valley has a chance to recover after all." Caspian narrates.

"Yes, yes, Marmee and I used to take our time there admiring the rare flowers that seem to bloom only on that valley." Popsie Reed says in nostalgia.

"Remember that rare blue rose you bought from one of the markets there? I loved that one. It stays blooming longer than the average rose here. I wish I could see one again." Marmee Rose recalls wishful thinking.

“Yes, my darling Rose. It looks so lovely but not as pretty as you.” Popsie Reed replies lovingly to Marmee Rose.

Anna and Caspian stare at Popsie Reed and Marmee Rose at the time. They look so much in love despite the years. Then, as if by pull of magnetism, Anna and Caspian automatically meet each other’s eyes. They avert their eyes just as quickly as they met.

"We are slowly growing some of those roses too. I will try to bring one to you, too, Marmee" Caspian promises in response, hoping Anna’s parents did not notice what transpired between him and their daughter.

Anna stares at Caspian, her Popsie and her Marmee. She thoughtfully listens to their conversation on the beauty of the valley in the past and on what the valley looks like now.

She smiles and feels very content that her parents finally meet her special friend Caspian. By the looks of it, Popsie Reed and Marmee Rose like her friend. She gazes at them again as if fascinated in the scene.

Now, she only needs to wait for Jo to return. She is pretty sure her best friend will also warm up to like Caspian, too. She frowns upon remembering her best friend again.

Without a warning, Anna felt the glowing warmth of her locket. She touches the part of her shirt where the emerald locket is underneath. She is so much used to it by now. However, she hopes that it will not give away her emotions so much.

Anna glances at her parents and Caspian once more. Marmee is looking at her with a worried expression on her face. It is as if her Marmee heard her thoughts.

Her Marmee gives her a forced smile then looks away. Both boys do not notice the exchange. They are still busy talking about the valley.

After a while, Marmee Rose stands and starts gathering the breakfast leftovers. Anna helps too. Popsie Reed and Caspian folds the benches.

When tidying up is done, Caspian expresses his thanks and takes his leave as he waves goodbye to Anna and her parents.

When Caspian has gone towards the trail, Marmee Rose holds Anna's hand and gives it a little squeeze. She takes a deep breath.

"Anna, i think it is time that we have a talk. Your Popsie and I have something to tell you." Marmee Rose informs her softly.

Anna appears troubled by Marmee's announcement. What could this be about?

Popsie Reed puts his arms on both his ladies' shoulders. Popsie Reed seems relaxed.

"My darlings, let's go inside to talk," Popsie utters calmly leading both Marmee Rose and Anna through their blue door.

Popsie Reed leads both his ladies towards the sofa. He never expects this morning will be very momentous for them.

The breakfast turns out to be very interesting. They finally meet the special friend of Anna. She has been mentioning him for days now. It is so obvious how much Anna has been less miserable when she met Caspian. She gets animated when she mentions her special friend to her Popsie and Marmee.

When Jo and her family left for Alaska, Popsie is aware that her daughter was devastated. He empathizes with the loneliness Anna feels having been left behind by her best friend, her only friend. Caspian’s presence as Anna’s friend has been a lot of help for her to cope with Jo’s parting. He made her daughter smile again.

Popsie Reed recalls when Anna came home crying when she was little because the other kids in preschool were mean to her. She was around 6 then. He saw the sadness and loneliness in her eyes but having Jo changed that. She has found not just a friend but a sister as well. However, she again felt alone for Joanna is very far away. Surely it cannot be helped for it is her friend’s family decision. But still it is a sad moment for Anna.

Anna often spends time under the willow tree reading, as well as writing the countless letters both girls have written for each other. Anna is always by herself. But having Caspian now makes her daughter feel better, less alone.

Popsie Reed seems to play it cool but he has always been thinking of Anna's wellbeing. He might be very good at looking not so worried for her sake but he is. He has to be strong for both his ladies after all.

Having Anna with him and Rose completes their family but not knowing what lies ahead for Anna has always preoccupied his thoughts.

Yes, Anna completes his family but Anna remains lonely because of her incomplete life, her unknown past. She might not be aware of it right now but she somehow has that feeling inside her that she is different.

He wishes he could do more for Anna. But he really isn't sure what it is that could make her fully happy.

Anna has always seemed to be oddly separate from the other kids in their neighborhood. It is as if Anna is aware that she unlike them. She senses that she is not totally part of their world. Anna is not theirs.

Ever since they saw her in that green basket with her strangely glowing necklace, Reed and Rose know Anna is not ordinary…

"So, Anna, we have been meaning to tell you something for a while now. But your Popsie and I thought again and again that we can postpone it.”

“However, your glowing locket reminds me that it is time. I think you also notice something odd every once in a while. I guess this is a perfect moment to do so,"

Marmee Rose starts out, interrupting Popsie Reed from his reverie.

Marmee Rose holds Anna's hand, slowly caressing it while she continues.

"Anna, my dear, remember that your Popsie and I love you more than anything else in this world. Whatever you decide to do, we will respect it."

Marmee Rose starts to tear up.

"Marmee, what's going on? Please don't cry. You're scaring me."

Anna replies, giving her Marmee Rose a tight embrace. She is starting to get really concerned.

"Popsie what's wrong with Marmee? What is she trying to say?"

Anna glances at her Popsie Reed with a confused expression. Her Popsie Reed’s facial expression seems apologetic.

Popsie Reed clears his throat then slowly replies,

"Anna, when you were just a small baby, your Marmee and I found you at our doorstep in a green basket. We never knew who left you there or the reason why. All you had with you then was your emerald necklace with your name written on it."

Popsie Reed pauses.

"Your Popsie and I have decided to keep you with us because we someone felt that when we found you on our doorstep, you were meant to stay with us.” “We were chosen to protect you, to care for you, and to love you as our own."

Marmee Rose finally finds her voice again but still crying.

Anna stares at Popsie Reed and Marmee Rose with a shocked look. She is not quite sure how to process this revelation. Why now?

As if Marmee Rose hears her question, she adds.

"We always knew that you were different. I saw your necklace glowing this morning. So, we pretty much observe that you are also aware of the odd things that occur around you.”

“We know there are certain things you do but never discuss to anyone.”

She pauses for a while. She is trying to find the right words to explain this delicate situation.

“We felt that even when you were still a baby, your locket glows whenever you feel something strongly, as if it is an extension of your emotions.”

“We know you can talk to your reflection. We were surprised when you did that when you started to learn to talk. We tried to give a logical explanation to it like you were seeing an imaginary person. That is but common to most kids, to have an imaginary friend.”

“But now that you're more mature, we realized that all the strange things we have observed you can do is really a part of you.”

Marmee Rose narrates nonstop. She has to let it all out now.

“That is why we think we should tell you now the truth of how you came to be us."

She concludes with a final deep sigh of relief.

Marmee Rose stops crying at the same time she finishes her narration. She stares at Anna's face, trying to decipher her reaction to all this information.

Popsie Reed walks to Anna and wraps his arms around her from behind her.

"Anna, we are sorry we never told you the truth sooner but I hope you will forgive us." Popsie Reed whispers to Anna.

Anna still remains silent. She loves both her Marmee and Popsie so much and thankful that they told her about her past but she feels confused.

They told her the truth, but only half the truth. A lot of questions are still in her head. Who were her parents? Where did she come from? And the most painful one is that why did they leave her behind?

Anna starts crying. She sniffs to try to control herself but the tears won't stop from falling.

Anna sits on the couch a bit shakily. Popsie Reed and Marmee Rose move closer to her, each one sits on either side of the armrest of the couch. Both of them enclose her into a comfortable embrace.

Anna allows them to comfort her. After all, nothing has changed. Her Popsie Reed and Marmee Rose has always been her protector, her mother and father in all aspects except by birth.

Anna takes out her locket from underneath her blouse and starts caressing it. By now, the locket has been glowing incessantly giving off a warm feeling in the room. This somehow soothes her troubled heart.

"You will always be our Arianna, our sunshine." Reed and Rose exclaims softly at the same time.

The three of them stays in that silent position for a long time. The warmth emanating from the locket provides them comfort. It might just be half-truths that Anna learns about today but truly, nothing changed.

Anna wonders what she should do next. Should she look for her real parents? Didn't anyone ever come back for her if they changed their minds for leaving her? Was she meant to be left behind because she is strange or because there is something wrong with her?

She needs to talk to Jo. Well, what about Caspian? Should she tell him about this also?

Anna feels so exhausted with all these questions in her head. Somehow her knowing the truth about herself will give explanations to the strange things that she can do.