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.

to deal with, so I’ll take my leave now.” With that said, Sophie

asked, “May I treat you to a

Federick. My family is waiting for me

Federick was worried that she might misunderstand, so he continued, “I’ll send

“Okay.” Kathleen nodded.

opened the passenger seat’s door and saw some children’s picture books on the seat. Embarrassed, he said, “I’m sorry. I forgot

planned to move those books to

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

smile, Federick said, “Okay, that

smiled and got into

and fastened his seat belt. He asked, “Where

address

a moment before regaining

the backseat as well, so she took one and asked, “Federick, what are

books published by my company. The one you’re looking at is a story I’ve written for Madeline. An illustrator drew the pictures

it to be a good read and said,

smile, Federick replied,

story not completed?”

the illustrator got into an accident and couldn’t draw

at

a reason why you’re looking for me?”

you’ll be volunteering here next time,” Federick asked

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

“That’s great! Autistic children don’t really interact with anyone since they’re too immersed in their own worlds. If there’s a way to pique their interest in interacting with others, there might be a chance to cure this

to

you

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

so he offered, “That’s

can I have

if you like

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

the entrance of the

mansion, Federick was

was worried that Federick might misunderstand.