All Too Late

After the charity work had ended, Sophie escorted Kathleen out of the charity home.

“Does your hand still hurt?” Sophie asked.

Kathleen shook her head and replied, “It doesn’t hurt anymore.”

Sophie noticed Kathleen’s dejected mood and consoled, “Everyone was like you when they first volunteer here. Even though they might not have encountered situations where the children were having episodes, they felt the same way as you when they heard about the parents.”

Kathleen bit her lips and asked, “What are the chances of recovery for these children?”

“The chances are slim. Even if they’ve recovered, there are still possibilities for them to be triggered again.” Sophie sighed and continued, “As of now, there’s still no definite explanation as to why this happens. There’s no cure for it as well.”

Gloomily, Kathleen said, “Ms. Campbell, I don’t know how to explain my feelings. After seeing those children and their parents, I’m worried that my own child will be like this too. Am I being very selfish? The first thing I thought about is myself after witnessing what happened.”

Sophie patted her shoulder and said, “You silly child. It’s normal to feel this way. When you get pregnant in the future, you just have to make sure that you’re feeling happy at all times. Everything is fine if you give birth safely. Stop overthinking.”

Feeling happy at all times? I want to but I’m suffering.

That was the reason why Kathleen was feeling upset. She was worried that her suffering would affect her child.

With a gentle tone, Sophie said, “You’re a kind-hearted person. God will not mistreat you.”

“Ms. Campbell, I really like this place. Can I continue to volunteer here?” Kathleen asked.

Sophie nodded and replied, “Of course! We will always welcome you.”

“Thank you!” Kathleen was delighted upon hearing that.

Just then, a black Mercedes-Benz stopped in front of her.

Federick got off the car and said, “Kathleen, I’m here to apologize to you.”

Puzzled, Kathleen asked, “Federick, how’s Madeline?”

“My mum’s looking after her. Don’t worry, my mum has experience taking care of Madeline,” he explained.

Feeling relieved, she nodded.

I have something to deal with, so I’ll take

at Kathleen and asked, “May

My family is waiting for me to dine with them at home,”

worried that she might misunderstand, so he continued, “I’ll send you back home then. We

“Okay.” Kathleen nodded.

children’s picture books on the seat. Embarrassed, he said, “I’m sorry. I forgot that I

planned to move those

it would be too troublesome, so she suggested, “Federick, you don’t have to move them. I can sit

faint smile, Federick said, “Okay, that works too. These books are

smiled and got into

and fastened his seat belt.

him the address of the Macari

for a moment before regaining his composure and said, “Okay,

in the backseat as well, so she took

one you’re

be a good read and said, “This

smile, Federick

is the story not completed?” Kathleen asked

got into an accident and couldn’t draw anymore. I couldn’t find another illustrator to

nodded at his

looking for me?” she

if you’ll be volunteering here next time,”

and replied, “Yes, as long as I have the time for

immersed in their own worlds. If there’s a way to pique their interest in interacting with others, there might be a

continued to listen

your words today. Will it trouble you if I ask you to

course not. Federick, you don’t have to be so polite when speaking to

Kathleen help out with nothing in return, so he offered, “That’s good to hear! Feel free to let me know

asked, “Federick, can I have this

can have it if you like

the book in her arms and said, “Okay, I’ll take

they arrived at the entrance of the

at the magnificent mansion, Federick was

was worried that