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.

chatting. I have something to deal with, so I’ll take my

at Kathleen and asked, “May I treat you to

me

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

“Okay.” Kathleen nodded.

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

those

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

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

and got

well and fastened his seat belt. He asked,

address of the Macari

was stunned for a moment before regaining his composure and

noticed some books in the backseat as well, so

one you’re looking at is a story I’ve written for Madeline. An illustrator drew the

a good read and said,

smile, Federick replied,

is the story not

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

at his

there a reason why you’re looking for me?”

wanted to ask if you’ll be volunteering here next time,” Federick asked

“Yes, as long as I have

“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

continued to listen

Will it trouble you if I ask you to

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

out with nothing in return, so he offered, “That’s good to hear!

“Federick, can I

it if you like it.” Federick happily gifted

book in her arms

at the entrance of the Macari

mansion, Federick was reminded

worried that Federick might misunderstand.