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.

continue chatting. I have something to deal with, so I’ll take my leave now.” With that said, Sophie turned

Kathleen and asked, “May I treat

sorry, Federick. My family is waiting for me to dine with them at

might misunderstand, so he continued, “I’ll send you

“Okay.” Kathleen nodded.

on the seat. Embarrassed, he said, “I’m sorry. I forgot that I

move those books

be too troublesome, so she suggested, “Federick, you don’t have to

Federick said, “Okay, that works too.

got

Federick got into the car as well and fastened his seat belt. He asked, “Where do

address of the

regaining his composure

backseat as well, so she took one and

upward and replied, “These are some picture books published by my company. The one you’re looking at is

good read and said, “This

a smile, Federick replied,

not completed?” Kathleen asked

an accident and couldn’t draw anymore. I couldn’t find another illustrator to replace him, so the sequel has to be delayed,” he

at his

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

you’ll be volunteering here next

nodded and replied, “Yes, as long as

upon hearing that. “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

continued to listen

Will it trouble you if I ask you to communicate with

replied, “Of course not. Federick, you don’t have to be

he offered, “That’s good to

can

can have it if you like it.” Federick happily gifted her

wrapped the book in her arms and said,

they arrived at the entrance

the magnificent mansion, Federick was reminded

worried that Federick